Tips for Parents Regarding Tooth Decay
Dr. Mona Houshiar and her staff at Mona Dental for Kids believe that every child deserves to have excellent oral health and wellness. Her team is trained in child psychology and has patience in providing comprehensive dental care for pediatric patients, including infants, children, and teenagers. They also service younger... more
It may come as a surprise to many parents, but tooth decay can start as early as age 1. Children who have tooth decay are at a higher risk of experiencing immediate and long-term oral health problems. These issues include pain, infections, difficulties in speaking and eating, tooth discoloration, and even tooth loss.
Here are some essential tips to assist children in maintaining mouths free from dental problems at all ages!
Birth-2-year-old:
1) Clean your baby's mouth and gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush before their teeth start to erupt. This should be done during bath time in order to prepare your baby for future teeth cleaning.
2) If you give your baby a bottle before they go to sleep, only use water. Bottles that contain sugary liquids or carbohydrates such as milk, formula, or fruit juice can expose the teeth to bacterial acid throughout the night.
3) Never dip a pacifier in anything sweet as it can lead to dental issues like Tooth Decay.
4) Make sure to take your child to see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday. The dentist will help you establish a daily oral care routine, provide recommendations, and determine when the next visit should be scheduled.
5) Discuss with your child's pediatric dentist the appropriate amount of fluoride for them. Inquire about whether they should be using toothpaste containing fluoride and if they require a fluoride supplement.
6) Establishing a dental home by taking your child to see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday is important. The dentist will assist you in creating a daily oral care plan, offer suggestions, and schedule future visits accordingly.
Age 2-5 years:
1) Remember to brush your child's teeth at least twice a day - once in the morning and once at night. The most crucial time to brush is right before bedtime.
2) Schedule dental visits every six months to keep away dental decay.
3) Thumb sucking, finger sucking, and pacifier use can affect your child's teeth similarly. Sucking for extended periods may cause the upper front teeth to tip outward or come in improperly. Most children stop this habit naturally, but if not, try discouraging it by age 3 or ask your dentist for other creative ideas.
4) Monitor snacking - ideally, children should have no more than three snacks a day.
5) Parents can start flossing for their children when any two teeth touch each other.
6) Avoid juices as they contain high amounts of sugar that bathe the teeth. Limit juice consumption to less than 6 oz per day.
7) Consult your child's pediatric dentist about the appropriate amount of fluoride for them. Inquire if they should use toothpaste with fluoride or if they need a fluoride supplement.
8) For school-age children, parents should supervise tooth brushing until they are seven or eight years old. When teeth touch each other, it is time to start flossing. Ask the pediatric dentist for flossing tips for your child's teeth.
9) In addition to brushing and flossing, chewing gum with xylitol can stimulate saliva flow and clean the mouth.
10) Protect your child's teeth with a mouthguard during physical activities such as sports or leisure activities. Consult with their pediatric dentist to determine which type of mouthguard is most suitable.
11) Avoid carbonated beverages as they can erode tooth enamel. Sports drinks and juice pouches also contribute to high acid levels that Mouth Monsters enjoy!
