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More than 40% of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten.  In fact, The CDC reports that tooth decay is the most common preventable disease in children and while the cavity rate in children of older age groups has been slowly declining, the rise in cavities among those under 5 is actually increasing. Unfortunately parents often wait too long to begin a routine of oral care and to start caring for emerging teeth.  Here are five essential tips to get your child started on the right path:

1. Make oral care a part of a daily routine.

Getting into a daily habit of taking care of your child's mouth as soon as possible will increase the likely-hood that you (and eventually your child) will keep up this healthy practice once teeth appear.

2. Use a washcloth to clean your child's mouth before teeth arrive.

While using a brush isn't advisable on infant gums and toothpaste isn’t needed before teeth emerge, using a soft wet washcloth gently wiped over gums twice a day is a great way to begin a regular oral routine for your child. This will help to keep bacteria at bay and will also keep your child's gums healthy.

3. As teeth arrive, use the correct toothbrush.

When the first teeth start to show up (usually around 6 months, but this can vary greatly from child to child), use a toothbrush specifically designed for babies. These brushes have smaller heads for smaller mouths and very soft bristles to avoid damaging sensitive gums. Brush your child’s teeth until he or she is able to brush properly themselves.  You will also want to pay close attention to the type of toothpaste you choose.  Use only a "smear" for very young children and a pea sized amount of toothpaste as they grow older.  Young children have trouble not swallowing toothpaste, so keep the amount minimal and consider using fluoride free toothpaste until your child has learned not to swallow when brushing.

4. Know what tooth decay looks like.

Be aware of the signs of baby tooth decay (spots or pits on teeth) and stay up to date on dental exams.

5. Establish a dental home.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a "dental home" by age one or when the first tooth appears, whichever occurs first. A dental home is a practice that you and your child are familiar with and have established a relationship with the dentist. Finding a practice that you trust early in your child's life will allow the dentist to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems.

We would love to be your child's dental home!  Call us for an appointment today!

One of our central goals is to help children have a more positive view of going to the dentist.  We feel that preventing and alleviating the fear associated with dental visits is important in encouraging future overall oral health.  Adults who are not afraid to go to the dentist are more likely to keep up with regular visits and be proactive in the care of their teeth.  We also believe that parents can play a vital role by working with us as a team.  Here are four steps you can take in helping your child not be afraid of the dentist.

Introduce your child to our practice outside of any procedure.

The first visit to your pediatric dentist should be relaxed and non-formal.  Starting early usually ensures that this visit can be more of a “meet and greet” and won’t involve any major procedures.

Avoid using negative words when talking about the dental visit.

As we mentioned in our previous post on finding a dental home, it’s important to stay away from words that connote fear.  Avoid saying things like drill, pain, hurt and shot.

Understand your own fear.

Recent studies have shown that a parent’s own fears of the dentist are transferred to your child.  Evaluate how much of your fears are substantiated.  Consider which conversations about your own dental care are appropriate for your child to hear.

Prepare for the dentist.

Make going to the dentist a truly fun event.   You can build excitement for the experience and plan a fun day that centers around the visit.Above all else, it’s important to stay positive.  Your child will sense your mood and will respond to it.

Public awareness of tooth-whitening procedures and products has grown significantly in the past few years.  The number of questions our patients and their parents ask about tooth-whitening has also increased especially among parents concerned about their child’s self image and older adolescents/teens who want to look their best.  But are these methods and procedures safe for young mouths?  Let’s look at a few guidelines.

The research is limited.

First, it’s important to understand that research surrounding tooth-whitening is limited for children.  Most studies have only involved adults, so a clear picture of any short or long term side effects of tooth whitening is lacking.  The most recent policy update from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is from 2009.

Primary teeth generally do not need treatment.

For the youngest of our patients, any stains or discoloration in primary, or baby teeth, isn’t usually something we would treat.  Because these teeth are temporary, they are likely to be preplaced by white permanent teeth very soon.  Of course, we’re happy to evaluate any situation you might be concerned with.  It’s also a good idea to understand the cause of any discoloration to eliminate issues that may extend beyond cosmetic concerns.

Whitening toothpaste can be too abrasive for children.

Tooth –whitening toothpaste usually works by including a mild abrasive that helps to remove surface stains. In some instances, this can cause tooth sensitivity because tooth enamel may be “scrubbed” away, exposing tiny holes in the dentin beneath.  These toothpastes are often too hard on young mouths and should be avoided.  For teenagers, always use toothpaste that’s ADA approved and stop using after any signs of tooth sensitivity.

Do you think a procedure may be necessary?  Ask us!

We would love to evaluate your child’s teeth to identify the cause of discoloration and to discuss possible treatment options now or in the future.  We highly encourage you to reach out to our office before using any at-home treatments.

When we think of the foods most harmful to our teeth, we immediately think of candy.  Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth that creates enamel attacking acids. This bacteria feeds on sugars that exist in nearly everything we eat, and candy is one of the most obvious culprits.  But other foods can be just as rough on teeth, if not worse.

You may have been “tricked”.

Chips and crackers are often substituted for sweets because we think they are better for our teeth, and even people who are vigilant about brushing can be less likely to consider the negative effects of starchy foods.  Unfortunately, it’s not only obviously sweet foods that can cause trouble for teeth, but potato chips, crackers, and other starches are bad news as well. They become soft or sticky when chewed, and stay lodged in teeth long after the meal. Although they don’t necessarily taste sweet, the starches in crackers and chips are broken down into sugar by enzymes in the mouth.

Starchy foods like Chips can be worse than candy.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has stated that starchy foods may even be worse for your teeth than candy because of the length of time they stay on teeth long after snacking has ended.   As part of a national survey commissioned by the AAPD, it was discovered that 96% of U.S. adults with children under 12 thought a cracker was better for teeth than a piece of caramel.  The AAPD went on to say:

“The truth is that starches can lead to cavities just as sugars can, and caramels dissolve more quickly from the mouth than crackers…A cracker may be more figure-friendly, but it is not a teeth-friendly snack.”

Experiment with healthier alternatives.

Instead of potato chips or crackers, apple slices or celery can provide that satisfying crunch. Are there picky eaters in your family? A small amount of protein-dense peanut butter as a topping adds flavor if you or your children aren’t impressed with the substitution. Whatever you and your children snack on, be sure to brush for at least two minutes, twice every day!