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Infants should be seen by our office after the first six months of age, and at least by the child’s first birthday. By this time, the baby’s first teeth, or primary teeth, are beginning to erupt and it is a critical time to spot any problems before they become big concerns.
Conditions like gum irritation and thumb-sucking could create problems later on. Babies who suck their thumbs may be setting the stage for malformed teeth and bite relationships.
Another problem that can be spotted early is a condition called “baby bottle tooth decay,” which is caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby’s mouth.
If left untreated, this can lead to premature decay of your baby’s future primary teeth, which can later hamper the proper formation of permanent teeth.
One of the best ways to avoid baby bottle tooth decay is to not allow your baby to nurse on a bottle while going to sleep. Avoid dipping pacifiers in sweet substances such as honey, because this only encourages early decay in the baby’s mouth. Encouraging your young child to drink from a cup as early as possible will also help stave off the problems associated with baby bottle tooth decay.
Teething is a sign that your child’s gums are sore. This is perfectly normal. You can help relieve this by allowing the baby to suck on a teething ring, or gently rubbing your baby’s gums with the back of a small spoon, a piece of wet gauze, or even your finger.
For babies under the age of 4, teething rings and pacifiers can be safely used to facilitate the child’s oral needs for relieving gum pain and for suckling. After the age of 4, pacifiers are generally discouraged because they may interfere with the development of your child’s teeth.
Moreover, thumb-sucking should be strongly discouraged because it can lead to malformed teeth that become crooked and crowded.
Every child grows 20 primary teeth, usually by the age of 3. These teeth are gradually replaced by the age of 12 or so with a full set of 28 permanent teeth, and later on, four molars called “wisdom teeth.”
It is essential that a child’s primary teeth are healthy, because their development sets the stage for permanent teeth. If primary teeth become diseased or do not grow in properly, chances are greater that their permanent replacements will suffer the same fate. For example, poorly formed primary teeth that don’t erupt properly could crowd out spaces reserved for other teeth. Space maintainers can sometimes be used to correct this condition, if it is spotted early enough.
Babies’ gums and teeth can be gently cleaned with special infant toothbrushes that fit over your finger. Water is suitable in lieu of toothpaste (because the baby may swallow the toothpaste). Parents are advised to avoid fluoride toothpastes on children under the age of 2.
Primary teeth can be cleansed with child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrushes. Remember to use small portions of toothpaste (a pea-sized portion is suitable), and teach your child to spit out, not swallow, the toothpaste when finished.
Fluoride is generally present in most public drinking water systems. If you are unsure about your community’s water and its fluoride content, or learn that it has an unacceptable level of fluoride in it, there are fluoride supplements your dentist can prescribe. Your child may not be getting enough fluoride just by using fluoride toothpaste.
Toothaches can be common in young children. Sometimes, toothaches are caused by erupting teeth, but they also could indicate a serious problem.
You can safely relieve a small child’s toothache without the aid of medication by rinsing the mouth with a solution of warm water and table salt. If the pain doesn’t subside, acetaminophen may be used. If such medications don’t help, contact your dentist immediately.
You can help your child prevent oral injuries by closely supervising him during play and not allowing the child to put foreign objects in the mouth.
For younger children involved in physical activities and sports, mouth guards are strongly encouraged, and can prevent a whole host of injuries to the teeth, gums, lips and other oral structures.
Mouth guards are generally small plastic appliances that safely fit around your child’s teeth. Many mouth guards are soft and pliable when opened, and mold to the child’s teeth when first inserted.
If the tooth has been knocked out, try to place the tooth back in its socket while waiting to see our office. Remember to hold the dislocated tooth by the crown—not the root. If you cannot relocate the tooth, place it in a container of cold milk, saline or the victim’s own saliva. Place the tooth in the solution.
First, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris and place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek near the injury. This will keep down swelling.
For a fractured tooth, it is best to rinse with warm water and again, apply a cold pack or compress. Ibuprofen may be used to help keep down swelling.
