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When should dental care begin?
Most dentists that treat children will agree that regular dental care should begin by one year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. Because I am a general dentist, I see expectant mothers and it is then that the basic information should be imparted so proper care can be given prior to the first teeth coming in or reaching the first birthday. Some children may need more frequent evaluations and care. In accordance with this recommendation, the following dental checklist for infants and toddlers has been provided.
Birth to 6 months of age:
Clean the infant's mouth with gauze after feedings and at bedtime. Consult our office or your child's pediatrician regarding fluoride supplements. Regulate feeding habits (bottle feeding and breastfeeding). Know that bacteria from caretaker's mouths can transfer to the child's mouth and their dental diseases can be transferred to the child more so if good dental hygiene is not practiced.
Six to 12 months of age:
During this time, the first tooth should appear. Give us a call (316-722-8148) for an examination which should occur between the time the first tooth appears and your child's first birthday. Brush the teeth after each feeding and at bedtime with a small, soft-bristled brush. As the teeth begin to touch the adjacent teeth begin flossing to remove food particles as well as bacterial plaque. As the child begins to walk, stay alert of potential dental and/or facial injuries. Wean the child from breast or bottle by his/her first birthday.
Twelve to 24 months of age:
Follow the schedule of dental examinations and cleanings, as recommended by our office. Generally, dental examinations and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children and adults.
As your child learns to rinse his/her mouth (expectorating and not swallowing), and as most deciduous (baby) teeth have erupted by this age, brushing with a pea-sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste becomes appropriate
Facts about deciduous teeth:
Proper care of a child's deciduous teeth (also known as "baby" or primary teeth) is very important as these teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth.
If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth may be lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.
Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits, and weaker teeth.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around the age of 5-6 - usually the front bottom teeth first. They continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally come through with the exception of the third molars or wisdom teeth.
Thumb-Sucking and Dental Health
Generally, thumb-sucking before the age of two is normal and generally harmless. When thumb-sucking is not stopped by the appropriate age (generally by the age of five) then parents should discourage the act. Prolonged thumb-sucking may contribute to crowded and/or crooked teeth development and bite problems.
Diet and dental care for children:
I recommend the following to ensure your child eats correctly to maintain a healthy body and teeth:
1. Ask us to help you assess your child's diet.
2. Shop smart. Do not routinely stock your pantry with sugary or starchy snacks.
3. Buy "fun foods" just for special times.
4. Limit the number of snack times; choose nutritious snacks.
5. Provide a balanced diet, and save foods with sugar or starch for mealtimes. Do not put your young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice. If your child chews gum or sips liquids, choose those without sugar. Do not allow your child to sip juice or sodas at will, as the frequency will likely result in damage to the teeth. If a soft drink or juice is given, allow them to drink the amount given in a short period of time and don't allow sipping at will.
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