Top 5 Dental Tips for Children

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1. How early should I bring my child in for his/

her first dental visit?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) the
first visit should occur shortly after the first tooth appears. This first tooth
is just the beginning in a set of primary or baby teeth your child will have.
Maintaining optimum health for the first set of teeth is critical and serves
to: aid in speech development and proper chewing habits; promote better
digestion and nutrition and help maintain space until the permanent teeth
are ready to emerge. Getting an early start in dental care is the key to
healthy teeth and establishing good oral health habits that will remain with
your child for a lifetime. The first visit is essential for evaluating the soft
tissues of the mouth, as well as examining the teeth for any early signs of
decay. Additionally, the first visit is great education for the parents.

2. What can I do to prevent cavities in my

child’s teeth?

There are several primary factors that aid in the prevention of tooth decay:
• implement at-home oral hygiene practices, which include brushing with a
fluoridated toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day
• limit snacking on sugary foods and drinks and fermentable carbohydrates
such as crackers, chips and breads
• maintain regular dental check-ups
• have sealants (protective coatings) placed on the teeth when advised
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent early childhood tooth decay:
• avoid allowing a bottle-fed baby to go to sleep with a bottle unless it
contains only water (milk pools around the teeth and creates an acid bath
that weakens the enamel)
• wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth following breast or
bottle feeding
• maintain meticulous oral hygiene and make regular dental visits to avoid
the transmission of bacteria that may be harmful

3. How do I get my child to brush at bedtime?

The earlier you begin a daily routine for cleaning teeth the quicker this
process will become a natural part of your child’s routine. Bedtime brushing
should never be a struggle or cause anger. This should be a fun and easy
way to educate your children about the importance of good oral hygiene.
Children watch their parents closely with everything they learn and brushing
is no different. Set a good example and model the behavior you wish to see
in your children when it comes to daily oral health. Often times, this can
become a family routine performed together. Very small children lack the
dexterity to brush properly. Therefore, they require your supervision and
support in the early stages.

4. Do I need to give my child fluoride

supplements?

There are many sources from which your child may be getting fluoride.
These include fruit juices, fluoridated water, fluoridated toothpaste and
fluoride treatments during their dental visits. Fluoride supplementation is
not as common as it was years ago, mainly due to the concern with over
fluoridation. Fluoride supplementation should be advised and supervised by
both your pediatrician and your pediatric dentist. All your options should be
fully discussed and questions answered to make an informed decision.

5. What is the difference between a pediatric

dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists are often considered the “pediatricians of dentistry.” It is
the specialty in dentistry that focuses on the dental care and attention of
infants and small children through adolescence. This also includes children
with special needs. Pediatrics requires two to three years of specialized
training following a standard dental program. This prepares the pediatric
dentist for the unique needs and care many children often require. Making
the initial exposure to the dentist for a child can often be overwhelming.
It is wise to be delicate in this process to ensure your child has a positive
and rewarding experience. Pediatric dentists have the benefit of creating
an office environment that is designed specifically with children in mind.
A pediatric dental office is colorful, fun and usually theme-oriented around
children’s interests. These offices truly cater to children in a way that
provides them the best experience possible.

For less than the price of a teeth cleaning, you can purchase everything you need to prevent gum disease and its associated health risks.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have the potential to create the healthiest mouth you’ve ever had?

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