How to make your child’s teeth healthy

Tooth decay is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever in children. Tooth decay of baby teeth can affect children’s growth, lead to improper alignment of the teeth when the mouth is closed, and result in significant pain and potentially life-threatening swelling in the mouth.

Approximately 70 % of all tooth decay occurs in about 20 % of our nation’s children.

Your child’s teeth start to form under the gums before your child is born. A healthy diet during pregnancy can help to get your child’s teeth off to a healthy start.

Teething usually starts during the first four to seven months of your child’s life.

The first molars are next and then the eye (canine) teeth are next. By age 2 ½, your child should have all their baby (primary) teeth.

Your child’s permanent (secondary) teeth will start to come in around 6-7 years of age. Again, timing can vary and is normal.

Signs, symptoms, and treatment of teething:

Cause:
Mild irritability, crying, low temperature (not over 100° F), and excessive drooling can cause the infant to want to chew on something hard. The gums around here the tooth will come through (erupt) will be swollen and ender.

Treatment:
Gently rubbing or massaging the swollen, tender area with one finger (be sure to wash your hands first) can help ease the discomfort.

Cause:
A cool teething ring may also ease the discomfort.

Treatment:
Consult your health care provider if symptoms persist.

Causes:
Tooth decay is a result of the overgrowth of bacteria that normally occurs in everyone once a person has teeth. Infants do not carry these bacteria until their teeth began to grow in. However, a mother may introduce these bacteria to the infant’s mouth prior to the infant beginning to teeth. It is the overgrowth that causes the problem.

Treatment:
Because bacteria can be passed on from your saliva or other family member’s saliva, practice good family dental health by brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visit a dentist regularly.
Use a clean, moist washcloth to clean your baby’s gums daily.
Once your baby has teeth, use a SOFT toothbrush with only water to clean the teeth.

Your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled after the first tooth comes in and before 12 months of age. Follow your dentist’s recommendation for dental follow-up visits.

Follow your dentist’s recommendation for fluoride supplements.
Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle containing juice, milk, or any other sugary liquid.
Babies that are breastfed can develop tooth decay as well. Therefore, it is as important to maintain good mouth care for ALL babies.

Encourage drinking from a cup as soon as possible, usually by 1 year of age.

During the toddler years until he/she has learned to spit, continue to brush you child’s teeth with a small, soft toothbrush and water only (NO TOOTHPASTE).

By around the age of 2, brush the child’s teeth after breakfast and before bedtime.

Once you are sure that your child can spit (and will not swallow the toothpaste), you may start to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth. This is usually between the ages of 2-3.

Children younger than 4-5 years old have not developed the coordination to adequately clean their own teeth so caregivers should continue to provide oral care. Begin flossing when two of the child’s teeth begin to touch.

Supply a healthy, well balanced diet which will supply all the nutrients your child needs to grow and maintain good heath including good dental health.

Provide healthy snacks and avoid high sugar foods, starchy foods and sticky foods. When your child does eat these foods, be sure to brush afterwards to remove any food particles left on the teeth.

Some healthy snack choices include: fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, cheese, meat slices, nuts, and whole grain cereal. Keep treats for desserts and not in-between meals.