February: National Children’s Dental Health Month - Shelton, Ct
/In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, I want to educate parents on children’s oral health. As a busy parent myself, I know it’s hard to stay on top of your child’s brushing. To make things easier, I wanted to streamline all the important information for you regarding your child’s oral health.
When should you start brushing?
According to the American Dental Association, brushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth.
Is it normal for your child to not like brushing at first?
YES absolutely! Starting to brush at a very young age makes it easier to transition into consistent, twice a day brushing without resistance. Its best to use positive reinforcement and to try to make it fun. There are apps from Oral B and Philips Sonicare, as examples, that you can use which play music or make brushing into a game.
When should you start using toothpaste?
As soon as you start brushing, you should start using toothpaste. It is fine to start with toothpaste that has fluoride in it as long as you use a very small amount. We say the size of a grain of rice on the brush.
If you are not comfortable using toothpaste with fluoride at first, it is acceptable to use fluoride free toothpaste. The idea is that you are getting your child used to brushing and to using toothpaste.
Where should you brush?
Since most children are unable to spit the toothpaste out until age three or older, you can brush just about anywhere that is convenient like the changing table or in the bathtub.
When should your child go to the dentist?
The first dental visit is recommended by age one, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming into the mouth. Think first birthday, first dental visit.
How can you prepare your child for the dentist?
You can read a children’s book about going to the dentist. The fan favorite is Peppa Pig’s Trip to the Dentist. You can also ask for a tour prior to your visit to prepare your child and familiarize them to the environment.
Why chose a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists are highly trained in treating children in a comfortable, child friendly environment.
How often should your child go to the dentist?
Every 6 months. The dentist may recommend more frequent visits if your child would benefit from it.
When can your child brush by themselves?
We say that when your child can tie their own shoes, they can brush their own teeth.
When should you stop the pacifier by?
By age 2. Stopping the pacifier around age 2 will help avoid changes in the teeth and palate that can lead to long-term orthodontic issues.
When should you start flossing?
You should start flossing as soon as you notice the teeth are touching. This generally happens between age 4 or 5. Once the teeth are touching, the toothbrush can no longer remove plaque from the surfaces in between the teeth. Most cavities in young children occur between the molar teeth in the back of the mouth so it’s important to floss these surfaces daily. They make child size flossers in various colors and flavors that make it easier to floss for your child.
Do you floss or brush first?
Flossing first removes the plaque from in between the teeth and then the toothbrush can take it all away.
When do dental x-rays happen?
Dental x-rays typically happen around age 4 or 5 when the teeth are touching. Once the teeth are in contact, we can’t see on the exam if there are any cavities in between. X-rays may be taken be sooner if the teeth are crowded, if the dentist sees something suspicious on the exam or if trauma occurs.
When do you start losing teeth?
The average age is six and it generally starts with two front teeth on the bottom. Although, every patient is different and it is completely normal for children as young as 4 to start losing teeth as well as children around 7 to have not lost any.
Education is the best prevention. Dental hygienists work hard to educate parents and patients at each visit. How can you prevent dental cavities and gum disease? By going to the dentist regularly and having good oral home care . I hope this information was educational and that you now have a better understanding of how to take care of your child’s teeth.
Robert Fucci Jr RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist
River Road Pediatric Dentistry
865 River Road Suite 200 Shelton, CT 06484
P: 203-538-5001