Brush, Baby, Brush!

Happy May!

This month's blog post is dedicated to baby teeth (also known as deciduous teeth) and may be of great interest to new parents. If they are temporary, then are they actually as important as our permanent adult teeth? Let's discuss as I just read through some great information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA):

Baby teeth start coming in as early as 6 months of age and continue to erupt (or come in) for the first 2 through 3 years of life. Although these teeth fall out to make room for permanent teeth, they need to be cared for so that they stay in place until they fall out naturally. The most important jobs for baby teeth include biting and chewing food, helping children speak and holding places for permanent teeth to come in.

Just like permanent teeth, baby teeth are protected with enamel and can get cavities. Cavities develop when bacteria on the teeth turn sugar in foods or drinks to an acid that can eat a hole in the enamel. This allows bacteria to attack the tooth’s nerves or blood supply. It can cause infection in and around the tooth, which, in severe cases, can spread to other parts of the head or neck. Problems caused by cavities include pain, infection in the gums, which may spread and difficulty eating and speaking.

How can you spot a cavity in a toddler or child? In the early stages, cavities may appear as white, chalky-looking areas on the tooth. The child also might be fussy, especially when eating or drinking. In later stages, you may notice visible holes, "pits", or brown or black spots on the tooth. Some children may not have any of these signs. Children should visit the dentist for a well-baby check-up at some point after the first tooth comes in, but before the child’s first birthday.

Once teeth start to come in, you can gently brush them, twice per day, with a child-sized toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (approximately the size of a grain of rice). At our dental office in Darien, CT we have some great recommendations for toddler toothpaste!

For children under 3, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend using a smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, twice daily. If your baby or toddler does swallow some of this small amount of toothpaste, it's okay. If you use a larger amount and your baby or toddler swallows it, they may develop an upset stomach. This is all information that our clinical staff are delighted to discuss with you when you come in for a well-baby check-up!

In conclusion:
-Start Early: Begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts. Use a smear of toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice, for children under 3.
-Brush teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
-Supervision: Supervise children's brushing to ensure they use the correct amount of toothpaste and don't swallow it.
-Transition to Pea-Sized: Once a child is 3 years old, you can transition to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
-Spitting: Teach children to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it, once they are able to do so.
-Restrict sugary liquids and foods in your child’s diet.
-Water that contains fluoride is best for children. Fluoride helps protect against cavities by means of hardening enamel.
-Do not let your child suck on a bottle or sippy cup full of anything but water for long periods, especially not at naptime or bedtime. Avoid letting your child snack on cookies, crackers, or other foods that can stick to their teeth.

Wishing our Darien, CT community especially the children(!!) happy and healthy brushing!