Care for Your Child's Teeth
Pediatric oral care has two parts: preventive care at the dentist’s office and preventive care at home. Infant and toddler caries (cavities) and tooth decay have become more common, but a good dental strategy eliminates the risk of both.
Starting early
Preventive care aims to evaluate and preserve the health of your child’s teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin seeing the dentist at twelve months for “well baby” checkups, and most should continue every six months unless told otherwise.
How can the dentist care for my child’s teeth?
The dentist checks for early decay, monitors orthodontic concerns and jaw and tooth development, and is a resource for parents. A routine visit includes a full exam, a professional cleaning, possibly topical fluoride to protect enamel, and time for your questions. The dentist can also demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques, advise on diet, suggest strategies for thumb sucking and pacifier cessation, and talk with your child on their level.
When molars emerge (usually between ages two and three), the dentist may coat them with dental sealants, which seal bacteria, food and acid out of hard-to-reach fissures. Depending on the child’s habits, sealant lasts many months or years.
How can I help at home?
Good preventive care is more than brushing and flossing:
- DietOffer a nourishing, balanced diet, cut back very sugary foods and discourage constant snacking. Bacteria feed on leftover sugar and release acids that erode enamel, gums and bone. Space out snacks and offer celery or carrot sticks and low-fat yogurt.
- Oral habitsPacifier use and thumb sucking usually stop on their own but can misalign teeth. If your child needs a pacifier, choose an “orthodontically” correct model to reduce the risk of narrow arches and crowding. The dentist can suggest a strategy or appliance to stop thumb sucking.
- General oral hygieneSucking on pacifiers or teething toys to clean them, or sharing utensils, passes harmful bacteria to your child. Rinse toys and pacifiers in warm water and avoid sharing spoons.
- Sippy cup useA good step from bottle to glass, but milk, breast milk, soda, juice or sweetened water in a sippy cup keeps acid attacking enamel. Stop between twelve and fourteen months, or once your child can hold a glass.
- BrushingBrush at least twice a day with a soft brush and a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved toothpaste (non-fluoridated before age two, fluoridated after). Help until about age seven, when children can reach every area. For babies, wipe the gums with a clean cloth after each feeding.
- FlossingCavities form more easily between teeth, so any two adjacent teeth are at risk. The dentist can show correct head positioning and tips to make flossing fun!
- FluorideFluoride prevents mineral loss and helps remineralize enamel. Too much causes fluorosis (white specks on permanent teeth); too little allows decay. The dentist can check your child’s intake and prescribe supplements if needed.
If you have questions about caring for your child’s teeth, please Contact Us.
How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?
Twice-yearly dental visits for children, starting about six months after the first tooth appears, and what each checkup covers.Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
For most infants, the sucking of thumbs and pacifiers is a happy, everyday part of life.Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.Sealing Out Tooth Decay
Tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in preschoolers.Pediatric Dentistry
Our emphasis is on total preventive care of your entire family.Child's First Visit
A child's first dental visit is recommended around their first birthday. Here's how to prepare and keep it positive.
New patients welcome
Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.