The Complete Guide To Your Kid’s Oral Health (2019 Edition)

This is the ultimate guide to your kid’s oral health in 2019.

When do you take your kid to the dentist for the first time?

What should you be doing at home to keep their mouths happy and healthy?

How do you even pick a pediatric dentist?

We’re going to answer all these questions and more.

So, let’s dive right in.

Contents

Chapter 1

The First Visit To The Dentist

Chapter 2

Brushing & Flossing For Kids

Chapter 3

All About Teeth

Chapter 4

Dental Emergencies Kids Face

Chapter 5

Common Problems

Chapter 6

Finding A Pediatric Dentist

Chapter 7

Frequently Asked Questions

The First Visit To The Dentist

Chapter 1

Your child’s first visit to the dentist can be an exciting and anxious time.

You may be feeling thrilled to experience this big milestone with your little one.

But you may also be feeling a little anxious about the whole endeavour.

How will your baby react? How will YOU react? What will happen?

Read on to learn what to expect at your child’s first dentist appointment.

First Visit By Their First Birthday

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children see their pediatric dentist by their first birthday. We agree with this recommendation.

In fact, a lot of dentists prefer to see your child around six months. This early visit enables them to identify any risk factors.

The First Visit Sets The Tone

It is very important to make the first visit as positive and enjoyable for the child as possible. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. Your child should know that the doctors and staff will explain everything in detail and will answer any questions they have.

A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits.

Parents should not make a big deal out of the visit and refrain from using any words that could cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle,” “shot” or “drill.”

The dentist and hygienist can explain treatment procedures in a positive and pleasant manner to avoid any anxious or negative feelings toward dentistry.

The age 1 visit is also for you – the parents!

You’ll get oral hygiene information so you can properly care for your child’s smile.

The dentist may even speak with you about your oral hygiene habits, as these have been shown to have a significant impact on your child’s cavity risk.

Practicing proper oral hygiene daily can prevent costly dental work.

Separation Anxiety And How To Deal With It

Your pediatric dentist should be experienced in dealing with children with anxiety. It is common for children to have separation anxiety, so don’t be concerned or surprised if your child exhibits negative behavior. This behavior will soon diminish.

Studies indicate that the majority of children over age 3 respond more positively when they are allowed to experience the visit on their own and in an environment specially designed for them.

Typically, the dentist can establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present in the treatment room. However, you should be welcome to accompany your child into the waiting room if you choose to. Children who are not receiving dental care should remain in the waiting area with an adult.

Brushing & Flossing For Kids

Chapter 2

Your child’s good oral hygiene habits start at home.

That means they should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day, just like you.

You may be wondering, “Are there brushing special techniques for kids?”.

Or maybe, “Do kids even need to floss anymore?”.

We go over these questions and much more in this section on brushing and flossing for kids.

Teeth Brushing

Cavities form when plaque builds upon and in-between teeth, but regular brushing can prevent this build-up from happening.  Your child should brush twice a day, every day to ensure clean and healthy teeth! Brushing teeth every day is a perfect way to practice preventive dental care.

Here’s how to get your kids started brushing (this probably sounds familiar to you):

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to their teeth.
2. Move the brush back and forth in short strokes.
3. Brush the outer surface of the upper then lower teeth.
4. Brush the inner surface of the upper then lower teeth.
5. Brush the chewing surfaces.
6. Brush the tongue for fresh breath

Your little ones should brush their teeth at last two times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles and plaque:

• In the morning after breakfast
• At bedtime

As soon as the bristles start to wear down or fray, replace their toothbrush with a new one. Do not swallow any toothpaste; rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you finish brushing. It is important to carefully floss and brush daily for optimal oral hygiene. Read on for tips on flossing.

Flossing

A lot of people are actually confused as to whether kids should floss or not. Is it even recommended?

