Children’s Oral Health

Important Concepts:

With good habits, we can promote oral health for baby teeth (primary teeth) and newly erupting permant teeth. Baby teeth are important for chewing food, smiling (self esteem), talking, guiding the eruption of the permanent teeth, and guiding jaw development. The infection that leads to tooth decay often starts with the baby teeth, and continues to damage the permanent (adult) teeth. Good care of baby teeth is very important!

The oral health of parents and caregivers can affect the child’s oral health. Tooth decay is an infection passed from person to person. Children with healthy caregivers have fewer cavities. Regular dental check-ups for parents and children are very important. Children should visit the dentist by their 1stbirthday.

About Brushing:

The latest advice from the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing baby (primary) teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as they erupt. It is best to limit the amount of fluoride toothpaste to a smear (rice grain) from age 0-3, then a pea-sized amount after age 3. Using too much toothpaste as a child can result in mineral spots (mild fluorosis) on adult (permanent) teeth. Children need adult help brushing their teeth until age 8. Teeth have a natural ability to repair themselves using saliva, and the primary function of fluoride products is to assist this natural repair process. The newly repaired tooth enamel is actually stronger than the original enamel we are born with, and is less prone to dental decay. For best results, follow the Oral Care For The Child instructions below.

Orthodontics:

Every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early orthodontic treatment may be beneficial to some children. Early orthodontic treatment may improve appearance & self-esteem, ensure proper jaw growth, assist proper permanent teeth position and function, correct harmful habits, and lower the risk injury to front teeth.

Dental Injuries:

Common sense prevention of dental injuries includes home safety measures (corner bumpers, electric cord safety, etc.), and preventing children from walking around with sharp objects. Teach children to watch for obstacles they can trip over, and to not push other children when playing. Always have your child wear a helmet when riding on skates, a bike, or scooter. Use a mouthguard for all contact sports activities. Have a dental emergency contact number ready in advance of an emergency.
After a dental injury: Contact a medical emergency room for any serious injury. Bring the child to the dentist as soon as possible. If a baby tooth has fallen out, do not put it back into the mouth. If a permanent tooth has been knocked-out, put it back in the socket immediately if possible, or store it in cold milk and seek help immediately. Bring any chipped tooth fragments to the dentist.