The Care and Keeping of Children's Oral Health

Online, April 12, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Children's oral health care begins the moment they are born. From infants to teenagers, oral health should be an important part of their life.

Oral Health Care for Children

From the day they are born, a child's 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaw. So it comes as no surprise that good oral health care for children starts the moment they are born. Many parents are uninformed of the importance of baby teeth. Even though they will eventually fall out and make way for permanent teeth, they are important to help them chew food, speak properly and create room for the permanent teeth.

Infants

At around 6 months of age, teeth will begin poking through the gums. Once this happens, begin rubbing the baby's gums with a wet washcloth or sterile gauze pad. Make sure they see a dentist by their first birthday to put them on the right track for oral health.

To help prevent early tooth decay, never put your infant to bed with a bottle. The sugar in sweetened liquids feeds bacteria harbored in the mouth. Those bacteria can then produce acids that corrode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay at an early age, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

For children older than two years old, it is a good idea to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth. Make sure they spit out the majority of the toothpaste.

Young Children

More than one-half of all children aged five to nine years have at least one cavity or filling. This is why a dental examination is as important as booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations. Keep in mind a painful tooth or chronic dental problem can lead to difficulty in eating, speaking and concentrating. Children with chronic dental pain may not always voice their problem, which may ultimately lead to missed school hours.

Diet also plays a vital role in children's oral health. Studies have shown that children who don't eat breakfast every day, or do not eat five servings of fruits and vegetables, tend to have higher levels of tooth decay because they end up snacking more often. The odds of decay in temporary baby teeth are greater in children with poor eating habits. For professional protection, it is recommended that children receive sealants. Sealants form a barrier that protects teeth from plaque, a sticky film of acid-producing bacteria.

Teens and Young Adults

At this stage in their development, it is important to keep track of teen's oral health. Their habits now will set the stage for their adult life. Make sure your pre-teen or teen is brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily. This is the best way to avoid cavities. As a parent, one can help them avoid sugary snacks and drink and make sure they wear a mouth guard when they're active. Most importantly, make sure they see a dentist regularly.

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