Children's Dental Health
New parents often have questions about how to take care of their children's teeth. Knowing the answers to some frequently asked questions can help you keep your kids' teeth healthy and
cavity free.
What should the parents do to establish good dental home care?
Oral hygiene should be implemented no later than the time of the eruption of the first primary tooth. For infants, using a washcloth or soft toothbrush helps reduce bacterial colonization. A “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for children less than two years of age, while a “pea-size” amount of paste is recommended for children 2-5 years of age. Twice a day brushing is recommended for all children and flossing should also be introduced at an early age on a daily basis especially the back teeth, an item that can be reinforced by the dentist. Additional intake of systemic fluoride is based on the unique needs of each patient. A consultation with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician is recommended to determine the child’s individual needs.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that a child’s first visit should occur around the time of their first birthday or six months after the eruption of the first tooth. The first visit should ideally be a non-emergency visit to develop a positive relationship with the pediatric dentist and the staff. The first dental visit will also provide the opportunity for the dentist to discuss with you ways to prevent cavities in your child by providing proper eating and brushing habits. At the first visit, the dentist will also recommend ways to stop pacifier and thumb sucking habits when your child is older and in the event there is damage being caused to the teeth and jaws as a result of it. Once a “dental home” is established, you will know where to turn to should your child injure his/her mouth in an unfortunate situation of a fall or accident. Once the child is three years old, he/she would already be accustomed to the dental visit and be better prepared for the future dental cleaning visits. Not every dentist feels comfortable seeing infants and toddlers, but this shouldn’t stop you from having your child seen.
Why go to a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist is one that has special, advanced training in dealing with the needs of the children. In addition to four years of dental school, they have two additional years of residency training in dentistry for infants, children, teens and children with special needs. Children and babies are not just small adults. Pediatric Dentists know how to examine and treat them in ways that make them comfortable. They use equipment designed for children and their offices are decorated with children in mind.