As a parent, my primary goal for children is prevention; to keep teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. The best way to defend against tooth decay in children is to bring your child for routine checkups and to practice proper daily care at home.
Tooth decay is the result of bacteria that use sugar contained in food to produce acids in the mouth. If these acids are left on the teeth and not brushed away, they will eventually cause decay.
Tooth decay can be stopped if it is detected with early prevention and treatment. In addition to flossing nightly, we recommend that children brush their teeth at least twice a day; after breakfast every morning and before bedtime every night. Parents should monitor brushing methods and floss for their child until 7-8 years of age. Children do not develop proper dexterity until this age and often miss areas.
Saliva naturally reduces acid levels in the mouth and helps to wash away bacteria and acids, throughout the day. Saliva flow is dramatically reduced during sleep therefore, brushing before bed is vital to prevent decay. When food particles, bacteria and acids are left in the mouth over night, the decay process is initiated and teeth can develop cavities. Brushing and flossing before bed removes harmful food particles, bacteria and acids that have deposited on the teeth. It is imperative that after bedtime brushing, only water is consumed so that sugars are not reintroduced into your child’s mouth.
Brush and flossing technique:
BRUSHING:
1) Brush for two minutes, twice a day, in a circular motion. Make sure to reach all gums & teeth.
2) Lightly brush the tongue to remove germs and to make the mouth feel fresh.
FLOSSING:
1) Wrap an 18 inch piece of floss between your middle fingers until there is 1 inch between them.
2) Gently guide floss between teeth to the gum-line using a back and forth motion.
3) Curve floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and slip under gum-line.
4) Slide floss up and down each side of the tooth.
5) Remove floss and repeat with each tooth.
Healthy dietary reminders for children:
1) Limit foods that contain sugar. Brush your child’s teeth after consumption.
2) Juice has a surprising amount of sugar and high acidity levels. Intake should be limited and we recommend watering juice down to a half water/half juice ratio.
3) Soda pop is very high in sugar and has high acid levels; we recommend eliminating pop from your child’s diet.
4) Continue to encourage healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning!
