Dental Health – Taking Care of Little Teeth

Caring for teeth is just as important as caring for the rest of the body. In fact, a healthy mouth and healthy teeth are vital for a child’s overall wellness. Children who have poor oral health may miss more school and have issues with eating, speaking, and learning. Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentists work together with families in regards to oral health in children and teens. 

Are baby teeth really important?

Yes! Unfortunately, many parents do not think baby teeth are important to take care of since there will be permanent teeth coming in to replace them. However, teaching good dental care starts in toddlerhood. You cannot expect school age children and teens to care for permanent teeth if they never learned to care for their baby teeth. In addition, poor health of baby teeth can negatively affect the health of permanent teeth. 

Cavities in baby teeth are common. 10% of children under age two have one or more cavities. This number jumps to nearly 50% by age five! These cavities require extra dental procedures including extraction (tooth removal), cap placement, fillings, root canals, etc. Many of these procedures require sedation or even general anesthesia. All of this may be prevented by proper dental care. 

Additionally, to prevent cavities in baby teeth infants and toddlers should not be given sugary drinks (juice, sports drinks, sweet tea, soda, or even milk) in bottles or sippy cups before bed. Toddlers also should not carry these drinks around during the day – a sippy cup full of water is much more healthy and does not put their teeth at an increased risk of cavity development.  

Brushing

As soon as your baby’s first tooth pops through the gums, you should start brushing it. Finger brushes or soft-bristle toothbrushes should be used to clean teeth twice daily, but prior to bedtime at the very least. Clean teeth overnight can help to prevent “bottle rot” or cavities from milk, juice, or other liquids resting in the mouth overnight.  Make brushing a part of the daily routine from early on, and it will be easier for children to adjust and conform to. 

For young children who are resistant to brushing, there are some tips that may help: 

• Allow child to select his or her own toothbrush at the store
• Try different flavors of toothpaste
• Have a favorite stuffed animal or doll “help” to brush teeth by holding the toothbrush with the toy’s hand.
• Sing a silly song or play music while brushing
• Set a timer for 2 minutes and make sure each tooth is cleaned thoroughly with the toothbrush.

Encourage preschool aged children to begin brushing themselves but make sure you are taking a turn to brush as well. Children cannot really adequate brush teeth alone until they are 6-8 years old. Teach your school aged children to floss daily.

What about fluoride?

Fluoride is an important mineral for the oral health of children. In fact, the decrease rate of cavities in adolescents from the 1970’s to the 1990’s is thought to be directly related to increased access to fluoride. Fluoride is necessary to reduce tooth decay and slows down decay that may have already started. The majority of toothpastes available now have fluoride in them, and fluoride is added to the drinking water in many areas. Dental check ups may involve the use of a fluoride rinse for your child as well. 

Toothpaste comes with and without fluoride. It is safe to use a “smear” of toothpaste in infants and toddlers, and a pea-sized amount in children over 3. As soon as they are able, teach children to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.

Parents often worry if fluoride is safe for children. The AAP and ADA (American Dental Association) both recommend use of fluoridated drinking water for all children, including use in mixing infant formula. However, the amount of fluoride present is different in different communities – some may even have too much or too little. It is important to find out the amount of fluoride in the water in your area. You can do this by checking with the local water utility agency or with your state’s Department of Public Health, or by clicking the links below:

CDC My Water’s Fluoride: https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx

Private well water: https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/wellwater.htm

Too much fluoride is called “fluorosis” and will cause white specks or streaks on the teeth. Most cases are mild and do not need any intervention.

When to see a dentist

You may start taking your child to the dentist as soon as they have teeth. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children see a dentist starting at age 1. Children should have regular dental check ups and cleanings every 6 months, just like adults. Children who have regular dental visits early on are more likely to have a positive attitude towards oral health and going to the dental office, and learn that oral health care is important.  Older children and teens may be referred to an Orthodontist if they need consultation for braces due to crooked teeth, overbites, or underbites. 

Dental health is an important part of your child’s health. Teach your child the importance of caring for his or her teeth and gums from an early age through instruction, persistence, and by example. 

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