Despite the fact that it is almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. More than 40 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth, and more than two-thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds have had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Although overall rates of tooth decay have decreased over the past four decades, decay has actually increased in preschool age children in recent years.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and an excellent time to take inventory of your child’s dental health. The good news is there are safe and effective preventive measures that can protect teeth in addition to good oral hygiene practices.
Many parents have questions when it comes to their child’s dental health. A few common questions and their answers are:
When should I begin taking my child to the dentist?
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that the first dental visit take place as soon as the first tooth erupts in to the mouth and no later than age one. The first visit consists of education for the parent, discussing oral care, diagnosing and screening. It is great to have a dental home already established in the unfortunate event of a dental trauma. Children are inherently head heavy and often “led by the teeth!”
Are baby teeth important? Don’t they just fall out anyway?
Baby teeth are very important to help your child chew nutritious food, help develop speech and also affect their facial development.
How should I care for my infant’s teeth?
1) Never put a child to bed with a bottle. If an infant falls asleep with milk or juice in the mouth, it will bathe the teeth all night long. This leads to aggressive tooth decay. The last thing to touch you baby’s teeth should be water. Breast milk will cause cavities too.
2) Use warm water on a soft bristled brush to gently remove plaque and any residual food from your baby’s teeth.
3) You should switch to a “safe-to-swallow” toddler toothpaste when your child will reliably spit (usually around age 3). Fluoride has been shown to cause a 30% decrease in cavities! However, if ingested (swallowed) it can cause the teeth to be splotchy. Furthermore, if very large amounts are swallowed it can cause additional health problems. Remember, all you need is a pea-sized amount!
Will sucking a thumb and using a pacifier affect my child’s smile?
There is no short, simple answer for this. A lot depends on the frequency and duration of the habit and how aggressively your child is sucking. The sooner the habit can be discontinued, the better! Generally between 18 months and 2 years is sufficient. If your child has a difficult time discontinuing this habit, ask your dental health practitioner if you need to intervene with an appliance.
What are dental sealants and are they effective in preventing cavities?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to keep germs and food out of their pits and grooves. Studies supported by the NIH’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and others have shown that sealants are safe and effective. But many people don’t know about sealants. In fact, fewer than one-third of children in the U.S. have sealants on their teeth.
How can I find out if my water has fluoride?
The best way to find the fluoride level of your local public water system is to contact your water utility provider. MUD in Omaha has fluoridated the Omaha Metro water supply.
For excellent family dental care and additional tips on keeping your child’s smile safe and healthy, visit us at www.premiersmile.com or call (402) 804-1002 to schedule an appointment.
by Dr. Piper Larson
402-804-1002
Dr. Larson graduated from North Dakota State University as a zoology major and double minored in microbiology and chemistry before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. She graduated with honors in the top five percent of her class. As a dentist, Dr. Larson is a lifelong student and continuing education makes it easy for her to stay ahead of the times with new treatment options. In 2013, she attended the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s National Conference in Orlando, FL, where she learned new, minimally invasive techniques. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association.