Taking Care of Your Child's Teeth

By James J. Nemmers, DDS

It is very important to take care of your child’s teeth because even baby teeth have special functions. They aid in chewing and digestion of food and hold positions for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is lost, it is more difficult for a permanent tooth to find its proper place. As your child learns to speak, the position of the teeth help form sounds with the aid of the tongue. Establishing good habits at a young age makes it easier to continue these throughout life.

The American Dental Association recommends a dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, no later than the first birthday. However, begin taking care of your child’s teeth before they erupt. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, wet cloth after each feeding. When baby teeth come in, use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush. You may use a small pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste if a child is two years of age or able to spit it out. Swallowing too much toothpaste may upset a baby’s stomach.

Fluoride is a mineral that makes teeth stronger while they are forming and throughout life. Most major cities add fluoride to water supply. If you live in a small community or have a well, have your water tested. If the fluoride level is too low, your dentist or physician can prescribe fluoride tablets or drops for your child. Too much fluoride can be harmful, so get the level tested.

Teach your child to drink from a cup by nine months and stop using a bottle by 12 to 14 months. If your baby needs a bottle to get to sleep, give them plain water not milk or juice, which can lead to decay. Teething can make your baby’s gums sore and swollen. You can ease the pain by gently rubbing gums with a clean finger or letting your child chew on a teething ring. Start today with good habits, and your child will have healthy teeth for a lifetime.

Other tips from the Visiting Nurses Association:

• Do not use the bottle as a pacifier during the day. Improper bottle use can cause severe decay. Use the bottle only to hold formula or breast milk.
• Check your child’s mouth daily, lifting the lip to look at tissues as well as teeth. Gums should be pink with teeth uniform in color – no white spots.
• Brush for your child daily until six to seven years of age when they have the fine motor skills to do it themselves with adult supervision.
• Use “sippee” cups for juice or milk at meal and snack time only. Offer only water between meals.
• Teething should not make your child sick. A temperature of 101 degrees plus is not due to teething. Contact your child’s physician.
• Begin to floss your child’s teeth when two teeth touch.
• If an injury to the mouth or teeth occurs or the mouth tissues or teeth look funny, contact a dentist immediately to have your child seen.