Children's Oral Health

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• QHow can I protect my child's teeth when using a training cup?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Do not let your child constantly sip liquids containing sugar (including milk and juice drinks) from a training cup, because that encourages tooth decay. Offer these liquids only at mealtimes -- understanding that mealtimes for little ones may be more frequent than the standard three times a day for adults. (Saliva production increases during a meal and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.) If your child is thirsty between meals, offer water in the cup.
  
  Do not let your child carry the training cup around, or get into the habit of keeping it within reach while riding in a car or stroller. At-will, frequent sips of sugary liquids encourage tooth decay. Another problem is that toddlers often are unsteady on their feet. They take an unnecessary risk if they try to walk and drink at the same time. Falling while drinking from a cup can injure the mouth. Do not let your child walk or run around with a training cup.
• QWhy should I take my child to the dentist before school starts?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  

  Seeing the dentist before sending your child back to school is a good idea. Watch as Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why a healthy mouth equals a healthy, happier child in school.

  
  
• QHow can kids maintain a healthy smile?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  

  Want to keep your smile forever? Watch as Dudley explains how to keep your smile healthy for a lifetime.

  
  

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• QWhat happens at my child's first dentist visit?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Plan your child's first dental visit within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. Consider it a "well baby checkup" for your child's teeth. At the dental visit, the dental team will:
  

  • check on oral hygiene, injuries, cavities, or other problems
  • find out your child's risk of getting tooth decay
  • assess how the teeth are developing
  • let you know if your child may later need treatment for crooked teeth or a "bad bite"
  • provide advice to help you take care of your child's oral health

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• QWhat's the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  A dentist is a doctor of oral health. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

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• QDoes gingivitis affect children differently than adults?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, treats children no differently from adults. If your child has gingivitis, their gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. This is why good oral hygiene and having a healthy balanced diet are important for children. As your child gets older and starts taking care of his own teeth, make sure he brushes two times a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes and flosses daily to be Mouth Healthy for Life.

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• QDoes sucking your thumb really ruin your teeth?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  After the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth.
  
  The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths, they are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may cause problems with their baby (primary) teeth. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, consult your dentist.
  
  Children should have ceased sucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt.
  
  Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs.

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