According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay has increased among children aged 2 to 5 years old. In the "Trends in Oral Health Status-United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004" tooth decay in the "baby" teeth of children aged 2 to 5 years increased from 24% to 28%.

At Aesthetic Dental, we enjoy creating a friendly environment for your child during their six month checkups. We support preventative dental care to prevent problems from beginning in the first place. The following is a list of ways to promote good dental health with children:

1. First visit by the first birthday.  A child should visit the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth or by age one.  Early examination and preventive care will protect you child’s smile now and in the future.

 

2. Dental problems can begin early.  A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries).  Children risk severe decay from using a bottle during naps or when they  nurse continuously from the breast.

 

3. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems.  Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, are better able to learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence.  Start children now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

 

4. Encourage children to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday.  Children should not fall asleep with a bottle.  At-will nighttime breast feeding should be avoided after the first primary teeth begin to erupt.  Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided.  When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.

 

5. Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

 

6. Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by the age 2 and it should be discouraged after the age 4.  Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems.  Dentist can suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

 

7. Never dip a pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby.

 

8. Limit frequency of snacking, which can increase a child’s risk of developing cavities.

 

9. Parents should ensure that young children use an appropriate size toothbrush with a small brushing surface and only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste at each brushing.  Young children should always be supervised while brushing and taught to spit out rather than swallow toothpaste.  Unless advised to do so by a dentist or other health professional, parents should not use fluoride toothpaste for children less than 2 years of age.

 

10. Children who drink primarily bottled water may not be getting the fluoride they need.

 

11. From six months to age 3, children may have sore gums when teeth erupt.  Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth.  Some parents prefer a chilled ring; other simply rub the baby's gum with a clean finger.