When should my child first see the dentist?
How often after the initial visit?
Why so early?
Are baby teeth really that important?
What are the signs of teething?
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
When should we begin using toothpaste?
When should my child brush and floss their teeth by themselves?
How can I prevent Early Childhood Caries ECC?
When should bottle or breast feeding be stopped?
Should I worry about a thumb/finger/pacifier habit?
Is my child receiving enough fluoride? Do they need supplements?
What are Dental Sealants?
Permanent teeth are coming in behind their baby teeth.
How can I help my child remain cavity-free?

When should my child first see the dentist?

First visit by first birthday sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.
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How often after the initial visit?

In order to prevent cavities and other dental problems a check-up is recommended every six months. Your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your children should visit based on their personal oral health.
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Why so early?

The most important reason is a practical prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is nursing or baby bottle tooth decay. Your baby risks severe decay when he or she nurses continuously form the breast or from a bottle of milk, formula, or juice during naps or at night. Another concern is gum disease. Recent studies show nearly half of all children aged two and three have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
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Are baby teeth really that important?

Baby teeth serve many purposes. They allow a child to speak properly and to chew. They also provide the framework for the permanent dentition.
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What are the signs of teething?

The signs of teething are drooling, irritability, restlessness, and loss of appetite. Fever, illness, and diarrhea is not a symptom. If your child experiences these signs, they need to be evaluated by a pediatrician. The best solutions to comfort the child is to have the child chew on a cold or frozen rubber teething ring. Topical anesthetics are not recommended.
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When should I start brushing my child's teeth?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your baby's gums with a clean damp wash cloth. Use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste if your pediatric dentist advises fluoride protection. Later, brush your child's teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively.
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When should we begin using toothpaste?

When a child is 2-3 years of age fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced. Before this time parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After the age of 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
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When should my child brush and floss their teeth by themselves?

We recommend that parents brush and floss their children's teeth for the first five to seven years of life, since young children lack the proper manual dexterity.
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How can I prevent Early Childhood Caries ECC?

There are several practices that will help prevent the type of tooth decay termed baby bottle tooth decay. Since this type of decay is usually caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars, measures can be taken avoid these extended exposures. 1. Never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle in their mouth that contains milk, formula, juice or other sugar-based liquids. 2. To help establish healthy teeth and aid in teething, you can clean and massage your baby's gums. 3. Upon the eruption of the first baby tooth, you should begin plague removal techniques, brushing your child's teeth using a soft toothbrush. 4. Your baby's first visit to the dentist should be between the age of six and 12 months.
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When should bottle or breast feeding be stopped?

Should I worry about a thumb/finger/pacifier habit?

Most children stop sucking their fingers between the ages of three to five. Sucking of a finger can have a significant effect on the bite. Flaring of the upper front teeth producing a protrusion, and backward positioning of the lower front teeth are common. Also, a crossbite or narrowing of the upper jaw can occur producing an openbite, where the front teeth don't touch. The amount of these bite effects depend on the frequency, how long the child does it each time, and intensity of the finger habit. If your child continues this habit past the time of the eruption of the first permanent tooth, then it can have a permanent effect on the adult bite. The habit should be stopped before these teeth come in. From a preventive point of view, infants should be given pacifiers, as they will do much less harm than finger habits, and most children will discontinue their use earlier.
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Is my child receiving enough fluoride? Do they need supplements?

Your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements if your child is not getting enough through drinking water. If your child primarily drinks bottled water without fluoride this may be necessary. Ask your pediatric dentist for an evaluation if you are concerned.
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What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities occur most often for children. Sealants, composed of clear or shaded plastic, are painted onto the tiny grooves in the molars. By sealing out food and plaque, sealants reduce the risk of tooth decay. Sealants can be quickly and painlessly applied to any permanent teeth that are likely to develop decay on the bitting surface.
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Permanent teeth are coming in behind their baby teeth.

If the baby teeth are moderately to very loose, there is no immediate treatment. Patience is recommended. This is a normal process. The tongue will push the permanent lower front teeth forward. If the teeth are not very loose, your child should be seen to take an x-ray and evaluate the situation.
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How can I help my child remain cavity-free?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that your child should brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. They also suggest that you floss your children's teeth once a day until they are able to do it themselves-around age 10. They recommend that your child get enough fluoride and have sealants applied to the chewing surface of permanent back teeth or molars soon after they come in. In addition, they suggest moderate snacking-only twice per day.
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