FAQ children
Age to bring in a
child.
Most children are brought in to see a dentist between age 3 and
age 4. Younger than that, and they generally will not be able to
sit for the visit. If you can bring the child in with you (if
you are a parent) you can let them see you having your teeth
cleaned and perhaps the dentist can count their teeth and let
them have a pleasant first visit (instead of waiting until they
have a toothache).
Why are baby teeth important?
Your child's baby teeth are important. Children need
strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a
good-looking smile. Baby teeth also keep a space in the
jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too
early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space.
When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may
not be enough room. This can make the teeth crooked or
crowded.
Should
I clean my baby's teeth?
Definitely.
Even before the first tooth appears, use a soft, clean cloth to wipe your
baby's gums and cheeks after feeding. As soon as the first tooth appears,
begin using a small, soft bristled tooth brush to clean the tooth after
eating. Don't cover the brush with toothpaste. Young children tend to
swallow most of the toothpaste, and swallowing too much fluoridated
toothpaste can cause permanent spots on their teeth called dental
fluorosis.
I
find brushing my child's teeth awkward. Any suggestions?
Try
having your child lie down. Put your child on your lap or on the floor,
keeping his/her head steady with your legs. If your child is standing,
have his/her back to you with their head tilted slightly and resting
against your body. Have your child hold a mirror while you brush and floss
their teeth so your child can see what is being done.
Is
it important to brush before bed?
Yes.
If you have to miss a brushing, the bedtime one is probably the worst one
to miss. If you don't get rid of the bacteria and sugar that cause
cavities, they have all night to do harm. While you are awake, saliva
helps keep the mouth clean. When you are asleep, there is less saliva
produced to clean the mouth. For this reason it is important to brush
before bedtime.
How
to brush your child's teeth:
Every day plaque forms on the inner, outer, and chewing surface of teeth
and the gums. Tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove
the plaque. The best kind of toothbrush to use is one with soft,
round-tipped bristles. A child will need a smaller brush than an adult.
Young children do not have the manual dexterity to brush properly. Your
child will need your supervision and help brushing until he or she is 8-10
years old to ensure a thorough brushing has been done. When the
bristles become bent or frayed, a new brush is needed. Start flossing your
child's teeth when the teeth touch each other and you can no longer brush
in between them.
When
your baby gets fussy, do you give the baby a bottle of
milk, fruit juice, or sweetened liquids as a pacifier or
comforter? Do you also give your baby a bottle at naptime
or bedtime? Both of these habits can cause your baby's
teeth to decay.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Decay in infants and children is called baby bottle
tooth decay. It can destroy the teeth and most often
occurs in the upper front teeth. But other teeth may also
be affected.
Decay occurs when sweetened liquids are given and are
left clinging to an infant's teeth for long periods. Many
sweet liquids cause problems, including milk, formula and
fruit juice. Bacteria in the mouth use these sugars as
food. They then produce acids that attack the teeth. Each
time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20
minutes or longer. After many attacks, the teeth can
decay. for more details click here.
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