February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so now is the perfect time for parents and children to learn more about dental care and hygiene. Many people believe dental care should begin once children have a full set of teeth. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends parents bring their children in for their first appointment around the time their first tooth appears.
When parents bring children to the dentist before problems arise, children can get to know the dentist and get used to someone working in their mouth without any pain. On the other hand, when parents wait until their children are four or five years old, the appointment is typically to address a problem. When a child’s first experience at the dentist involves pain, it sets a negative tone.
Common Dental Problems and How to Solve Them
The most common oral health problem is tooth decay. Unfortunately, by the time parents notice redness, swelling, or discoloration in their child’s mouth, or by the time their child complains of pain, the problem has already progressed.
So, how can this be prevented? Parents can encourage good oral hygiene right from the start. Some parents don’t worry too much about caring for baby teeth, reasoning that they will just fall out. But healthy baby teeth that stay in place until it’s time for the permanent teeth to grow in really affects the spacing and health of the permanent teeth, and this can reduce the possibility of problems in the future.
When parents help their children brush and floss consistently, not only does it keep teeth clean, it also sends a message to children that good oral health is important. Most cavities occur between the child’s teeth rather than on the chewing surface, so establishing a routine of thorough cleaning early in life can help prevent food from getting trapped in hard-to-reach places—and that prevents cavities. Until the age of seven, children do not have the dexterity to brush and floss thoroughly without help.
Despite good brushing and flossing routines, deep grooves on the chewing surface of some people’s teeth make it difficult for toothbrush bristles to get deep enough to remove food and other substances. Once children’s permanent teeth come in, if they have deep grooves, dentists can apply sealants to keep material from falling into the grooves. Dental sealants are a protective coat that gets painted on and then hardens, and it can protect teeth into adulthood. Applying sealants is quick and painless—and typically covered by insurance, which makes it painless for your pocketbook too.
How Diet Impacts Oral Health
In addition to brushing and flossing, paying attention to what children put in their mouths can have a big impact on their oral health. Refined sugars and acidic foods are the main cavity-causing culprits. Soda and other sugary drinks (like fruit juice) are especially destructive. Have you ever seen a tooth after it sits in a can of cola overnight? The tooth disintegrates. Brushing and flossing after every meal, or at least rinsing the mouth with water, can help protect tooth enamel and prevent plaque from developing.
As children grow and develop, their dietary habits change. For infants, bottles should not be allowed in the crib overnight unless they only contain water. As toddlers, it is better for children to drink diluted juice from a regular cup rather than a bottle or sippy cup. Once children are old enough, if they need braces, it is extra important to brush after each meal to keep plaque under control. And for teens (and everyone interested in maintaining fresh breath), brushing the tongue—a hotbed for germs—helps prevent bad breath.
Final Thoughts
Keep the visits coming; every six months is recommended and covered by insurance. We also suggest using a fluoridated toothpaste to keep cavities at bay. Here on the Coast, general dentistry is available for children; that is, dentistry without the use of sedation. Children who can remain relatively still during dental visits are good candidates for general dentistry. As children age, especially when they are in pain, going to the dentist may be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing. If treatment requires sedation, we refer patients to pediatric specialists.
Remember, preventive care will help to keep children’s teeth healthy and visits to the dentist less scary. At Mendocino Coast Clinics, we’re here to help, so feel free to reach out with questions at (707) 964-1251.
Rosa Hernandez is the dental clinic manager at Mendocino Coast Clinics, a non-profit, federally qualified health center serving as a patient-centered medical home for people on the Mendocino Coast. MCC provides a team-based approach to care, offering medical, dental, behavioral health services, and more. Learn more at mendocinocoastclinics.org.
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