How to have good Oral Health

Children & Dental Health

Before Your Child's Birth

Most people are unaware that a child’s dental care actually begins before birth.  Before babies are born, they have 20 primary (baby) teeth below the gums.  These teeth develop during the 4th month of pregnancy.  Wiping baby’s gums with a clean damp cloth after feeding will remove the plaque and bacteria that can harm erupting teeth.  At about 6 months of age, your baby’s first teeth will begin to push through the gums.  It is common for babies to cry and drool more when their teeth begin to come in.

The First Dental Visit

Your child should see a dentist by their first birthday.  In addition to checking for decay or other problems, the dentist will teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth, identify fluoride needs, and discuss any habits that could affect the future of their teeth such as thumb sucking.

As Your Child Grows Up

Why are Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth) Important?

• They help a child learn to speak properly
• Healthy primary teeth help build a child’s self-esteem
• These teeth make sure there is enough room for permanent teeth

Primary teeth are important for eating and good nutrition in children.

Tooth Decay/Early Childhood Caries

Cavities are caused by bacteria that live on the sugar in your child’s mouth.  The bacteria cause a sticky substance called plaque to form on teeth.  The plaque creates acid that eats away the hard outer coating on teeth, forming a hole (called a cavity). Early childhood caries (cavities) is a serious form of tooth decay.  It is caused by the frequent and long exposure of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar (milk, formula, fruit juice, and other sweet drinks).

Bacteria that cause cavities can also be passed from parent to child by sharing eating utensils.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Child

For infants and toddlers

• Starting the first few days after birth, take a wet cloth and wipe it over your baby’s
  gums after each feeding.
• Never give your baby a pacifier dipped in soda, or other sugary drinks.
• If you must put your baby to bed with a bottle, make sure it is only filled with water.
• Once your baby has a tooth, use a cotton swab or soft infant toothbrush to clean your baby’s teeth daily to get rid of any plaque.
• Avoid sharing silverware or chewing food for your baby.  Bacteria that live in your
  mouth can cause tooth decay in your baby’s mouth.

For school-aged children

• Until your child is 6 or 7 years old, you should help your child brush and floss their teeth.
• Begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as any two teeth touch.  Your dentist can show you how to properly floss your child’s teeth
• Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush.  Make
  sure they spit the toothpaste out instead of swallowing it.
• Once your child’s permanent teeth come in, ask your dentist about sealants.  They are protective plastic coatings that prevent food from settling in the grooves of the teeth.
• Sealants are a painless way to prevent tooth decay.
• Give your child juice only at mealtimes, and not throughout the day.
• The trick to fighting cavities is giving your child healthy meals and snacks as well as teaching them healthy habits.
• Make brushing and flossing fun for your child.

Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a clear material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where most decay occurs.  The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting teeth from bacteria and acid that attack enamel.  As your child’s permanent teeth come in, talk to your dentist about having sealants applied to your child’s teeth.

Mother Nature Wants Children To Have Healthy Teeth

Fluoride is one of the most effective agents for preventing tooth decay.  The best way your child can receive fluoride is by drinking water containing the right amount of fluoride.  If your water supply is not optimally fluoridated, your dentist or pediatrician can provide your child with fluoride supplements.

Injury

Active children require proper equipment to help prevent against accidents to the face, tongue, teeth, and lips.  Your dentist will be able to provide you with information about different types of mouth guards.

The Dentist Shouldn't Be Scary

Help your child understand that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help them keep and take care of their teeth.  Be positive and make dental appointments a pleasant experience.  Children learn by example, so it is important for you to brush and floss your teeth and see the dentist on a regular basis.  Good health habits are formed at an early age and it is critical that you help your child achieve a healthy smile for life!

What About Maryland*

• 42% of Maryland school children have untreated decay.
• The Eastern Shore has the greatest number of children with untreated decay in the state (54%).
• The average school aged child in Maryland has nearly 4 cavities.
• Children without fluoridated water have 50% more cavities than children with fluoridated water.

To Find a Dentist for Your Child, Please Call: Maryland State Dental Association: 410-964-2880

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Whether you are old or young, good oral health includes good nutrition. Eating smart is good for your teeth and the rest of your body. Foods like raw vegetables, fresh fruits, or whole grain crackers and breads are low in sugar and have great nutritional value. Eating the right foods can help protect you from tooth decay, but being cavity free is only one part of good oral health. It is important to see your dentist regularly so if there is a problem, it can be diagnosed and treated quickly.

Foods that Cause Tooth Decay

Sugary drinks (soda, juice, sweet tea) and foods that stay in the mouth longer increase the risk for tooth decay.

Ways to Avoid Tooth Decay

• Avoid eating hard candies throughout the day.
• Try to brush your teeth after every meal.
• End a meal with a crunchy and nutritious food such as an apple or carrot to help scrub your teeth.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Foods That Should Be Eaten in Moderation

Fun and Nutritious Foods

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Yogurt
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Turkey
• Pumpkin seeds
• Non-sugar cereals
• Sunflower seeds
• Plain bagels
• Pizza
• Popcorn
• Tacos
• Cheese

Remember

• Choose sugary foods less often.
• Avoid sweets between meals.
• Floss and brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after snacks and meals.

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• Dental injuries are the most common type of injuries to the face.
• Half of all dental injuries can be prevented.
• An athlete is 60 times more likely to cause damage to their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard.
• The cost of a broken tooth is more expensive than a mouth guard.
• 60% of facial injuries occur during sports practice.
• In the United States , 5 million teeth are knocked out each year – mainly front teeth.

What is a mouth guard?

• A mouth guard is a flexible piece of plastic that fits around the upper teeth.
• A mouth guard should be worn when playing sports.

Activities that call for mouth protection include:

Choosing a mouth guard

A mouth guard should:

• Be flexible
• Not tear
• Be comfortable
• Fit properly
• Be durable
• Be easy to clean
• Not get in the way of speaking or breathing
• Be odorless and tasteless

Types of mouth guards

• Stock Mouth Guards : These are sold in sporting goods stores in sizes small, medium, and large and are held in place by biting down.
• Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: These are the most commonly used. They are softened in boiling water and then formed to fit the mouth. These can be found in sporting goods stores and cost a little more than the stock mouth guards.
• Custom Made Mouth Guards: These are made by the dentist and are the most expensive type of mouth guard, but are the best at preventing injury.

Dental Injury

• What do I do if a primary (baby) tooth is knocked out?
• Do not attempt to replace the primary tooth in the child’s mouth.
• Control bleeding by applying firm but gentle pressure to the area.
• If you can find the tooth, gently rinse the tooth under water and take it to the dentist with the
  child as soon as possible.

What do I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?

Time is critical! The child must be taken to the dentist immediately. The tooth may be able to
be saved and put back in the mouth if the child can make it to the dentist within an hour.
Some things to do to help save the tooth:

• If the tooth is found, but is dirty, gently rinse it under tap water – DO NOT CLEAN OR SCRUB THE TOOTH.
• Hold the tooth by the crown (top part of the tooth) and gently work it back into the tooth socket.
• You or your child should hold the tooth in the socket, while being taken to the dentist.
• If you cannot place the tooth in the socket:
• Place the tooth in a glass of milk or saline, if available.
• If this is not possible, have the child hold the tooth between their gums and cheek while being taken to the dentist. If the child is unable to hold the tooth in their mouth, place the tooth in plastic wrap, glass of water or a wet towel.

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