Regular dental exam

Evidence suggests that to be successful in preventing cavities, dentists must begin preventive care for a child at an early age. We recommend children have their first dental exam by age 2 and continue with routine exams every 6 to 12 months.

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Parents' dental hygiene

Cavity causing bacteria can be transmitted from caregivers to their children, so it equally important for parents to brush and floss routinely and have regular dental exams. This also sets a good example for your children to follow.

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Brushing

Wipe an infant’s toothless gums with a soft washcloth to keep the mouth clean. Begin brushing once the first tooth pushes through the gums. Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush to clean teeth at least twice daily, every morning and before bedtime. Two minutes of brushing is a good time to aim for after all primary teeth have erupted. Children need a little coaxing. Try a timer or play a favorite two-minute song for encouragement.

Nighttime brushing is most important because it leaves the mouth clean during 8 – 12 hours of sleep. After brushing at bedtime no snacks should follow. Because young children lack the dexterity to effectively reach all areas of their mouths parents should assist with brushing until age 8.

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Toothpaste

Use fluoridated toothpaste when your child can spit out and not swallow the toothpaste. Use only a pea-size amount on the brush. Do not rinse with water after brushing; have your child spit, and then let the residual toothpaste remain on the teeth.

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Flossing

If you can see the teeth touching a parent needs to floss the child’s teeth to remove impacted food. If you can see gums between teeth there is no need to floss yet.

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Diet and nutrition

Maintain a balanced diet. Serve healthy snacks such as raw fruits and vegetables, milk, nuts, yogurt, eggs and cheese. Drink water often. Avoid fruit roll-ups, chewy fruit snacks and candy; all of which stick to teeth and are hard to clean off. Check labels on prepared food packages, cans bottles. Sugars added to food can be listed as:

glucose, sucrose, dextrose, lactose, natural sweetners, corn syrup, honey molasses among other terms.

Milk, without flavorings added, strengthens teeth and bones; serve at meal or snack time but don’t put youngsters to bed sipping it.

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Beverage choices

Our favorite choice is milk at meals and water between meals and at bedtime. Sodas are our least favorite drinks. They contain sugar (up to 10 teaspoons in a 1oz. drink) and acid, both of which weaken teeth. Juices and sports drinks can also be high in sugar. Read labels. Strictly limit your child’s consumption, reserving high sugar drinks for special occasions.

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Xylitol

This natural sweetener does not cause cavities and actually can help prevent them. It is a non-fermentable sugar that stops the acid onslaught that can lead to cavities. Xylitol also increases saliva production which can protect your teeth. If a child is old enough and you allow gum-chewing look for gum or other products including mints, tooth wipes and toothpaste containing Xylitol.

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Sealants

Dental sealants are a plastic coating applied to molars to fill deep grooves where food and bacteria that cause cavities get caught. Sealants make teeth less prone to developing cavities.

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Parental involvement

Let your children see you brushing and flossing your teeth regularly; make it a fun practice to do together. Praise your child for good oral hygiene habits. Drink and eat what you want your children to consume. Be consistent. Set routines and stick to them. Don’t stock unhealthy snacks at home. Limit sweet treats. Get in the habit of drinking plain water.