While you might associate teeth with chewing, they also play an important part in helping us speak and defining our facial features. While adults have 32 teeth, children may have fewer depending on their age. Teeth actually begin to form during the second trimester of pregnancy. At birth, your child will have 20 primary teeth, though the first tooth can come in any time between 6 and 12 months of age. Children begin to lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in.
Common Childhood Dental Problems
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay or dental caries touches the lives of children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease, and research shows that more than half of children ages 5-9 have at least one cavity. If left untreated, this can lead to gum problems such as gingivitis, and can even affect speech development. Thumb sucking is another childhood problem which can lead to crooked teeth or bite problems.
First Visit to the Dentist
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child for his first visit to the dentist when then first tooth comes in, in order to create a regular dental pattern your child can familiarize himself with. Early preventive care can also set the stage for healthier teeth and gums. Initial visits are usually about getting your child comfortable in the chair. A pediatric dentist will check for early decay and signs of crooked teeth or an overbite.
Cleaning Children's Teeth
Right from birth, children's gums can be cleaned with a soft washcloth dampened in water. As soon as teeth begin to appear, an infant toothbrush with extra soft bristles can be used to clean teeth. Use a dab of fluoridated toothpaste for children younger than 2. From the ages of 2 to 5 years, a pea-sized amount should suffice. Children's teeth should be brushed at least twice a day and always under supervision. Very young children do not have the ability to do an effective job in brushing their teeth by themselves. Flossing should also form a part of your child's daily routine and is made easier by child-friendly flossing kits.
Home Dental Care
The website FamilyDoctor.org lists a number of reasons your child may be at risk for cavities. They include a diet high in sugars and sweet liquids, premature or low-weight birth, special health-care needs, white or brown spots on the teeth and lack of dental visits. Good home dental practice includes avoiding sweets and sticky foods and sugary drinks and replacing them with healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. Teeth should be brushed twice daily and children can begin flossing by the age of 6, sooner if the dentist recommends it.
Preventing Tooth Decay In Children
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay and oral diseases are preventable by using a combination of dental sealants and fluorides and adopting good dental hygiene. Parents can teach their children good dental practices as early as 2 years old. A fluoride toothpaste can strengthen teeth and gums and should be used especially if drinking water is not fluoridated. Dentists on KidsHealth.com say that if parents are prone to cavities, children may be at higher risks for cavities and dental decay. In such cases, diligent brushing and flossing might not be the answer and regular dental visits are in order. Dental sealants applied to the teeth might also protect them from decay.
Using A Toothbrush Correctly
Dentist Dr. Jennifer Salzer suggests toothbrushes be changed every 3 months. Toothbrushes that are age specific are recommended; your dentist can help make the right selection. The toothbrush should allow you to access hard-to-reach places in the back of the mouth. To use a brush correctly, place it at a 45-degree angle against the gums and move it back and forth in gentle strokes. Clean all the surfaces of the teeth, including the back molars.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Children's Oral Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Children's Oral Health
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Dental Care for Your Baby
- Family Doctor: Dental Hygiene: How to Care for Your Child's Teeth
- KidsHealth.org: Keeping your Child's Teeth Healthy
