Throughout my career, I've heard lots of questions regarding how to best care for kids' teeth. So I thought I'd do a post of the basics... I will also address some common misconceptions about oral health, and give you "insider advice" on your child's trip to the dentist office.
THE BASICS:
1. DO NOT put your child in bed with a bottle of anything other than water. Milk has natural sugars in it that will cause decay just like soda pop and juice if left on the teeth. When a baby falls asleep with a bottle, the milk settles in their mouth and eats away at their teeth all night (or all nap).
Yes, this really happens:
2. Start brushing as soon as you see that first little tooth pop up. You can use a wet washcloth, or the little silicone thing that fits on your finger with soft bristles on it. Toothpaste is not necessary, but if your kid likes the taste, then be sure to use CHILDREN'S TOOTHPASTE (NO FLUORIDE! More on that later...)
Brush your child's teeth morning and night: After breakfast and after dinner (if it's a battle at the end of the nite, then just get it done when they are finished eating for the evening, rather than waiting to do it during the chaos that ensues at bedtime.) Keep a toothbrush and paste near the kitchen sink or in the hall bathroom for convenience.
3. BRUSHING TEETH IS A BATTLE YOU MUST PICK. I've heard so many parents say that their toddler "won't LET me do it... and I just CAN'T get him to brush his teeth..." As a parent of a very strong-willed, stubborn, and feisty 1 1/2 year old, I can contend that it IS possible. It is not fun or easy, but it is vital that as parents, we remember that we are the boss. Unless your child has some disorder that has caused him or her to outgrow you by the age of 5, then YES, you CAN make them do it. I am not exaggerating when I illustrate this story for you: Every nite after Brax's bath (which follows shortly after dinner), I lay him down on his bath towel. I quickly lay his arms down to his sides, and wrap the towel around him, straight-jacket style, with my upper body gently laying aross his. With my left hand, I [gently] hold his face still. With my right hand, I brush like mad. I don't yell, I don't get angry. HE does, but I just get 'er done. Believe me when I say that your child will be screaming even more if she has to have decay treated. Your kid isn't going to be scarred for life because you made her do something she doesn't want to do. They aren't crying because it hurts, they are crying because they're mad.
4. Milk and water only. No juice. That's right, no juice. (Maybe with the exception of prune or grape juice to keep the pipes moving, in which case you should dilute it with water.) And in case I really need to clarify, no soda, Propel, Kool-aid, lemonade, Gatorade, Powerade. Okay, okay, on special occasions it's not going to kill them, but keep this fact in mind:
Anytime you drink (or eat) something other than water, it takes your mouth 20 minutes to neutralize the acid and sugars you just have introduced. So IF Capri-Sun or Sunny-D is all there is at that family picnic,then make your kid chug it within 20-30 minutes.Otherwise, the timer starts over with every sip they take.Each swig equals 20 minutes of acid production on their teeth.Make sense?
Note that this "rule" applies to snacking as well.
More info? Click HERE
4. I have heard so many parents respond to a diagnosis of decay with utter shock, "But he brushes his teeth twice a day!!" Children don't have the attention span or dexterity to brush their teeth without assistance and/or supervision until about the age of seven. For boys, I believe this age limit sometimes extends well into the teen years! In other words, it is not sufficient to instruct your young child to "Go brush your teeth," and expect that they will actually do a thorough job. I typically advise that you let the child brush first, to practice, but then the parent should go back and have a turn to get the job done.
DENTAL MISCONCEPTIONS:
1. Cavities are "genetic." FALSE!
Cavities are a direct result of the bacterial breakdown of the teeth. It IS true that some teeth don't form properly (hypocalcification or hypoplasia), causing weaker enamel that is more susceptible to decay, but generally speaking if you control the bacteria, you control the decay.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel Decalcification2. It's okay to leave cavities in baby teeth untreated--they're going to fall out anyway. FALSE!
Leaving decay untreated in baby teeth is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Here are the consequences:
-The decay can cause an abscess, which is a serious infection that can migrate to jaw bones, the eyes, and in some extreme cases, the brain. An abscess typically manifests itself as a pimple-like bubble on the gums next to the affected tooth. It may be there one day and be gone the next, as it drains itself (Like when you pop a zit. Yep, it's that gross.) If a baby tooth abscesses, it usually has to be extracted. A permanent tooth with an abscess gets a root canal.
Abscess above a front tooth.-If a tooth abscesses, it will be painful.
No one wants to see their child in pain, right?
Enough said.
-Severe infection can damage the unerupted permanent tooth.
-Keep in mind that primary molars don't usually exfoliate until age 12-14. Is it a good idea to leave decay untreated in a tooth that's going to be present for several years? Umm, no. It will abscess.
3. Every child needs extra flouride. FALSE!
-If you get city water, your child will get an adequate amount of fluoride. If you are on well water, consult your dentist to see if you need to supplement.
-Until your kid is old enough to spit out their toothpaste, use children's paste WITHOUT fluoride in it. Ingesting too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, which will mottle and discolor permanent teeth. When your child is old enough, you can use regular paste, but only a pea-sized amount.
Fluorosis
-Replace toothbrushes every 3 months.
VISITING THE DENTIST
-I recommend taking your child to a pediatric dentist for a number of reasons. First and foremost, a pedo dentist is specially trained to identify and treat problems in children's mouths. They are also especially understanding and patient when it comes to the behavior of children (which isn't always pleasant in a dental chair). A pediatric office is geared towards kids--toys, books, video games, cartoons, prizes, yummy flavors of toothpaste, etc. They are just more appealing to kids than a general dentist office would be (Who doesn't hate the smell of their dentist's office??)
-The ADA advises taking your child to the dentist by the age of one, or within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth. Don't wait longer than age three--you want them to get used to going. I recommend taking them in for a "happy visit" first, where they just tour the office and get introduced to everything.
-Every pedo office is different when it comes to their "policy" on whether or not they allow parents to accompany their children back to the chair. In my experience, MOST children behave better WITHOUT their parent present. This allows the dental staff to forge a relationship with the child without disruption. If mom is there, it is inevitable that the child will focus on mom, and they won't hear a word the staff says. Remember that the people that work in pedo offices are there because the LIKE kids--they will take care of your baby! With that said, trust your instinct. If you don't feel comfortable with the situation, then kindly ask if you can accompany your child and promise not to interfere! This means not speaking unless spoken to! DO NOT say "Oh, baby, this won't HURT. They won't HURT you..." This just reinforces to the child that there IS a possibility of pain! Let the staff do their job.
-Know that bribing/threatening/begging your child into the chair WILL NOT WORK. As I said earlier, remember that YOU are the boss. Sometimes children don't have a choice, and visiting the dentist is one of those times. Such is life. They'll get over it. Don't waste your time negotiating if they are throwing a fit, just put them in the chair, tell them it's not an option, and get 'er done.
-You can prepare your child by reading books about visiting the dentist (you can find these at any bookstore or on amazon.com (click HERE, HERE, or HERE)
Any questions???
After little man went to bed, I gave Mike a "spa pedicure!"
This year...
Last year.
He wasn't sure what to think of his new Tooth Tunes toothbrush-
Dog-pile on Momma.
"FOUR!!!!!!!"
Back home, ready to have some stew!
Brax helping Grammy open hers.
Underneath the pic it says "Everything I need to know, I learned from PaPaw."
