April 08, 2004

By: Renee LaRose
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

Childrens Dental Health – National Children's Dental Health Month

Can your child's first trip to the dentist be fun? Yes, said Columbia dentist Mary Metropol, DMD. The key is to find a dentist who caters to children.

We usually schedule a child's first visit when Mom or Dad has a cleaning so that the child can become comfortable with our office, said Metropol. All we do on the first visit is count the teeth and make sure there are no concerns, she added. We make sure to give children a sticker or a surprise so that they have a pleasant experience.

In observance of National Children's Dental Health Month, Palmetto Health Children's Hospital offers these tips for pediatric dental care:

Start Early - Begin caring for your baby's gums soon after birth. After each feeding, gently wipe your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth or a gauze pad. When the first teeth appear, use a baby toothbrush or gauze pad to clean them. A cool teething ring can help soothe tender gums.

Prevent Decay - Avoid baby bottle tooth decay which is caused by milk, formula and sugary juices. Prevent this type of decay by giving the baby a safe pacifier or a bottle of water (not milk or juice) at bedtime or naptime. Never dip baby's pacifier in honey, syrup or sugar

Count Baby's Teeth - Your baby's teeth begin forming before birth. You should see the first central incisor at 6-12 months, with all 20 primary teeth present by age 3. Giving your baby regular cleanings after each feeding helps instill good habits for life.

Brush Properly - Begin gently brushing your child's teeth regularly, once they appear. By the time your child is 4-5 years old, he or she may be able to brush with your supervision. Begin with a pea-sized drop of children's fluoride toothpaste. Make sure the child does not swallow it.

Fight Cavities - Fluoride is an effective cavity fighter. Children who drink bottled water may not be getting enough fluoride. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

Feed the Teeth - Choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese and milk or soy milk to help build strong teeth.

Protection - Mouth guards can be very protective during sports activities such as skateboarding, soccer, football, baseball, karate, bicycling and racquet sports. An injury can permanently affect the mouth, so a mouth guard is a good investment. Inexpensive models are at sporting goods stores or your dentist can make a custom-fitted guard.

Talk with Teens About Tobacco - Ask your dentist to discuss tobacco and oral cancers with your teenager. Cigarettes and smokeless tobaccos can cause staining and oral cancers.

Limit Soft Drinks and Sugary Snacks - The recent resurgence in cavities has been linked to high consumption of soft drinks and sugary snacks. Children either don't drink water or they drink non-fluoridated water.

Chew Sugarless Gum - Metropol recommends brushing after every meal and snack when possible. Otherwise, she recommends rinsing well, then chewing sugarless gum. Sugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps neutralize acids.

We recommend that professional care begin by the time your baby is two, so we can examine the teeth, check bite, check thumb-sucking habits and examine craniofacial growth, said Metropol. It is so important that kids get that initial visit.

Author Notes:

Renee LaRose contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  Everything you need to know to get a whiter, brighter smile!