By Dr. Pamela Becker
We all want our kids to have a bright healthy smile, right? So I asked my dear neighbor, who just happens to be a Pediatric Dentist and a mom of three, to share a few suggestions. Here are her tips to encourage better dental health in kids.
Kids should have a dental check-up every 6 months starting at age 1 as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This initial visit at age 1, is a “well check” and can be most informative for a parent. This visit allows parents to discuss a wide variety of subjects such as: How to care for an infant/toddler’s mouth. Oral habits such as finger and thumb sucking. Ways to prevent accidents that could damage the face and teeth. And the link between diet and oral health.
We encourage kids to brush their teeth for 2 minutes at least two times a day—once in the morning and once at bedtime. If your child is younger than 5 years old, we encourage a parent to help brush. Most young kids do not possess the dexterity to fully brush their back teeth. A parent can help remove plaque from all surfaces such as the cheek side, tongue side and chewing surfaces of all teeth in young kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends fluoridated toothpaste for all children starting at tooth eruption. “A smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste should be used up to the age of 3. After the third birthday, a pea size amount may be used.” By the age of 3, encourage your child to spit their toothpaste out to minimize swallowing fluoridated toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you may begin flossing their teeth daily.
A lot of parents ask me why baby teeth are important since they eventually fall out. These “first teeth” are used to chew and speak and most importantly, save space for a child’s future permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the permanent tooth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find proper space when they erupt. This can lead to a crowded smile.
If a baby tooth gets a cavity you should treat it. Yes, it will eventually fall out but depending on your child’s eruption pattern, he/she may have that baby tooth for years before it ever exfoliates. We like to treat cavities while they are small. If a cavity in a baby tooth is left untreated, the decay can reach the nerve and blood supply of a tooth, causing an abscess which can lead to swelling and pain.
We believe prevention is the key to dental health in children. Regular check-ups and good brushing are the best way to ensure better dental health in kids.
Dr. Pamela Becker is an associate for Dr. Matt Kubovich at Des Moines Pediatric Dental Center in West Des Moines.
Des Moines Pediatric Dental Center
4949 Westown Parkway, Suite 150
West Des Moines, IA
(515) 225-0066
