Lina Frost - Kids Corner

What causes tooth decay?
Bacteria in the mouth use sugars found in liquid and foods to produce acids that attack teeth. Repeated acid attacks lead to tooth decay. Infants and children should be provided with a balanced diet. Try to limit between-meal snacks, minimize using sweet foods and drinks to reward your child and limit your child's consumption of sweets to mealtimes.

What is early childhood decay?
Early childhood caries occurs when the child's teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids, like milk, breast milk, formula, juice, soda...Decay begins as soon as teeth emerge in a baby's mouth, usually by age six months or so. Decay that's left untreated can progress rapidly to cause pain and even harm the permanent teeth that are still developing under the gums.

Why are baby teeth important?
Baby teeth hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When the permanent teeth come in, there may not be enough room for them to erupt properly. This may lead to crowding or crooked teeth that are hard to maintain.

How can I keep my child's teeth healthy?
A baby's front four teeth usually erupt first, typically at about six months of age, although some children don't have their first tooth until 12 or 14 months. Wipe the baby's gums with clean gauze after each feeding. As soon as the first tooth appears, use a soft-bristled brush with training toothpaste that does not contain fluoride and continue cleaning the gums in all other areas. Start using fluoride toothpaste when the child can spit out and not swallow the toothpaste.

Bottles, breastfeeding and training cups:
Infants should finish their bedtime bottle before going to bed. After your child's first tooth erupts, try to avoid having the child fall asleep while breastfeeding. Infants should not be put to bed or allowed to fall asleep with a bottle that contains milk, formula, fruit juices, sweetened liquids or pacifiers dipped in sugar or honey. Bottles should not be used as pacifiers. To reduce the risk of decay, children should be encouraged to drink from a cup by their first birthday. Offer juice at meal time. If your child is thirsty between meals then offer water in a cup.

What do I need to know about Fluoride?
Fluoride prevents cavities and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before decay is visible. Fluoride comes in two forms, topical and systemic. Topical fluorides are found in toothpastes, rinses and fluoride applied in the dental office. Systemic fluoride includes fluoridated water and supplements. Children who drink bottled water or non-fluoridated water may be missing the benefits of fluoride. Check the bottle water label for information about fluoride levels. Prior to supplementing fluoride, which may or may not be needed, check with your child's pediatrician, dentist and/or local or state health department or water supplier.

First Dental Visit:
It's beneficial for the first visit to occur within six months of the appearance of the first tooth and no later than the baby's first birthday. Following the first "healthy baby check-up" a visit every six months is suggested to maintain a healthy smile! Periodontal disease can occur at any age. Several forms of the disease can affect even teenagers. It's important that both children and adults have regular dental checkups.

What are Dental Sealants?
Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars and sometimes to deep pits and grooves of front teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay susceptible areas from accumulating plaque. Both primary and permanent teeth can benefit from sealants.

When should my child visit an orthodontist?
Every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Some preventive orthodontic treatment may be started when the primary teeth are in place. Children are required to get a regular check-up prior to starting orthodontic treatment. Practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining scheduled visits with the general dentist are major factors in the success of orthodontic treatment.

Does my child need a custom mouth guard?
Children who participate in contact and non-contact sports should be fitted for a custom mouth guard.