Tips and Tricks for Children’s Oral Health
Did you know that the most common condition among children is dental caries/cavities? Tooth decay is the number one chronic infectious disease affecting children in the United States. The good news is… it is preventable!
Dental caries and poor oral health can impact our kids’ health and quality of life.
Tip #1: Bring your child to the dentist before the age of 1 - Any dental problems caught early on can result in easier intervention. During these earlier visits, the dental team can help educate you and walk you through how to care for your baby’s teeth and can help identify any signs of early intervention needed. After your first visit, we will set recall visits every 6 months to make sure your child’s teeth are cleaned and checked regularly.
Tip #2: Brush twice a day, and floss once a day - Naturally, the most important daily habit is toothbrushing. Be sure to supervise your child if they are old enough to brush on their own. Once you see teeth touching, flossing should be done at night time before going to bed. Until the age of 10, children should be monitored and assisted after they brush on their own to encourage good technique.
Below is a fun, catchy song and interactive game to help motivate your children to brush their teeth regularly and keep their smiles bright.
www.sesamestreet.org/videos?vid=1433
www.sesamestreet.org/games?id=132
Brushing and flossing should be the last thing done before going to bed - nothing but water after, or it defeats the purpose of brushing!
Remember, always brush in small circles!
Tip #3: Be aware of sugar- cavities form when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars to produce acid. Lots of acid breaks down enamel and eventually cause cavities. If you reduce the amount of sugar in your child’s diet, they will produce less acids, which will eventually reduce risk of cavities!
Before your child turns 1, try to dilute any juices with water. Sugar-sweetened beverages such as sports drinks or soda should not be given to children younger than 2. Try to have your child drink more water instead. Again, avoid eating or drinking (non-water beverages) at bedtime!
Sugar bugs can come in many forms - not just in candy, chocolates, and soda. Carbohydrates such as chips and crackers, along with sticky dried fruit can cause harm to the teeth in large amounts. Saliva acts as a natural acid neutralizer, but if you have sugar and carbs too frequently, the saliva will not have a chance to fight off cavity forming acids. Try to eat meals with enough time throughout the day, instead of snacking without any breaks!
Tip #4: Fluoride can strengthen teeth- Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral with the ability to slow or stop cavities from forming. With appropriate amounts, it can help strengthen the enamel layer on teeth safely. Enamel can benefit from fluoride contact to become more resistant to cavity-causing acids that form when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars.
Tip #5: Look for any white or brown spots - If you can find any white or brown spots, it could mean that a cavity is starting to form - pay your dental home a visit if you haven’t already so we can give recommendations on what to do if this happens.
The last tip… Be a good example! If your child sees you being excited about brushing and having a healthy mouth, they will be encouraged to be excited too! If you have any other questions or want more customized tips for your child’s oral health, make an appointment to visit us at Cow Camp Pediatric Dentistry.
