Caring for your child’s teeth begins the moment they are born. Kelly Olsen, our hygienist, has prepared some information on dental care for your infants and children:
Newborn dental care
When babies are born, you should wipe their gums with a clean cloth after each feeding to remove any dental plaque (biofilm), and to familiarize your infant with the “tooth brushing” experience. Even though they don’t have teeth, plaque colonies can form in their mouths.
Teething
The first tooth usually erupts into the mouth at six months of age. Keep in mind that six months is only an average age. Don’t be worried if a tooth appears at three months or not until nine months.
Some signs/symptoms of teething may include:
- Gums may be swollen and may appear red or bluish in color
- Excessive drooling
- Disrupted sleeping and eating patterns
- Irritability or crankiness
- The need to chew on a teething ring
- Some infants may show no signs of teething at all
- Teething rings are highly recommended to aid in comforting your child. Numbing agents that contain benzocaine are NOT recommended. In rare cases these medications can be associated with a condition called: Methemoglobinemia, which greatly reduces the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream. The most severe cases of Methemoglobinemia can be life threatening. Consult with your pediatrician or dentist regarding the use of these products under the age of two.
When the teeth begin to appear, you can continue to wipe them with a clean cloth or you can brush them with an infant toothbrush. Toothpaste is not recommended at this time. However, these teeth are highly susceptible to cavities (tooth decay). Your pediatrician will typically prescribe fluoride vitamins to prevent decay. It is recommended to continue with a fluoride regimen until the age of fourteen.
Introducing Toothpaste
The full set of twenty baby teeth is usually present in the mouth at age two. It is at this time that you can introduce a small amount (pea size) of children’s fluoride toothpaste. It is important that your toddler is spitting out the toothpaste. If they are having trouble, you can use fluoride free training toothpaste to help teach them to spit. Flossing should be introduced around this time as well. Flossing should be done after the brushing is finished. Sometimes it is helpful to have your child lay down so that there head is supported and not moving all around while you are trying to floss.
Inspecting for Cavities
It is important to inspect your child’s teeth for cavities (tooth decay). Tooth decay usually begins at the gumline of the top front teeth and on the tops of the back teeth (molar or chewing surfaces). Begin your inspection by gently pulling your child’s top lip up and away from the teeth. Look for white chalky patches at the gumline. Tooth decay usually begins as white and chalky spots and slowly turns yellow, brown, and black. Then inspect the tops of the back teeth, both top and bottom, for white, brown, and black spots. Contact your dentist if you have any concerns about the appearance of your child’s teeth.
Brushing Children’s Teeth
Ultimately brushing should be done twice a day, morning and night. Children should be supervised and have help with their brushing until they are eight or nine. Sometimes young children will tend to “chew” on their toothbrush rather than brushing in a horizontal or circular motion. The bristles (filaments) of the toothbrush will begin to bend in every direction. If this is the case, it is recommended that two different toothbrushes be used: one that the child can brush their teeth with, and a separate toothbrush that the parent will use when it is their turn to brush their child’s teeth. In order for brushing to be effective the filaments need to be standing upright in appearance. A ratty old brush will not remove the dental plaque biofilm effectively. Toothbrushes should be changed when the filaments begin to fray or every three months, whichever comes first.
If you ever have any concerns about the condition of your child’s teeth, fluoride supplements and brushing technique, be sure to contact your dentist.
