What’s the Best Daily Care Plan for My Child’s Teeth?

Daily brushing of your child’s teeth should begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Once your child is able to spit the toothpaste out, begin using fluoridated toothpaste (search for the ADA seal of approval when choosing toothpaste). When your child is old enough to begin brushing independently, continue to monitor their brushing to ensure proper brushing techniques are being used and good habits are being formed.

Generally, your child can begin brushing with supervision at about ages 4-5 and can continue without supervision around age 7. Each child is different – your dentist can help you to determine whether or not your child has the skill level to brush properly. Brush teeth twice daily, and don’t forget to remember to brush the tongue to remove germs and helps freshen breath.

When teaching your child to brush, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth. Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your child’s teeth. To clean the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.

To clean the inside surfaces of your child’s top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums. Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your child’s tongue to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places. Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your child’s teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up.

To floss your child’s teeth, sit with your child on your lap facing you. Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers. Using your thumbs and index fingers as guides, gently slide the floss between two teeth, using a saw-like motion. Once at the gum line, pull both ends of the floss in the same direction to form a C shape against one tooth. Pull the floss tightly and move it up and down against one tooth. Pull the floss against the other tooth and repeat the motion. Repeat this for all of the teeth. Be sure to floss both sides of the teeth farthest back in the mouth.

How Does Diet Contribute to Healthy Teeth?

A healthy diet is a balanced diet that naturally supplies all the nutrients your child needs to grow. A balanced diet is one that includes the following major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and beans, and milk. These are the key groups according to the food pyramid. Your child must have a balanced diet for their teeth to develop properly. They also need a balanced diet for healthy gum tissue around the teeth. Equally important, a diet high in certain kinds of carbohydrates, such as sugar and starches, may place your child at extra risk for tooth decay.

To help keep your child’s teeth healthy, be sure they have a balanced diet. Then, check how frequently they eat foods with sugar or starch in them. Foods with starch include breads, crackers, pasta and snacks such as pretzels and potato chips. When checking for sugar, look beyond the sugar bowl and candy dish. A variety of foods contain one or more types of sugar, and all types of sugars can promote dental decay. Fruits, a few vegetables, and most milk products have at least one type of sugar.

Ask your pediatric dentist to help you assess your child’s diet. Shop smart! Do not routinely stock your pantry with sugary or starchy snacks. Buy “fun foods” just for special times. Limit the number of snack times; choose nutritious snacks. Provide a balanced diet, and save foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes. Don’t put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. If your child chews gum or sips soda, choose those without sugar.

How Do I Prevent Cavities?

Proper oral hygiene means removing the bacteria and leftover food from teeth in order to prevent cavities. In infants, this means using a clean, wet washcloth or gauze to wipe the gums and teeth. Avoid putting your child to bed or down for a nap with a bottle filled with anything other than water. Brush your older child’s teeth at least two times each day, and avoid giving them excess sugary snacks. Visit your pediatric dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a visit every six months, beginning with your child’s first birthday. Your pediatric dentist may recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for addition protection.

What Are Sealants?

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 cavities, where most cavities form. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque, and reduces the risk of decay. Applying a sealant is not painful and can be performed in one dental visit. Teeth are first cleaned, then conditioned and dried. Once the sealant is applied it flows into the grooves of the tooth, and is then hardened with a special light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Is Fluoride Safe for Teeth?

Fluoride is a compound that contains fluorine, a natural element. Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (strengthening areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities). Fluoride also affects bacteria that cause cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth. Risk for decay is reduced even more when fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

However, excessive ingestion by pre-school aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, a chalky white, or in severe cases even a muddy brown, discoloration of the permanent teeth. Infant formulas contain different amounts of fluoride. Bottled, filtered and well waters also vary in the amount of fluoride they contain. Your pediatric dentist can help determine if your child is receiving—and not exceeding—the recommended amount.

To help prevent fluorosis, always dispense fluoridated toothpaste for your child at brushing. Make sure to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste, and encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. If children are too young to spit out, consider using non-fluoridated toothpaste.

If your child is not getting enough fluoride, your pediatric dentist may recommend a fluoride supplement. The pediatric dentist considers many factors before recommending a fluoride supplement. Your child’s age, risk of developing dental decay and dietary sources of fluoride are important considerations. Your pediatric dentist can help determine if your child is receiving—and not exceeding—the recommended amount.

Under What Circumstances Do You Recommend Mouth Guards?

A properly fitted soft mouth guard can protect your child’s teeth, cheeks, lips, and gums. A mouth guard is recommended for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to your child’s mouth, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, hockey, skateboarding, boxing, martial arts, wrestling and extreme sports. When in doubt, ask your pediatric dentist.

The guard should be resilient, tear resistant, and comfortable. Make sure it fits properly and is easy to clean, along with not restricting breathing or speaking. Ask your pediatric dentist for more information about custom and store-bought mouth guards.

Does Xylitol Reduce Cavities?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, such as berries, oats, and mushrooms. Research shows that Xylitol has a plaque-reducing effect, and inhibits the bacteria that are significant contributors to tooth decay.

However, excessive ingestion by pre-school aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, a chalky white, or in severe cases even a muddy brown, discoloration of the permanent teeth. Infant formulas contain different amounts of fluoride. Bottled, filtered and well waters also vary in the amount of fluoride they contain. Your pediatric dentist can help determine if your child is receiving—and not exceeding—the recommended amount.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the benefits of Xylitol for the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. In fact, the use of Xylitol gum by parents (2-3 times per day starting 3 months after delivery and until the child was 2 years old) reduced the bacteria levels in children up to 6 years. At 5 years of age, those who had been using Xylitol in this way had a 70% reduction in cavities.

Studies using Xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods. To find gum or other products containing Xylitol, try visiting your local health food store or search the Internet to find products containing 100% Xylitol.