It is almost June and the kids are getting excited for Summer Break! Over the next few months are prime time for a child's dental visit. I thought this may be a good time to answer a few of the more common questions I get about pediatric dentistry.
1. Q: How can I keep my child cavity free?
A: If you are a parent, this has inevitably crossed your mind. Although it is never too late to prevent tooth decay, the real answer to keeping your child's "chompers" in great shape starts before they even have teeth! Cleaning a baby's gums with a wet cloth after each time he or she eats is a great start to excellent oral health care. One thing to always keep in mind is to never allow the baby to go to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth. Doing this can lead to Baby Bottle Rot, which is essentially the destruction of almost every tooth in the child's mouth. The reason for this is that the juices and formula contain substances such as sugar, which leads to tooth decay. Around 6 months, the first tooth should appear. Believe it or not, brushing can start as soon as a tooth is present in the mouth. As with feeding and sleeping, a routine makes life easier for the child and especially YOU, the parent. Until you are absolutely sure your child is mature enough to care for his or her own teeth, it is important to "check" their brushing. Allow them to have the independence of brushing on their own, but always be sure that they are keeping all areas of the mouth clean. Until at a minimum age of 9, I feel a parent should be monitoring the oral care habits of their child very closely I tried to include a few things you may not have heard before. However, I must say, avoid feeding your child an abundance of sticky sweets and candy, which can lead to cavities. (I know you heard that one before!)
2. Q: When is a good time to take my child to see the dentist?
A: The answer to this varies with whom you ask. Technically, the child should have enough teeth for a check-up by age 2 or 2 and a half. In my office, we find it beneficial for mom or dad to bring their child along for their visit and we will take a look into the child's mouth, just to get him or her used to the dental visit. Showing a child how the suction works, squirting water out of the air/water syringe, using a mirror to show them their teeth, and of course, getting a prize before, during, and after the visit, can be a great way to set up any child for stress free dental appointments later in life. By age 3 or 4 the child should be seen twice a year for a standard check-up and cleaning appointment. This is important in cavity prevention and to monitor tooth development.
3. Q: Does my child need to floss his or her teeth?
A: Yes! As soon as two teeth in the mouth touch each other side by side, it is important to floss. A toothbrush can not fit in this very small space and so to clean the area, floss must be used. Of course, as with brushing, mom or dad should be assisting in this process until the child can handle it on their own.
Tip to Remember: A child learns his or her oral habits from mom or dad, or both! Most dentists will agree, parents who do not take care of their teeth, have children who do not take care of their teeth. If you set a good example of good oral health care, your children will follow your lead. Making brushing and flossing a daily routine is very important in the overall health of children. If you do not want your child to have cavities, make sure they start good early habits and follow up with them regularly. Of course, it is important to schedule a professional cleaning and exam every 6 months as well. So schedule an appointment today!
If you have more questions please visit our website, www.wooleydentistry.com or email me at drted@wooleydentistry.com
