Nearly half of the four million children born annually in the United States will have tooth decay by the time they enter second grade, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, or AAPD. Regular dental exams and proper at-home care helps prevent cavities and ensures that your child's permanent teeth last a lifetime.
Considerations
Dental hygiene for children begins long before the first tooth appears. A baby's gums should be gently wiped with a soft, moistened cloth after each feeding to guard against the accumulation of bacteria, reports the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP. Clean gums provide a healthy environment for baby teeth, which typically start to appear at around age 6 months.
Risk Factors
Some kids are more prone to tooth decay. Children who were born prematurely, had a low birth weight or have special health care needs may be at a higher risk for cavities, according to the AAFP. Children who don't visit the dentist regularly are also more likely to experience dental problems.
Dental Exams
A child should visit a dentist for the first time around age 1 year, recommends the American Dental Association. You may want to take your child to a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating kids or simply schedule an exam with your family dentist. During an initial dental exam, parents learn about proper tooth-brushing techniques, diet and fluoride use while the child becomes comfortable with the dentist. A child should have all his baby teeth by age 3, and they typically begin to fall out around age 6 or 7. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants to help guard against cavities. Children should visit the dentist twice a year.
Brushing and Flossing
When baby teeth begin to appear, brush them twice a day with a soft children's toothbrush and nonfluoridated toothpaste, advises the AAPD. You can introduce a small amount of fluoride toothpaste around age 3. Make sure that your child rinses thoroughly and spits out any remaining toothpaste. Older children may be able to brush independently with little if any assistance. Teeth should be brushed a minimum of two times per day. Flossing once a day at bedtime should begin as soon as all the baby teeth have erupted, notes the AAPD. Your child may need your help to ensure teeth are properly flossed.
Cavity Prevention
Tooth decay is largely preventable by limiting the amount of sugary snacks and drinks your child consumes, such as candy and soda. Sugar encourages the growth of bacteria, which in turn generates acids that promote tooth decay, according to the AAFP. Avoiding between-meal snacks, especially sweets and sticky foods, such as caramel, also helps prevent cavities in children.
