Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City
516-222-5100
Tooth decay is extremely
common in kids mainly because parents think of their teeth as “just baby
teeth”. However, Arthur J. Nowak, DMD, suggests that baby teeth are just as
important to maintain as they prepare the mouth for permanent teeth and help with
language development.
Learn how to keep your baby's teeth healthy and strong for years to come with these 6 Tips for Better Baby Teeth, courtesy of Parents.com.
Step One: Gum Care
First beginning with Gum Care at the age of 1. Use a infant toothbrush and water to gently rub the gums once or twice daily. By starting with early dental care, might help prevent brushing battles in the future. Cooling rings or washcloths while the baby is teething could help alleviate pain as well.
Step 2: The First Check Up
The first check-up is recommended within six months of the first tooth’s appearance according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric Dentists have special training and equipment specially designed for little patients, often putting the children at ease.The appointment often sets the tone for the appointments to follow such as fluoride treatment and frequency of check ups.
Step 3: Brushing
It’s important to make sure the baby brushes twice a day, just like mom and dad for about two minutes, in the morning after breakfast and before bed. As each tooth comes in brush with water or a bit of non-fluoridated tooth paste. It is important to brush the baby’s teeth at night time i because less saliva is produced, making us more prone to cavities.
To get your child excited about the experience, take him/her shopping to choose a new toothbrush! Be sure to toss the brush at least every three months; frayed bristles can harm gums. Look for one with a large-handled brush with a small head and soft, rounded bristles.
It will help encourage good hygiene if you allow your child to help with brushing their teeth, however they are not fully coordinated in doing so on their own until approximately age 7. If brushing is a battle, there are ways to get around it! Singing can ease the way, or get your child to open up by telling him to roar like a lion. By creating a pressure-free experience, there will be less fighting the brush away.
Step 4: Plaque Prevention
The evil cause of cavities, Plaque, the bacteria in the mouth that is fed on certain carbs that produce acid that eats at teeth. Often babies receive it from Mom or Dad, as they often try a spoonful of food to try before giving it to the baby, any of this back-and-forth causes an exchange of bacteria.
In order to prevent tooth decay make sure your mouth is clean and consider chewing gum with artificial sweetener xylitol which can prevent transmission of harmful bacteria.
Step 5: Eat Right
Limit the amount of time sugars spend on teeth, constant sweets increases harmful affects attracting plaque. It is suggested by the AAPD that parents don't let baby fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water and suggests that after teeth come in parents should no longer use a nighttime bottle or breastfeed as they both contain sugar and can cause cavities if their residue sits on teeth all night.
There are suggested foods babies should eat to fight plaque. For example, dairy can fight plaque and strengthen teeth, and citrus fruits stimulate saliva production, helping wash away substances on which plaque feeds.
Step 6: Fluoride
Too much fluoride can damage tooth enamel. Most infants under 6 months don't need supplements or fluoride toothpaste until age 2.
Learn how to keep your baby's teeth healthy and strong for years to come with these 6 Tips for Better Baby Teeth, courtesy of Parents.com.
Step One: Gum Care
First beginning with Gum Care at the age of 1. Use a infant toothbrush and water to gently rub the gums once or twice daily. By starting with early dental care, might help prevent brushing battles in the future. Cooling rings or washcloths while the baby is teething could help alleviate pain as well.
Step 2: The First Check Up
The first check-up is recommended within six months of the first tooth’s appearance according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric Dentists have special training and equipment specially designed for little patients, often putting the children at ease.The appointment often sets the tone for the appointments to follow such as fluoride treatment and frequency of check ups.
Step 3: Brushing
It’s important to make sure the baby brushes twice a day, just like mom and dad for about two minutes, in the morning after breakfast and before bed. As each tooth comes in brush with water or a bit of non-fluoridated tooth paste. It is important to brush the baby’s teeth at night time i because less saliva is produced, making us more prone to cavities.
To get your child excited about the experience, take him/her shopping to choose a new toothbrush! Be sure to toss the brush at least every three months; frayed bristles can harm gums. Look for one with a large-handled brush with a small head and soft, rounded bristles.
It will help encourage good hygiene if you allow your child to help with brushing their teeth, however they are not fully coordinated in doing so on their own until approximately age 7. If brushing is a battle, there are ways to get around it! Singing can ease the way, or get your child to open up by telling him to roar like a lion. By creating a pressure-free experience, there will be less fighting the brush away.
Step 4: Plaque Prevention
The evil cause of cavities, Plaque, the bacteria in the mouth that is fed on certain carbs that produce acid that eats at teeth. Often babies receive it from Mom or Dad, as they often try a spoonful of food to try before giving it to the baby, any of this back-and-forth causes an exchange of bacteria.
In order to prevent tooth decay make sure your mouth is clean and consider chewing gum with artificial sweetener xylitol which can prevent transmission of harmful bacteria.
Step 5: Eat Right
Limit the amount of time sugars spend on teeth, constant sweets increases harmful affects attracting plaque. It is suggested by the AAPD that parents don't let baby fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water and suggests that after teeth come in parents should no longer use a nighttime bottle or breastfeed as they both contain sugar and can cause cavities if their residue sits on teeth all night.
There are suggested foods babies should eat to fight plaque. For example, dairy can fight plaque and strengthen teeth, and citrus fruits stimulate saliva production, helping wash away substances on which plaque feeds.
Step 6: Fluoride
Too much fluoride can damage tooth enamel. Most infants under 6 months don't need supplements or fluoride toothpaste until age 2.
- CHECK YOUR WATER. Your drinking water should be at the optimal fluoride level of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million to reduce tooth decay. Check your local report at epa.gov/safewater.
- DON'T OVER-FLUORIDATE. For bottlefed babies under 1 year, mix powdered formula with water containing little or no fluoride.
- BRUSH. Use water or a training toothpaste, such as Baby Orajel Tooth & Gum Cleanser.
Do you have any tricks for making brushing your children’s teeth more fun? Share them with us on our Facebook Page!
