Effective pediatric oral care involves a partnership between the preventative care provided at the dentist's office and the preventative care you provide at home. Despite a rise in infant and toddler cavities and tooth decay, a well-planned dental strategy can significantly reduce these risks.

The primary goal of preventative oral care is to assess and maintain the health of your child's teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin regular "well baby" dental checkups around their first birthday. Generally, most children should continue to visit the dentist every six months, unless specific instructions are given otherwise.

How Does Your Pediatric Dentist Contribute to Your Child's Oral Health?

The pediatric dentist will examine your child's teeth for early signs of decay, monitor their orthodontic development, track jaw and tooth growth, and educate your family on important oral health practices. Furthermore, they have several effective methods to help prevent dental problems, such as applying topical fluoride and dental sealants.

During a typical dental visit, your child's mouth will be thoroughly examined, their teeth will be professionally cleaned, topical fluoride may be applied to strengthen the enamel, and any questions or concerns you have will be addressed. The pediatric dentist can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, provide advice on diet, offer strategies for stopping thumb sucking and pacifier use, and communicate with your child in an age-appropriate manner.

When your child's molars emerge, the pediatric dentist may recommend applying dental sealant. This sealant covers the hard-to-clean grooves on the molars, effectively blocking out bacteria, food particles, and acid. Dental sealants can last for many months or even years, depending on your child's oral habits, and are a key tool in preventing tooth decay.

Your Essential Role in At-Home Oral Care

While brushing and flossing are often the first things that come to mind when we think of "oral care," effective preventative care at home involves several other important factors, including:

Nutrition: Provide your child with a nourishing, balanced diet. Limit sugary foods and drinks, and discourage constant snacking. Oral bacteria feed on leftover sugar, producing harmful acids that can damage enamel, gums, and bone if left unchecked. Offer healthy, non-sugary alternatives like celery and carrot sticks, and low-fat yogurt.
Habit Management: While most children naturally stop using pacifiers and sucking their thumbs, these habits can sometimes lead to crowded or crooked teeth. Dr. Amanda Ashley and the team at Sky Pediatric Dentistry can help you develop strategies and may recommend dental appliances to aid in cessation.
General Oral Hygiene: Avoid practices like cleaning pacifiers and teething toys in your own mouth, or sharing eating utensils with your child. If parents have untreated cavities or gum disease, harmful oral bacteria can be easily transmitted, increasing the child's risk of early decay. Instead, rinse toys and pacifiers with warm water and avoid sharing utensils whenever possible.
Sippy Cup Habits: Sippy cups are a useful transition tool, but when filled with milk, breast milk, soda, juice, or sweetened water, they expose young teeth to a continuous flow of sugary fluids, leading to constant acid attacks on the enamel. Sippy cup use should ideally be discontinued between 12 and 14 months of age, or as soon as your child can use a regular drinking glass.
Brushing: Brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and the correct amount of toothpaste (a smear for under 2 years, a pea-size amount for 2-5 years). Assist with brushing until your child is around seven years old and can effectively clean all areas of their mouth. Always choose ADA-approved toothpaste. The team at Sky Pediatric Dentistry can advise you on when to introduce fluoride toothpaste. For infants, gently wipe their gums with a clean, soft cloth after each feeding. Our Baby Smile program offers helpful tips and techniques for children under three.
Flossing: Cavities and tooth decay commonly form between teeth. Therefore, it's important to floss as soon as two adjacent teeth erupt. Your pediatric dentist can demonstrate the proper technique and offer tips to make flossing more enjoyable for your child.
Fluoride: Fluoride is essential for preventing mineral loss from tooth enamel and helping it to remineralize. Maintaining the correct fluoride balance is crucial; too much can cause fluorosis (white spots on permanent teeth), while too little increases decay risk. Your pediatric dentist can evaluate your child's current fluoride intake and prescribe supplements if needed.