Children’s Care
Pediatric oral care involves preventing dental problems through regular visits to the dentist and maintaining good oral hygiene at home. This is especially important since cavities and tooth decay are increasingly common in infants and toddlers. The American Dental Association recommends children begin visiting the dentist at 12 months and continue every six months unless instructed otherwise.
During a visit, the pediatric dentist examines the child’s teeth for decay, monitors orthodontic concerns, and provides advice to parents on oral care, such as demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, advising on dietary issues, and suggesting strategies for thumb sucking and pacifier cessation. The dentist may also use tools such as topical fluoride and dental sealants to further reduce the child’s risk for dental problems.
Healthy smiles for little ones:
a guide to parents for taking care of children's dental health
At home, parents should provide children with a well-balanced diet, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and discourage continuous snacking. They should also be mindful of oral habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use, which can misalign teeth. Parents should clean pacifiers and teething toys with warm water, avoid spoon-sharing, and limit sippy cup use. Children’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with ADA-approved toothpaste and flossed to prevent cavities between teeth. Fluoride can also be used to prevent mineral loss and promote remineralization of tooth enamel, but it’s important to get the balance right, and the pediatric dentist can evaluate if supplements are needed.
Diet
Limiting sugary foods and encouraging a balanced diet with healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables can promote children's dental health.
Brushing
Regular brushing is crucial for children's dental health as it helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing
Flossing is essential for children's dental health as it removes food particles and plaque from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach, helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Fluoride
Fluoride is an important mineral that can help strengthen children's teeth and prevent cavities, but it should be used in appropriate amounts as excessive fluoride intake can lead to fluorosis, which can cause white spots on teeth.