Caring for your child's teeth at an early age is an important part of their health. The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and The American Dental Association now recommend that your child should START seeing a Pediatric Dentist when the first tooth comes through, usually around six to twelve months of age.
Important Tips to Help Your Baby's Teeth Stay Healthy:
1. Baby's teeth are important
2. Clean teeth and gums every day
3. Only formula, water or breast milk in a bottle.
4. No bottle or breast when sleeping
5. Give juice in a cup only.
6. Trade bottle for cup by the first year
7. Give healthy snacks.
8. Baby's check-ups start at one 1 year
9. See white spots? See the dentist.
Here are some general tips on caring for your child's teeth.
Your Pediatric Dentist will give you more specific advice.
• gently wipe your baby's gums with a soft ...washcloth after feeds to prevent bacterial buildup.
• Start using a soft child's toothbrush WITHOUT ...toothpaste twice daily when the first tooth erupts.
• Use a PEA SIZED amount of toothpaste containing ...Fluoride when your child is of preschool age.
• Since children tend to swallow Fluoride, excessive ...Fluoride can cause staining of the teeth called ...Fluorosis.
• Fluoride supplementation will be recommended ...depending on the type of drinking water you use ...(tap water or reverse osmosis water or bottled ...water without Fluoride) and the frequency of ...professional Fluoride treatments provided by the ...Dentist.
• Avoid cavities by limiting sweet, sugary, starchy ...foods in your child's diet.
• Wean your child from the bottle by age 1 year
• Never put your baby to sleep with a bottle in his ...mouth.
• Frequent at-will breast feeding during the night has ...the same effect on a toddler's teeth as prolonged ...bottle feeding.
• Give only water when offering a sippy cup to your ...toddler.
• Talk to us if you need to be referred to a Pediatric ...Dentist.
Suggested resources on maintaining healthy teeth
Keeping Your Child's Healthy Smile! A Guide from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Healthful Snacks for Children Two to Five Years of Age The description says it all, from the University of Nebraska
Want to show your child what bad teeth look like? Here is a publication from Alabama Department of Public Health or this one from the USDA
When your child needs urgent dental treatment, your pediatric dentist stands ready to help. Please keep the emergency number available and convenient.
Q: What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
A: Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. If possible put the tooth in a clean container.
Q: What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap -- use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately. (Call the emergency number if it's after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances are for saving the tooth.
Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
A: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save a tooth, can prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.
Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.
Q: What if my child has a toothache?
A: Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.
Q: Can dental injuries be prevented?
A: Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Make it a rule, seat belts are required for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care like good oral hygiene habits.