Flossing is the exercise of removing food particles stuck in between teeth with the help of dental floss. It helps with cleansing the teeth of impurities and eventually cavities. This is necessary because not all food particles are cleaned out by brushing one’s teeth so extra care needs to be taken.

Is flossing for kids still important? Of course! Read on to check the guidelines set by the government, what the dentists have to say and how kids can be encouraged to floss on a regular basis.

Change in Government Flossing Guidelines

At the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the suggestion of regularly flossing in its dietary guidelines was removed.

Dentists do not give much weight to these guidelines as they claim flossing is “common sense”.

One doctor claimed that when having meat it gets between teeth and leaving it overnight can also fester and leave a boil next to your gums.

The bleeding caused by flossing is actually due to incorrect way of flossing or if the person has gingivitis.

Dentists Still Say “Floss”!

As children have weaker gums and teeth, doctors recommend them to reduce the frequency of flossing. Instead of once a day, a couple of times a day should suffice.

At the same time, care should be taken that no meaty bits remain stuck in their tiny white pearls.

If they are having meat on a daily basis and complain of bits stuck between their teeth or they complain of a toothache, parents should ensure that they either have it flossed out or a visit to the dentist would be due.

Tips to Get Kids to Floss

To encourage kids to floss, especially when they have food that tends to get between their teeth, parents should incentivize the whole exercise.

Set up a chart to keep track of your kid’s brushing and flossing. This reminds them to brush and floss and teaches them responsibility and self-motivation.

You can give them small rewards as incentives, like stickers every week, or even a new toy if they have a good month.

All About Teeth

Chapter 3

Everyone gets 2 sets of teeth in life: baby teeth and permanent teeth.

A lot of people wonder when their baby’s teeth will start falling out or when permanent teeth will come in.

In this chapter, we review what you can expect when it comes to your kid’s baby and permanent teeth.

And just for fun, we threw in some little-known facts about teeth!

What is Tooth Eruption

The term “eruption” may sound alarming, but it simply means the process by which a child’s first teeth, also known as primary, baby or deciduous teeth, break through the gums and appear in the mouth.

Babies are born with most of these teeth already formed, so this is a completely natural and usually trouble-free process, though it often causes temporary discomfort.

The proper development of these baby teeth is important in helping young children start on solid food and in learning to speak.

When Should First Teeth Appear?

The timing of teeth eruption varies considerably. A first tooth may not be seen until as late as 15 months in some cases, but around six months of age is typical.

In most children, two lower front teeth are seen first, followed by four upper teeth. More teeth then gradually emerge during the next two years or so until a maximum of 20 is visible. Most children have this full set of baby teeth by the age of three and retain them until about 6 or 7 when they begin to be gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth.

What to Look For

A process lasting several years is naturally subject to wide individual variations, but certain things are commonly observed –

• girls’ teeth usually appear earlier than those of boys;
• lower teeth normally appear before the upper;
• teeth generally appear two at a time; and
• during the period when both baby and adult teeth are present, the baby teeth will be identifiable as smaller and whiter than the adult.

Permanent Teeth

Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth.

The primary teeth appear around ages 6-8 months, and all 20 are in place by age 3.

Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age 6, and with the exception of wisdom teeth, are all present between ages 12 and 14.

The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age 17 and on.

The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth, which is why wisdom teeth are usually removed.

Your front teeth are called incisors. The sharp “fang-like” teeth are canines. The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth are molars. Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is important that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic check-ups by a dentist are followed.

Fun Facts About Teeth

Here are some fun facts about teeth that we bet you didn’t know!

1. George Washington Had No Teeth

Did you know that our country’s first president George Washington lost most of his permanent teeth before he turned 21? He had to use dentures made of gold and brass throughout his adult life. George wasn’t a shining example of excellent oral hygiene, but you can be one by brushing your teeth twice a day and learning a few teeth facts to help you take care of your teeth.

2. Tooth enamel is the hardest bone in your body

Yes, it is. The enamel is the reason why teeth last forever. It also protects the inner part of the tooth called the dentin. To take care of your enamel, ensure you brush your teeth often and avoid biting into hard objects.

