The Basics of Children’s Tooth Care

Children’s tooth care is an essential component of pediatric care. Fortunately, tooth care does not have to be complicated. A dentist can help parents teach their children effective tooth care to protect their oral health for now and for years to come.

Caring for your children’s teeth at home

Children need to care for their teeth like adults to prevent tooth decay (cavities). This can be achieved through regular brushing and flossing, especially when paired with routine dental checkups. Fluoride treatments can boost tooth health, as can eating a tooth-healthy diet.

Daily brushing and flossing

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children begin brushing as soon as their first tooth erupts. Since this occurs at about six months of age, the parents will need to brush the child’s teeth for them. Make sure to brush any teeth at least twice a day. At this age, only a smear of toothpaste is necessary. As the child grows, they can start to brush their teeth on their own, incorporating more toothpaste into the routine.

Flossing is beneficial for children with more than one tooth. Again, the parent will need to assist the child with this when they are young. According to the ADA, flossing should start at about three to five years old to remove food stuck between the teeth. If these food particles remain in the mouth, they will form sticky deposits on the teeth (plaque). With time, plaque will turn into tartar and cause tooth decay.

At-home fluoride treatments

A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel (the tooth’s outermost layer). Fluoride is safe for children as long as they do not swallow large amounts during use. Parents should supervise children during this routine. Fluoridated toothpaste and water are two great options to get children the fluoride they need to protect their teeth.

Provide a tooth-healthy diet

Eating a tooth-healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay. This involves eating less sugar and starchy foods, such as candy, ice cream, and other sweets. It also involves opting for water over juices and sodas.

Protect oral health with dental visits

Professional tooth care should supplement tooth care at home. No matter how well a child brushes, plaque can still form in hard-to-reach areas. A dentist can provide a more thorough teeth cleaning and an oral exam to screen for problems. They can also restore damaged or decayed teeth.

Routine teeth cleanings and oral exams

The ADA recommends that children see a dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts or at one year of age. A dental checkup is recommended every six months after that to maintain good oral health. At most dental checkups, the dental hygienist will scrape off plaque and tartar from the teeth and polish them, helping to prevent decay. The dentist will then complete an oral exam to look for issues with the baby teeth or the eruption of adult teeth.

If the dentist finds any issues, they can provide a treatment to restore the problem tooth’s function. Often, this is a dental filling. For more severe cases, dental crowns or tooth extraction may be necessary. The goal is to keep the child’s smile both beautiful and functional.