How to Protect Your Childs Teeth from an Early Age?
Pediatric oral care involves two key aspects: preventative care provided at the pediatric dentist's office and preventative care practiced at home. Although cavities and tooth decay in infants and toddlers have become increasingly common in recent years, a solid dental strategy can significantly lower the risk of both.
The aim of preventative oral care is to assess and maintain the health of a child's teeth. Starting around the age of twelve months, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin seeing a pediatric dentist for "well baby" dental checkups. Generally, most children should continue to visit the dentist every six months, unless advised otherwise.
How Does a Pediatric Dentist Protect My Child's Teeth?
The pediatric dentist checks the teeth for early signs of decay, monitors for any orthodontic issues, tracks the development of the jaws and teeth, and provides oral health education for the family. Additionally, the pediatric dentist has several tools to further reduce a child's risk of dental problems, such as topical fluoride and dental sealants.
During a typical dental visit, the child's mouth will be thoroughly examined, the teeth will be professionally cleaned, topical fluoride may be applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel, and any concerns parents have can be addressed. The pediatric dentist can demonstrate effective brushing and flossing techniques, advise parents on dietary matters, offer strategies for stopping thumb sucking and pacifier use, and communicate with the child in an age-appropriate manner.
When molars erupt, the pediatric dentist may apply dental sealant to them. This sealant covers the hard-to-clean grooves on the molars, blocking out bacteria, food particles, and acid. Dental sealant can last for many months or even years, depending on the child's oral habits. Dental sealant is a valuable tool in preventing tooth decay.
How can I help at home?
While brushing and flossing are often the first things that come to mind when we think of "oral care," a good preventative approach involves several other important factors, including:
- Diet: Parents should provide children with a nutritious and balanced diet. It's important to limit very sugary foods and drinks and discourage constant snacking. Oral bacteria feed on leftover sugar particles in a child's mouth after eating, producing harmful acids that can erode tooth enamel, gum tissue, and bone if left unchecked. Offer less sugary and sticky snacks and choose healthier alternatives like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and low-fat yogurt.
- Oral Habits: While pacifier use and thumb sucking usually stop on their own over time, both can cause teeth to become crowded or misaligned. Dr. Ashley and the team at Sky Pediatric Dentistry can help you address thumb or pacifier sucking habits. We can suggest strategies or provide dental appliances to help your child stop.
- General Oral Hygiene: Sometimes, parents clean pacifiers and teething toys by sucking on them themselves. Parents may also share eating utensils with their child. If parents have untreated cavities or gum disease, harmful oral bacteria can be passed from parent to child, increasing the risk of early cavities and tooth decay. Instead, rinse toys and pacifiers with warm water and avoid sharing spoons whenever possible.
- Sippy Cup Use: Sippy cups are a helpful tool for transitioning from baby bottles to regular drinking glasses. However, sippy cups filled with milk, breast milk, soda, juice, and sweetened water can cause small amounts of sugary liquid to bathe young teeth constantly, leading to continuous acid attacks on tooth enamel. Sippy cup use should ideally be stopped between twelve and fourteen months of age, or as soon as the child has the motor skills to use a regular drinking glass.
- Brushing: Children's teeth should be brushed at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and the appropriate amount of toothpaste. For children under 2 years old, use a smear-sized amount, and for children aged 2-5 years old, use a pea-sized amount. Parents should assist with brushing until the child is around seven years old and can effectively reach all areas of their mouth. Always choose ADA-approved toothpaste. The team at Sky Pediatric Dentistry can advise you on when to start using fluoride-containing toothpaste. For babies, gently rub their gums with a clean cloth after each feeding. Our Baby Smile program, designed for children under 3 years old, offers helpful tips and techniques that we can demonstrate.
- Flossing: Cavities and tooth decay are more likely to form between teeth. Therefore, children are at risk for cavities in these areas wherever two teeth are next to each other. Your pediatric dentist can show you the correct head positioning for flossing and suggest ways to make flossing more engaging for your child.
- Fluoride: Fluoride helps to prevent the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and also helps to remineralize it. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots on permanent teeth, while too little can increase the risk of tooth decay. It's important to have the right balance of fluoride. Your pediatric dentist can assess your child's current fluoride intake and recommend supplements if needed.
New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!