3. Your mouth makes around 25,000 gallons of saliva in a lifetime

Incredible, isn’t it? 25,000 gallons is equal to the amount of water in a standard Olympic size swimming pool. Saliva also has vital minerals that protect the enamel and prevent tooth decay.

4. Teeth started growing in your gum before you were born

Baby teeth started forming in your gum way before you were born. This explains the itchy gum kids have before the first tooth sprouts. Kids have 20 baby teeth while adults have 32 permanent teeth.

5. Your mouth has more bacteria than there are people in the world

This is true, but it shouldn’t scare you. Keep on brushing your teeth often, especially after meals, and you will be good to go.

6. Everyone’s teeth are different

Teeth are like fingerprints; no two people in the world can claim to have identical teeth. This explains why teeth are crucial in identifying people, especially during an investigation.

Dental Emergencies Kids Face

Chapter 4

Emergencies happen.

Teeth get broken or fall out.

Tounges get bitten.

Don’t panic!

We’ll review some common emergencies kids face and what to do about them.

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a dentist.

Cold or Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit your dentist.

Common Problems

Chapter 5

Nobody’s perfect. Especially kids!

There are some common problems that a lot of children face when it comes to their dental health.

Tooth decay.

Sensitive teeth.

Gum disease.

There are just a few of the problems your kid may face but fear not! These are all treatable by a trained pediatric dentist.

Let’s get started.

 

Tooth Decay

Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, it may negatively impact your quality of life.

When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks, and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque.

The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.

Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Canker Sores

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

Orthodontic Problems

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.

Finding A Pediatric Dentist

Chapter 6

At this point, you probably realize you need to take your kid to the dentist.

But how should you go about finding the right one?

We’ll go over some tips on finding a pediatric dentist for your child.

And if you’re in the Dumfries, VA area, we’d love to have you in for a consultation.

How To Choose A Pediatric Dentist

Just like pediatricians, pediatric dentists are specially trained to care for the specific dentistry needs of infants and children. However, the process of choosing a pediatric dentist can be stressful. It’s recommended that you be careful with the dentist you select so that you can be sure it’ll be a good match for your kid’s personality. Below are some tips to guide you in choosing the right pediatric dentist.

Check out for Qualification and Necessary Certification

This is the first and most important thing you should consider when looking for a pediatric dentist. Make sure that the specialist you settle on to care for your child’s oral health is qualified and accredited. He/she should have to undertake professional training in pediatric dentistry from a recognized institution and should have a practice license.

Ask for Recommendations from Your Friends or Family Members

Your friends and family members who have children can be aware of good pediatric dentists that can take care of your kid. Take your time and ask some of them if they have a specific dentist that they can recommend. You can also ask for a referral from your pediatrician.

Consider the Location

You should also consider the travel distance between you and the dentist. Try working with a dentist who is not far away from your neighborhood for convenience. You can always prepare your child psychologically prior the actual day and time of the appointment using the dental clinic as the visual cue. Avoid longer distances since they tend to extend your child’s anxiety.

Compile a List of Your Expectations

It is also good to come up with your basis for dentist evaluation to make the selection process easy. For instance, ask yourself the following questions and answer them before you even begin your search;

• Do you want a pediatric dentist who is located near your home, work, or your child’s school?
• Is your kid comfortable with male or female professionals?
• Does your kid have any dental anxiety?

Benefits of A Pediatric Dentist

You may be wondering why you should take your child to a pediatric dentist instead of your normal dentist.

There are a number of benefits to taking your child to a pediatric dental office, but we have listed three great reasons below!

#1: Trained Specifically for Children

A pediatric dentist receives training beyond a regular dentist that focuses on the unique factors involved in caring for children’s teeth.  This training goes beyond knowledge of children’s teeth, and teaches pediatric dentists how to make sure children are not afraid and have fantastic trips to their office.

