Teaching your child about the importance of dental care a young age is an investment in his or her health that pays lifelong dividends. You can start by setting a good example; taking care of your own teeth sends the message that oral health is something to be valued. Make sure your child brushes twice a day, show them the proper way to floss, limit sugary snacks and see your dentist regularly.
What should I do if my child is scared to go to the dentist?
How can I help my children reduce their risk of getting cavities?
Is the pacifier, thumb or finger sucking a problem?
What should I do when my toddler's teeth begin to come in?
What is the proper way to brush my toddler’s teeth?
When should my child begin flossing?
What are dental sealants and how do I know if my child needs them?
What is fluoride and how do I know if my child is getting the right amount?
How important is diet to my child's oral health?
What should I do if my child chips, breaks or knocks out a tooth?
What should I do if my child is scared to go to the dentist?
Fear is learned by watching others. Don't make going to the dentist seem like a big deal. When you arrive at the dentist, allow your child to go back alone. The biggest fear is fear of the unknown. At Smile Solutions, we reserve time to educate each child about dental care and dental procedures; helping them feel comfortable and in control of their own oral health.
How can I help my children reduce their risk of getting cavities?
-Brush twice a day to remove plaque.
-Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth.
-Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods.
-Use dental products that contain fluoride.
-Make sure your child drinks fluoridated water.
-Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.
Is the pacifier, thumb or finger sucking a problem?
The sucking reflex is normal and healthy in babies. However, a pacifier, or thumb sucking habit can cause problems if it continues after permanent teeth have erupted, between the age of four and seven. Continued pacifier, thumb or finger sucking causes problems with the growth of the mouth, jaw, and position of the teeth. Front teeth can point outwards (sometimes called buck teeth) and an open bite may result. This can cause problems in adulthood that include premature tooth wear, increased dental decay and discomfort when biting. Sucking on thumbs or pacifiers should be stopped at age one. The best way to deal with it is through positive reinforcement, not negative words or behavior. Your child is doing what feels natural to him or her. Focus on correcting the anxiety that's causing your child to continue this habit.
What should I do when my toddler's teeth begin to come in?
Teeth start to erupt at about six months and continue until age three. This causes many children to have tender gums, which can make them irritable. It helps to rub the gums with your finger, a small cool spoon or a frozen teething ring. There are also pain relief gels and medications available for use when babies are teething. Ask your dentist or pediatrician about these medications. If your child has a fever when teething, it's best to contact your physician.
What is the proper way to brush my toddler’s teeth?
It's a good idea to supervise your child's brushing until the age of six:
-Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
-Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
-Brush tongue-side surfaces first, where plaque accumulates most.
-Angle bristles toward the gum-line. Brush gently back and forth.
-It is important to also brush the gums gently.
-Clean all cheek-side surfaces of the teeth.
-Angle bristles toward the gum-line and brush gently back and forth.
-Place brush so bristles are on the chewing surface of the teeth.
-Brush gently back and forth.
When should my child begin flossing?
Because flossing removes plaque between teeth that brushing may miss, you should floss for your children beginning at age four. By the time they reach age eight, most children can begin flossing for themselves.
What are dental sealants and how do I know if my child needs them?
A dental sealant creates a highly effective barrier against decay. Sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of a child's permanent back teeth, where most cavities form. Applying a sealant is not painful and can be performed in one dental visit.
What is fluoride and how do I know if my child is getting the right amount?
Fluoride is one of the best ways to help prevent tooth decay. A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride combines with the tooth's enamel to strengthen it. In many municipal water supplies, the right amount of fluoride is added for proper tooth development. To find out whether your water contains fluoride, and how much, call your local water district. If your water supply does not contain any (or enough) fluoride, your child's pediatrician or dentist may suggest using fluoride drops or a mouth rinse in addition to a fluoride toothpaste.
How important is diet to my child's oral health?
A balanced diet is necessary for your child to develop strong, decay-resistant teeth. A child's diet should include the proper vitamins and minerals along with plenty of calcium, phosphorous, and healthy levels of fluoride. Fluoride is your child's greatest protection against tooth decay. Frequent snacking may be the biggest enemy. The sugars and starches found in many snacks like cookies, candies, dried fruit, soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices and potato chips combine with plaque on teeth to create acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
What should I do if my child chips, breaks or knocks out a tooth?
With any injury to your child's mouth including; pain from a broken, cracked or chipped tooth, you should visit the dentist immediately. An over-the- counter pain reliever may be given to your child until his/her appointment. Keep any part of the tooth that has broken off and take it you to the dentist. If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth, take the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible. Handle the tooth as little as possible and do not wipe or clean the tooth. Store the tooth in water or milk. It may be possible for the tooth to be placed back into your child's mouth, a procedure called re-implantation.