(Caring For Your Child’s Teeth first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in February 2015) Young children’s teeth are susceptible to dental issues because many parents are unsure how to properly care for their children’s teeth. Carrie Derk, RDH, PHDHP, Dental Care Coordinator at Keystone Dental Care in Chambersburg shares tips on care.
Sugary drinks
If children are exposed to a large amount of processed sugary drinks, this can lead to excessive cavities if teeth are not cared for properly. Exposure to high sugar beverages frequently through sippy cups and bottles filled with juice and milk causes the protective covering of the tooth (called enamel) to weaken over time.
Brushing help
It’s important to keep in mind that a child’s manual dexterity is weak – proper brushing will take time to master. Parents must help their child brush until around the age of 8 or 9 twice a day, letting the child brush first and then the parent should brush after to make sure all the teeth have been cleaned.
Baby teeth
Cleaning a child’s mouth should begin before teeth erupt in the mouth. For infants, parents should wipe the gums with a clean water damp baby washcloth or gauze by lifting the lip and cleaning and massaging the gum tissue. This will also get the baby used to the caregiver looking in the mouth. The massaging of the gums feels good to a teething child.
Brushing starts early
Similar to brushing, wiping and cleaning of the gums and teeth remove bacteria and food debris to help prevent cavities. At the eruption of the first baby tooth, be sure to use an infant tooth brush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste that is about the size of a grain of rice. For children age 3 and older use a pea size amount. Gently brush your child’s teeth twice a day.
Germs and Saliva
Parents need to remember not to put items such as spoons, pacifiers or drinks in their own mouths before giving it to their child. The same tooth decay causing bacteria in your mouth can be passed to your baby. Babies are born without the decay causing bacteria. When this bacteria feeds on the sugar, it produces acid which attacks the teeth leading to cavities.
For more information about Keystone Dental Care, click here.
