February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and this year’s slogan is “Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile”.
The CDC notes that tooth decay is the number one chronic disease affecting American children. Wow! On a positive note, tooth decay is very preventable by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Those habits should begin during infancy. You might be thinking… some babies don’t even have teeth. Well, that’s the perfect time to begin taking care of their little mouths!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin to visit the pediatric dentist for “well baby” check-ups when they get their first tooth or at their first birthday. We all know that not much can be done with a few teeth, but the main point is to familiarize your child with the dentist, so he or she feels comfortable going there.
The First Visit - What to Expect
You might be more nervous than your child, but be sure to relax so he or she doesn’t feed off your emotions. The first visit is typically smooth and consists of meeting the doctor and team, while getting acquainted with the new environment. Depending on the age of the child and how many teeth there are, the following might occur.
- Full exam: The dentist will examine the child’s mouth to check for early signs of decay and make note of jaw and tooth development.
- Teeth cleaning: The child’s teeth will be professionally cleaned by the hygienist.
- Cavity prevention: The child might receive a fluoride treatment to replace the teeth’s mineral loss, or sealants to coat the teeth to protect from decay.
A big component of pediatric dentistry is education and leading by example. At the dentist, your child will learn proper brushing and flossing techniques and the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth. Parental supervision for brushing is advised until the child is around 7 years old or is fully capable of getting the job done right.
Childhood Dental Issues
In the event that your child experiences dental issues, don’t panic! The first step is to find a trusted pediatric dentist to addresses your child’s dental needs. If you are wondering what kind of trouble little mouths can encounter, here is what to look our for:
- Orthodontic problems - Some of the following might require orthodontic treatment: crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, and misaligned jaw.
- Pacifier or thumb sucking - It’s totally normal for babies to suck on a pacifier or their hands to self-soothe. It can become problematic when the child continues it into toddlerhood. The teeth and jaw can become misaligned, affecting the bite.
- Premature Tooth Loss - Loosing a tooth too early is often the result of decay or an injury. When it happens, the surrounding teeth can shift and make it difficult for permanent teeth to come in straight.
- Teeth-grinding - Formally known as bruxism, this habit is very common among children and is typically outgrown. It often occurs while the child is sleeping. Children may grind their teeth if they are nervous or suffer from hyperactivity. If the problem doesn’t correct itself, a custom mouth guard might be needed.
- Tooth decay AKA “baby bottle decay” - This occurs when the child’s teeth are exposed to sugar too often. The biggest culprit is going to bed with a bottle. To avoid early decay, you should wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth after each feeding and limit the amount of sugary drinks.
- Tongue thrusting - This is a common method of swallowing for babies, which they eventually outgrow. It consists of pushing (thrusting) the top of the tongue forward against the teeth/lips. This can affect the bite and speech development.
If you would like to schedule a dental appointment for your child, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.