Learn about your child's dental care:
- Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
- What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
- Should I use toothpaste with my child?
- When should I schedule my child's first dental appointment?
- What about bedtime bottles or bedtime nursing?
- Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
- How often does my child need to see the dentist?
- How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
- What are dental sealants and how do they work?
- How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
- What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
- How safe is dental digital radiography?
Are baby teeth really that important to my child?
Those toothless smiles are adorable but yes, primary teeth (a.k.a. baby teeth) are important for many reasons. They help children speak clearly and chew naturally, and aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to erupt.
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
It is important to develop the habit early on of removing plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, starting at birth. For newborns, clean your baby's gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing at least once a day (at bedtime) with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants; twice a day is even better, especially as more teeth come in and the child's diet becomes more varied.
Should I use toothpaste with my child?
The American Dental Association recommends using fluoridated toothpaste once you start using a toothbrush. Use a smear of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For youngsters 2-5 years old, dispense a pea-size amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child's tooth brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively on their own. Make sure they spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
When should I schedule my child's first dental appointment?
Children should see a dentist around age 3 for their first dental visit. However, it’s a good idea for their pediatrician to check their mouth during regular well-child visits before then. The pediatrician can monitor early tooth development and help determine if an earlier dental visit is needed.
What about bedtime bottles or bedtime nursing?
Bedtime bottles should only have water – no juice, formula or milk, as your child will not be brushing his/her teeth after consuming these, and these liquids break down into sugars which cause cavities if left unattended. If you nurse your child to sleep, consider rinsing the mouth with water afterwards to avoid possible decay over time. The Academy of General Dentistry instructs parents to clean and massage the baby's gums after every feeding to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Do this by wrapping a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues.
Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended to correct any palate irregularities.
How often does my child need to see the dentist?
A checkup every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. We set up exam schedules with parents based on each child's personal oral health. We will also recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. Children should visit the dentist regularly, (beginning shortly after the eruption of the first tooth). These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits– and healthy teeth and gums.
How do I make my child's diet safe for his teeth?
Make sure your child has a balanced diet, including whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and good sources of calcium and protein such as legumes, dairy products or meats and eggs. Avoid sticky sweets, limit the servings of sugars and starches, and make sure tooth brushing is happening according to your dentist's recommended program. We can discuss food selections with you to protect your children's teeth.
What are dental sealants and how do they work?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They fill in the crevasses there, keeping out food particles that could get caught in the teeth and cause cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively protect teeth for many years.
How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
Depending on the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water, we might prescribe fluoride supplements to ensure your child is getting enough. The American Dental Association recommends using a fluoride toothpaste as well.
What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?
Protect your child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport-related injuries with a soft plastic mouth guard; a well-fitting mouth guard can even provide protection from severe injuries to the head. Our office can develop a custom-fitted appliance.
How safe is dental digital radiography?
There is very little risk in dental digital radiography. Dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. We use lead aprons to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.