Think your child is too little to visit the dentist?

Think again.

Dental caries is the most common illness among children.

Over 4 million preschoolers suffer from tooth decay. Many doctors blame the increasing amount of sugar in kids’ diets.  “bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that eats away at the structure of teeth by depleting calcium,” explains Burton Edelstein, D.D.S., founding director of the Children’s Dental Health Project. The bacteria, also known as plaque, start to build up on teeth which contain an acid that eats away at the enamel of the tooth until a cavity is formed.

 

Here are some tips to prevent decay from the AAPD article, "the suprising truth about cavities"

Babies

• Clean your baby’s gums even before her first teeth erupt. Wipe them with a damp washcloth after feedings.

• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.Wet a baby toothbrush and gently rub it back and forth on the surface of the tooth and along the gum line. If you use toothpaste, make sure it’s fluoride-free.

Toddlers

• Brush your child’s teeth for at least 30 seconds (ideally a minute) after breakfast and before bed. Lean her head on your lap and place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth.

• Start using a tiny amount of fluoride oothpaste when she’s 2 or 3 years old. Begin flossing teeth for him when two of his teeth are touching.

Preschoolers

• Brush your own teeth at the same ime as your child brushes, and give him lots of positive feedback.

• Studies have found that manual toothbrushes are just as effective as powered ones. But if letting your kid use an electric or battery-operated one makes it easier to get her to brush, go for it.

School-Age Kids

• Your child can start brushing and flossing on her own at around age 7. If she can tie her own shoes, chances are she’s ready to brush solo. She should now brush for two minutes.

• Look for food and plaque around the gum line of her teeth to see whether she’s doing a sufficient job. You can also let her chew gum with Xylitol.

As a parent it’s your responsibility to take charge of your child’s dental health.  

Diligently brush and floss, make sure they get the correct amount of fluoride and visit a pediatric dentist regularly are the first steps to success.

the unexpected jack-o-lantern

Spring is right around the corner and soon kids will be outside running around and playing sports.  Whether it be shin guards, shoulder pads, knee pads, gloves or elbow pads- your child’s physical safety is important to you.  Your child’s teeth are just as important to protect. Mouthguards, AAPD tells us, can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport related injuries.  Visit your child’s pediatric dentist so they can make a custom-fitted soft plastic mouthguard to help protect your child from injuries to the teeth and head. 

 

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION, more than 2 million teeth are knocked out each year due to sports-related injuries! 

Remember, that if your child does have a tooth knocked out, especially a permanent tooth- that often times, a pediatric dentist can reattach the tooth. 

Three things you can do if your child’s tooth is knocked out.

1. Most importantly, stay calm.  Find the tooth, try not to touch the root.
2. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket.  If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk.
3. Take your child and their tooth immediately to your pediatric dentist.

New Year's Resolution: Floss Daily

It's time to make a New Year's resolution for your child's mouth. 

Brushing alone can not get all the plaque and food off your child's teeth. Food easily gets stuck between teeth. Flossing is a great way to get what brushing missed but your child can't do it alone.  AAPD President Dr. Rhea M. Haugseth said, "Children younger than eight or nine-years- old usually don't have the manual dexterity to brush or floss properly, so plan to keep a hand in the process for at least that long." 





Make a resolution to floss your child's teeth each day. 
You should start flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that come into contact. If you are unsure how to floss your child's teeth, a trip to your child's pediatric dentist is a great way to learn. The hygienist and dentist will teach you how to properly brush and floss. They see children every day and are specifically trained on how to treat children's teeth. They will be able to guide you on how to keep you precious little ones teeth sparkling.