by Sarah Wassner Flynn
Scary stat: Tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease in the U.S., far more prevalent than asthma and hay fever. But the good news is that this condition can be completely prevented with early and regular visits to the dentist and proper hygiene at home. Here's more on dental care for kids, as well as ways to keep your little one's smile as healthy as it is cute!
BABY THOSE TEETH
Sure, those baby teeth are temporary, but that doesn't mean they're safe from permanent problems. "Most kids don't start losing their baby teeth until they're five or six, which leaves plenty of time for decay that may cause long-term harm. I've seen infants as young as nine months come in with cavities," says Dr. Michael J. Hanna, DMD, a board certified pediatric dentist in Pittsburgh, PA and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).
To keep those itty bitty biters clean, Hanna suggests parents start swiping out infant's mouths along the gum line with a wet washcloth from day one, which gets them used to having their mouths cleaned after eating. And as teeth start to come in, break out the brush—and the floss. "It's never too early to set up a routine of brushing and flossing," says Hanna, who recommends flossing first, then brushing for two to three minutes, two to three times a day.
"A good rule of thumb is to floss and brush a child's teeth after breakfast, after lunch, and the very last thing you do during the day," he says. Also, it's key to be super-cautious of the contents of your baby's bottle, especially at bedtime: "Giving kids juice or milk at night is a big risk, as it can lead to decay. If child needs to drink at night, stick to water," says Hanna.
THE FIRST VISIT
And just as it's never too soon to establish a hygiene routine with your child, experts say trips to the dentists should also start early. Plan to set up your child's first appointment as soon as her first tooth erupts or no later than the first birthday (and then every six months after that).
"It's like a 'well baby' check-up to identify any problems as well as educate the parents on good oral health for the child," says Dr. John E. Zweig, DMD, clinic director at Dental Associates Ltd., in Green Bay, WI. Adds Hanna, "Introducing your child to the dentist at a young age will get him used to office and the equipment, and make him realize it's not a scary thing."
Aside from a meet-and-greet with the dentist, standard first exams include an overview of the child's health history and diet, as well as a thorough exam (parents will likely hold infants and toddlers during this part). "Even in infants, we can detect irregularities in the mouth or the teeth, like when the enamel isn't properly forming," says Hanna. "If we catch it early, we can correct the problem, or give parents suggestions for forming healthier habits."
TAKING TODDLERS TO THE DENTIST
If you haven't taken your tot to the dentist yet, don't fret: Many parents wind up waiting until their kids have all of their teeth (around the age of three) before scheduling that first appointment. Devon Day of Newport News, VA, recently took her son, Ryan, to his first appointment a few months shy of his fourth birthday. To gear him up for the appointment, Day and her husband, Shawn, explained to Ryan exactly what to expect at the visit.
"Beforehand, my husband sat him down and showed him what the dentist would do and what the tools would sound like, so he'd be prepared," says Day. "Because he was a bit older, he was able to understand that the dentist has to make his teeth healthy, just like the doctor makes sure his body is healthy and growing."
The prep worked: Ryan was at ease in the dental chair, especially thanks to a sweet hygienist and the bevy of goodies he picked out after the cleaning, like a tooth brush, stickers, and a pair of sunglasses selected from the office treasure chest. "Since the visit, we often tell Ryan how proud his dentist would be of him, giving him extra motivation to brush correctly and often," says Day. "He can't wait to go back."
FINDING THE RIGHT DENTIST FOR YOU
Hoping your kid's first visit will go just as smooth? Look for a dentist who specializes in pediatric care. "We have advanced training and will conduct different exams for kids of varying ages," says Hanna. Plus, a family-focused dentist is likely to offer a fun office environment (a la the treasure chest and giveaways) and hire staff who can comfort your child and handle her many moods. Check out AAPD's directory to find a pediatric dentist near you. Then, get your little one ready to flash those (healthy) pearly whites!
Read more:
Flossing Your Child's Teeth
Getting Your Child to Brush Their Teeth
Preparing to Go to the Dentist
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