Robyn's Nest - The Parenting Network

Care of Baby Teeth

Care of baby teeth is quite simple, but extremely important because attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life.

Take your child to see the dentist regularly, scheduling a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday.

Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday.

For infants, parents should wipe the teeth and gums with a clean gauze or cloth. To make this easier sit on a sofa with the child's head in your lap or put the child on a dressing table or floor. This allows you to easily see into the child's mouth.

If parents demonstrate that they brush and floss regularly, it is more likely the child will too. Parents also must teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques. Purchase an ADA-accepted child-sized toothbrush, with soft bristles.

Start brushing the child's teeth with water as soon as the first tooth appears.

Start flossing when two of the child's teeth begin to touch.

Brush and floss your child's teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone. Supervise until much older (even as old as eight)

Make certain your child gets the right amount of fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Ask your dentist or pediatrician.

Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a thin protective barrier that shields the chewing surface of back teeth against tooth decay.

More about Care of Baby Teeth:

Fluoride

Fluoride is considered one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth decay. Water fluoridation has always been viewed as the most effective public health initiative ever to prevent tooth decay and improve overall dental health. Your dentist may recommend various ways for your child to get fluoride protection including:

Drinking fluoridated water;

Taking prescribed fluoride tablets or drops, only if you don't live in a fluoridated community;

Fluoride application in the dental office;

Brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste; and

Using a fluoride mouth rinse for children over age six.

Sealants

Sealants are used to protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay, the most widespread dental disease among children. However, your dentist can help prevent or reduce the incidence of decay by applying sealants to your child's teeth.

A sealant is a clear or shaded plastic material that is painlessly applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

Sealants protect normal depressions and grooves in the teeth called pits and fissures, which are particularly susceptible to tooth decay.

Thumbsucking

Does your child suck his or her thumb? In babies and young children, thumbsucking is a normal, soothing reflex. As the permanent teeth come in, however, continued thumbsucking can cause improper growth of the mouth and tooth misalignment.

Children should stop thumbsucking by the time the permanent teeth come in, usually around six or seven years of age.

You can try changing your child's habit by offering praise and rewards for not sucking the thumb. If this does not help, consult with your dentist.

Negative attention or undue attention may actually cause children to continue this adverse habit.

Mouth Protectors

Any child involved in a recreational activity, such as soccer, hockey, football, roller blading, riding a scooter and even bicycling should wear a mouth protector. There are "stock" mouth protectors available in stores and a better-fitting variety, which are custom fitted by your dentist. Ask your dentist about using a mouth protector.

Dental Emergencies

Knocked-Out Tooth: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in running water. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. Gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of cool water. Go to your dentist with the knocked-out tooth immediately (within 30 minutes if possible).

Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it and use dental floss to remove any food that might be trapped between the teeth. Do not place aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues and see your dentist as soon as possible.

Dental Checklist for Infants and Toddlers

Birth to 6 months
____ Clean mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime.
____ Ask your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements.
____ Regulate feeding habits.

6 to 12 months
____ First tooth should appear; time to see the pediatric dentist for an exam.
____ Begin to brush teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with small, soft-bristled brush.
____ Baby begins to walk; be alert to dental injuries.
____ Wean from breast or bottle by first birthday.

12 to 24 months
____ Follow schedule of exams and cleanings recommended by pediatric dentist.
____ Start using pea-sized portions of fluoridated toothpaste when child is able to rinse.
____ Most primary teeth have erupted.

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Care of Baby Teeth