Ask your dentist about putting a sealant on your child's
permanent back teeth.
When should my child begin going to the
dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry recommend the first visit at one year of
age.
Your child should have regular check-ups.
You may want to take your child to a dentist who specializes
in treating children.
How can we prevent cavities?
Fluoride
Fluoride helps harden the teeth and prevent cavities.
The dentist may put fluoride on your child's teeth to
prevent cavities.
Fluoride is also in most toothpaste. Check the label.
In some communities, fluoride is added to tap water. Ask
your dentist.
If there is not fluoride in the water, your dentist or
doctor can suggest other ways to get fluoride.
Fluoride is important, but too much fluoride can discolor
teeth. Talk to your dentist or doctor.
Brushing
Brush at least twice a day. Brushing after breakfast and
before bed is best.
Around age 2 or 3, children can begin using toothpaste. Use
a pea-sized amount. Teach them not to swallow it.
Some medications have lots of sugar in them. Talk to your
doctor and dentist. If possible, children should brush teeth
after taking the medication.
Parents will need to brush young children's teeth.
As children get older, teach them how to brush. Look at
their teeth to see how they've done and help them until they
can do it on their own (about age 7).
For young children, sing the ABCs or other song as you
brush the top teeth. Sing it again as you brush the bottom
teeth.
Flossing
Floss at least once a day.
Parents will need to floss young children's teeth.
As children get older, teach them how to floss. Look at
their teeth to see how they've done and help them until they
can do it on their own.
What are some common dental problems?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Avoid letting your baby rest with a bottle.
The liquid can pool around your child's teeth. The sugar in
milk and juices will eat at your child's teeth and may cause
decay.
In young children, it should cause no permanent
damage.
It may begin to cause problems in children over 5 years
old.
If your child is over 5 years old and still sucks his
thumb, talk to your dentist. Your child's teeth should be
examined to make sure the habit is not causing problems.
Orthodontic Problems
Talk to your child's dentist if you think your child has
problems with his teeth. Problems might include an overbite,
underbite, missing teeth, crooked teeth, or misplaced
teeth.
The dentist may recommend that your child see an
orthodontist.
Call if you would like to be taught how to clean and brush
your child's teeth and gums.
Call if you have questions or concerns about your child's
treatment or condition.
Quick Answers
Taking good care of your child's teeth and gums can help
prevent future problems.
Wipe your baby's gums with a damp cloth after each feeding.
Brush teeth twice a day.
Your child should see a dentist for regular checkups beginning
when he is one year old.
Use fluoride to prevent cavities. Talk to your dentist or
doctor for suggestions. Brushing and flossing are also
important.
Learn how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. Discourage thumb
sucking after age 5. Ask your dentist to recommend an
orthodontist. Limit sugary snacks.
Call the doctor or dentist if you have questions or concerns
about your child's teeth, gums, or dental health.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. A Guide to Children's Dental
Health. 2000 (cited 2002 April 26). URL:
http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb_for_printer.cfm?article_ID=ZZZJPK5BDDC&sub_cat=11
MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Oral Hygiene. 2001 November
28). URL:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001957.htm
Rutherford K. Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy. KidsHealth.
2001 September (cited 2002 April 26). URL:
http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=191&article_set=22528
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