#2: Experience in All Stage of Teeth Development

As a child grows older, their teeth go through various stages, from baby teeth growing in and falling out, to their permanent teeth growing in.

A pediatric dentist has expertise in all these stages and will be able to help your child through each one.  They will ensure that your child has the proper dental care and education on how to keep their teeth healthy so that they can develop a perfect smile.

#3: Kid-Friendly Office

A pediatric dentist’s office is designed to make sure that your child is comfortable and relaxed with going to the dentist.  They will have a friendly staff whose main goal is to make sure your child always likes going to the dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 7

You’ve just about reached the end of our guide on kid’s oral health.

We’re hoping most of your questions have been answered.

But just in case you still have a few more, we’ve included all of our most frequently asked questions below.

Feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email if you still have some lingering questions. Even if you’re outside of Dumfries, we’d be happy to help.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I clean my baby’s teeth?

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head, especially one designed for infants, is the best choice for infants. Brushing at least once a day, at bedtime, will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.

At what age should my child have his/her first dental visit?

“First visit by first birthday” is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, certainly no later than his/her first birthday.

Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?

Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding and/or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. He/she should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Can thumbsucking be harmful for my child’s teeth?

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits that go on for a long period of time can create crowded, crooked teeth or bite problems. If they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a mouth appliance may be recommended by your pediatric dentist. Most children stop these habits on their own.

What are dental sealants and how do they work?

Sealants are clear or shaded plastic applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free. Sealants fill in the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, which are hard to clean, and shut out food particles that could get caught, causing cavities. Fast and comfortable to apply, sealants can effectively protect teeth for many years.

When should my child start using toothpaste?

Do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 3. Earlier than that, clean your child’s teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, parents should supervise brushing. Use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure children do not swallow excess toothpaste.

If my child gets a toothache, what should I do?

To comfort your child, rinse his/her mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth on your child’s face if it is swollen. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area, but you may give the child acetaminophen for pain. See us as soon as possible.

Is my child getting enough fluoride?

Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease a person’s chances of getting cavities by making teeth stronger. Fluoride in the drinking water is the best and easiest way to get it, but to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride, have your pediatric dentist evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride internally through water (especially in communities where the water district does not fluoridate the water or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), your pediatric dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.

How safe are dental X-rays?

With contemporary safeguards, such as lead aprons and high-speed film, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. Even though there is very little risk, pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. In fact, dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem.

My child plays sports. How should I protect my child’s teeth?

A mouth guard should be a top priority on your child’s list of sports equipment. Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic and fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth. They protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries. Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard, but a custom-fitted mouth guard fitted by our doctor is your child’s best protection against sports-related injuries.

When do the first teeth start to erupt?

At about 6 months, the two lower front teeth (central incisors) will erupt, followed shortly by the two upper central incisors. The remainder of the baby teeth appear during the next 18 to 24 months but not necessarily in an orderly sequence from front to back. At 2 to 3 years, all of these 20 primary teeth should be present.

What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?

First of all, remain calm. If possible, find the tooth and hold it by the crown rather than the root. Replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

How can I help my child through the teething stage?

Sore gums when teeth erupt are part of the normal eruption process. The discomfort is eased for some children by use of a teething biscuit, a piece of toast or a frozen teething ring. Your pharmacy should also have medications that can be rubbed on the gums to reduce the discomfort.

I noticed a space between my child’s two upper front teeth. Is this cause for concern?

Usually, the space will close in the next few years as the other front teeth erupt. We can determine whether there is cause for concern.

If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some of them are necessary until a child is 12 years old or longer. Pain, infection of the gums and jaws, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected. Also, because tooth decay is really an infection and will spread, decay on baby teeth can cause decay on permanent teeth. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child.

What causes tooth decay?

Four things are necessary for cavities to form — a tooth, bacteria, sugars or other carbohydrates and time. Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. When you eat, the sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time and repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.

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