As a pediatric dentist working in both public health and private practice, I find that parents often have similar questions when it comes to their child’s dental health.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) encourages parents and other care providers to help every child establish a dental home by the age of 1.
What is a dental home? A dental home is the ongoing relationship between dentist and patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health. The dental home should be established no later than 12 months of age to help children and their families institute a lifetime of good oral health. A dental home focuses on preventing dental diseases and providing treatment and referral services to dental specialists when appropriate. Whether this dental home is located in a private practice, a community health center, or at a neighborhood hospital, it should be supervised by dentists trained in primary pediatric care.
Why should my child go to the dentist? The AAPD recom-mends a child’s first dental visit to occur within six months of the eruption of the first baby teeth, because many children by the age of three already have tooth decay. Also, children who have experienced tooth decay are prone to reoccurring decay. Regular dental visits are important in helping your child stay cavity free.
What are dental caries? Dental caries are tooth decay. It happens when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the enamel (the white part of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). Dental caries can cause pain when chewing and sensi-tivity to sweets and hot or cold foods or drinks.
What can I do to help my child from getting cavities? Visiting the dentist by the time your child is a year old, establishing good oral habits, and avoiding food and beverages that are high in fermentable carbohydrates, such as juices, cookies, candies, sodas, and food that stick to the teeth and are slow to dissolve.
What are good oral habits? Good oral habits should begin before your child begins teething. Caregivers should clean a child’s mouth after feeding. As your child grows older, teeth should be brushed at least two times a day (morning and night) and flossed at least one time (preferably at bedtime). You should start flossing for your child once teeth are touching. Some children might need help from a caregiver in their daily oral hygiene. If you have a teenager, you should check on their oral hygiene at least 2-3 times a week.
What is usually done at my child’s dental visit? A complete dental exam will determine whether your child has cavities. Your child may need x-rays, a dental cleaning, and fluoride. Your dentist will let you know if your child needs to return every six months or more often for a checkup. Your pediatric dentist will also let you know when it is time for your child to see an orthodontist for possible braces and an oral surgeon for a wisdom teeth evaluation.
What is fluoride and does my child need it? The AAPD affirms that fluoride is important in the prevention of caries and that it is safe and effective. Your child can get fluoride both systemically, such as in drinking water, and topically, such as in toothpaste or professionally administered at the dentist. Research shows that tooth brushing with fluoride significantly reduces the formation of dental caries in baby teeth.
How much toothpaste should I use when my child brushes their teeth? Use no more than a smear or rice-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste for children less than three years of age or if your child is unable to spit after brushing. A pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste is appropriate for children ages three to six. Parents or caregivers should apply the toothpaste on the toothbrush for their child when they are younger.
How can I get my child to brush? When your child is young-er than three years old or has some special needs, it is recommended that parents or caregivers brush the child’s teeth. As they grow older, children can brush with minimal or no supervision after meals, but at bedtime an adult should brush. Parents can make it a fun experience by singing a fun song, buying a toothbrush that your child has chosen, and using kid’s toothpaste. You can also brush your teeth as a family.
My dentist told me that my child has a cavity; should the cavity be fixed? Depending on the size of the cavity, your dentist will let you know what type of treatment will be needed to treat the decay. It is important to fix a cavity on a baby tooth if needed to prevent the cavity from getting larger, dental abscesses, or even extraction of the tooth.
Now that my child has permanent teeth, I was told he needs sealants. What are sealants? Sealants protect the chewing surface of the tooth (back teeth) where most cavities in children are found. They are made of clear or shaded plastic and keep your child’s teeth cavity free. Sealants can last for years if your child has good oral hygiene and does not bite on hard objects and foods such as hard candies. Your pediatric dentist will check the sealants at each checkup and recommend repair or re-application as necessary. Seal-ants also can be placed on baby molars when needed, such as for kids that are at high risk for cavities.
Dr. Rose Martine Gedeon, DDS is a dentist with Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida.