My six month old baby boy had his first teeth come in a few weeks ago, making me very aware of the possible problems with an infant’s oral hygiene. Here are a few pointers to keep your child smiling for a lifetime.
1. Get early and regular examination by a dental professional:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child visit a dentist between the time their first tooth comes in, and their first birthday. This visit establishes a dental home, and acclimates them to the sights and sounds of the dental office. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
2. Watch your infant/child's diet closely:
Many things in an infant's diet have the potential to cause tooth decay. It is important to remember that tooth decay is more a matter of frequency than quantity. Children who go to bed with a bottle of anything other than water are at risk for Early Childhood tooth decay. Like all tooth decay it is caused by bacteria fueled by sugar, so even the natural sugars in breast milk can cause them.
Part of a child’s diet should include fluoride. In parts of the country where the water supply is fluoridated, your child should be getting plenty of fluoride as long as they drink formula or water from the tap. Bottled water does not have fluoride, and it’s important for you child to have early exposure to it for the best protection from future cavities.
3. Brush your infant/child's teeth:
This is perhaps the most obvious but it is also so important. Brushing with water should be sufficient until your child is old enough to understand to spit the tooth paste out and not eat it. Brushing twice a day as soon as the first teeth erupt establishes good hygiene practices for a lifetime.
Follow these tips, and your child will have a lifelong healthy smile.
- Submitted by Dr. Mark Mortenson
Mortenson Family Dental Jefferson Mall
4801 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40219
Phone: (502) 966-8638
Fax: (502) 964-7309
www.mortensonfamilydental.com
