Children’s Hygiene

Although a child’s first dental visit can be scary for all parties involved, it is our goal to eliminate fear by keeping our patients well informed about the proper hygiene for children. By teaching children the correct way to take care of their teeth early on in life, less problems will develop as they grow older; making a trip to the dentist a fun experience! The topics in this section include:

1st dental visit
A good oral hygiene routine
The importance of primary teeth
A good diet
Good dental health
Sealants
Fluoride
Emergency Care FAQ

1st dental visit

Between ages 3 and 4
The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff.
Comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits.
If possible, bring your child first to one of your hygiene appointments to become familiar with the setting, sights and sounds.
Discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

The American Dental Hygiene Association states that a good oral hygiene routine for children includes:

Thoroughly cleaning your infant’s gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant cloth. This stimulates the gum tissue and removes food.
Gently brushing your baby’s erupted teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
Teaching your child at age 2 or 3 about proper brushing techniques and later teaching them brushing and gentle flossing until 7 or 8 years old.
Regular visits with their dentist to check for cavities in the primary teeth and for possible developmental problems.
Encouraging your child to discuss any fears they may have about oral health visits, but not mentioning words like “pain” or “hurt,” since this may instill the possibility of pain in the child’s thought process.
Determining if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated; if not, discussing supplement options with your dentist or hygienist.
Asking your hygienist or dentist about sealant applications to protect your child’s teeth-chewing surfaces and about bottle tooth decay, which occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugared liquids.

The importance of primary teeth

Good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition.
Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits.
The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.
Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.

A good diet

Teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet.
A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems.
Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.

Good dental health

According to research, the most common chronic childhood disease in America is tooth decay, affecting 50 percent of first-graders and 80 percent of 17-year-olds.
Early treatment prevents problems affecting a child’s health, well-being, and overall self-image.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children practice good dental hygiene. Parents must introduce proper oral care early in a child’s life—as early as infancy.

Sealants

The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely difficult to clean of bacteria and food. As the bacteria reacts with the food, acids form and break down the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of total cavities in American school children are caused this way.

Sealants protect these susceptible areas:

Sealing the grooves and depressions.

Preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas.

Sealant material is a resin typically applied to the back teeth (molars and premolars) and areas prone to cavities.

It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that helps teeth become stronger and resistant to decay. Regularly drinking water treated with fluoride and brushing and flossing regularly ensures significantly lower cavities.

Emergency Care FAQ

When your child needs urgent dental treatment, your pediatric dentist stands ready to help. Please keep the emergency number available and convenient.

Q: What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

A: Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Q: What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

A: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water (do not scrub it or clean it with soap: just use water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the pediatric dental office immediately (call the emergency number if it’s after hours.) The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

A: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening.

Q: What if my child has a toothache?

A: Call your pediatric dentist and visit the office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

Q: Can dental injuries be prevented?

A: Absolutely! First, reduce oral injury in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child-proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care.