How To Establish Great
Child Dental Health Habits

I have found that one of the misconceptions is when we should take our children to the dentist. When my son was born someone told me that you take them when they are 12 months old. Then I was told 24 months by another person. The American Academy of Pediatrics used to recommend that the first visit to the dentist be at three years of age. Now, because so many children have cavities by the time they start kindergarten, the AAP states that high risk children should see a dentist six months after their first tooth erupts or before they are 12 months old.

My son went to a pediatric dentist when he was 12 months old. She was great! He still sees her to this day every six months. I recommend that you take your child every six months for a cleaning and check up. This was the reason why my son's first cavity was found so early. It is important that you stay on top of child dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Are Cavities?

Cavities are holes that are formed when bacteria (germs) in your mouth use the sugar in food to make acid. This acid eats away at the teeth. Cavities are common in children. Good tooth care can keep cavities from happening in your child.

Cavity Risks

Your child might be at risk for cavities if he or she eats a lot of sugary foods (such as raisins, cookies and candy) and drinks a lot of sweet liquids (such as fruit juice and punch, soda and sweetened drinks). Your child also might be at risk if he or she has any of the following risk factors:

• Was born early (prematurely) or weighed very little at birth (low birth weight)
• Has ongoing special health care needs
• Has white spots or brown areas on any teeth
• Does not go to the dentist very often

How To Prevent Cavities:

Everyone in your family should take good care of their teeth. Family members with lots of cavities can pass the cavity-causing bacteria to babies and children.

Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day/ or after every meal. In good child dental health, children should floss once a day. Everyone should see the dentist twice a year. Have your doctor or dentist show you the correct way to brush your child's teeth.

Is Diet Important For Child Dental Health?

Yes. Avoiding sweets, sticky foods and between-meal snacks is good advice. To avoid cavities, limit sweet snacks and drinks between meals. Have meals and snacks at regular times. Teeth-friendly snacks include fresh fruits and vegetables, and cheese and crackers.

Baby bottles can create additional problems. When liquid from a bottle--like milk and juice--stays in contact with the teeth for a long time, the sugars cause tooth decay. This can create a condition called bottle mouth. Your baby's teeth can develop cavities and become pitted or discolored. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle. Don't let your child walk around during the day with a bottle, and teach your child to use a drinking cup around his or her first birthday.

:0)Tips for Child Dental Health:

• Do not put an infant or toddler to bed with a bottle or sippy cup which contains juice or milk. Only water should be in the container. In addition, do not let your youngster drink or sip juice throughout the day. Frequent use of a sippy cup containing juice is likely to cause dental caries. Put only water in sippy cups!
• Keep only healthy foods in the house. Buy “whole-wheat” products and bread. Avid buying sweet snacks or soda, as these are very destructive to teeth. DO NOT buy sticky, sweet foods such as candy, raisins, and fruit roll-ups.
• Teach the importance of healthy eating habits. Do not let sugars control your child’s diet.
• Make healthy foods FUN by providing a variety of healthy snacks, fruit, and vegetables. Snacking on cheese can help prevent tooth decay. Aged cheddar, Swiss cheese are best for this purpose.
• Let your children know that soda and junk food causes cavities. Offer your children milk or water instead of juice.
• Help your young child brush after every meal.

I hope that I have passed on some advice that helps. I do not want any child to experience a cavity and uncomfortable trip to the dentist! Child dental health is important. Preventative maintenance is the key to your child having beautiful teeth. So stock your refrigerator with fruits and cheese..:0)

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