If the tooth fracture is minor, the tooth can be sanded or if necessary, restored by the dentist if the pulp is not severely damaged.
If a child’s primary tooth has been loosened by an injury or an emerging permanent tooth, try getting the child to gently bite down on an apple or piece of caramel; in some cases, the tooth will easily separate from the gum.
Irritation caused by retainers or braces can sometimes be relieved by placing a tiny piece of cotton or gauze on the tip of the wire or other protruding object. If an injury occurs from a piece of the retainer or braces lodging into a soft tissue, contact our office immediately and avoid dislodging it yourself.
Sealants fill in the little ridges on the chewing part of your teeth to protect and seal the tooth from food and plaque. The application is easy to apply and typically last for several years.
Do you know more than 50% of children aged six to eight have had a cavity in at least one of their baby teeth? Dental care is essential in kids, just like it’s vital in adults. Want to learn more about prevention dental tips for children? Dr. Douglas Hoppe has handy information for parents and guardians.
Like you, your child is at risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other dental issues. That said, practicing preventive dental care is vital to protect your child from unnecessary discomfort and painful restorative procedures.
These are some preventive tips to keep your child’s oral health in great shape.
• Optimal oral hygiene: Your child should brush and floss their teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Diligent oral hygiene prevents numerous oral conditions, including gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath
• Dental check-ups and cleanings: Regular dental exams and X-rays help unearth dental problems that may have passed your notice at home. Dental cleanings remove built-in plaque and tartar to keep your little one’s smile issue-free
• Dental sealants: Fissure sealants are thin plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of decay-prone teeth. Dental sealants create a protective barrier between teeth and the external environment to seal out harmful bacteria and erosive acids
• Fluoride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring ingredient that strengthens the enamel to repel tooth decay. Although you can get fluoride from water, certain foods, and toothpaste, sometimes, it’s never enough. Topical applications at a dental office replenish the enamel with adequate fluoride levels to prevent tooth decay
• Mouthguards: Consider a sports dental guard for your child to protect their smile from injuries to their teeth, gums, and other oral structures
Yes! Children often love sweet and sugary snacks that put them at risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Encourage your child to eat a dental-friendly diet containing veggies, fruits, milk, etc.
According to the American Dental Association, your child should see a dentist after six months when the first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. Dental visits are vital for spotting early signs of oral problems for immediate attention. Furthermore, these routine visits help monitor your child’s oral development and growth to ensure it’s progressing as expected.
Preventive dentistry helps establish a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Preventive dental care offers numerous benefits, including:
• Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Keeps your child’s breath smelling fresh
• Maintains a healthy, beautiful smile
• Averts dental pain
• Prevents painful and costly dental procedures
Preventive dentistry starts as soon as the baby is born. Even though your baby doesn’t have teeth, it’s still vital to maintain proper dental care to prevent oral issues down the line. Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and before bedtime.
When baby teeth grow, brush them twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water. For children less than two years old, consult your dentist about using fluoride toothpaste. Children at this age can swallow fluoride, which may affect the healthy development of their teeth.
Thumb-sucking is a common habit in young children and peaks around age two. While most children outgrow it, prolonged and intense thumb-sucking can affect tooth and jaw development. Discuss any concerns with your dentist, especially if the habit persists past age four.
Still have more questions about children’s dental care? Call (517) 667-7066 today to talk to the team at Douglas Hoppe DDS of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Douglas Hoppe, DDS
Dr. Douglas Hoppe is a highly skilled dentist with over 18 years of experience providing personalized dental care. A valedictorian from Swan Valley High School, he earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Michigan State University before completing his dental training at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hoppe is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Michigan Dental Association. Committed to ongoing education, he trained at the Pankey Institute and is actively involved in local dental study clubs and the Eaton Rapids Rotary Club. Dr. Hoppe is known for his compassionate approach, ensuring optimal oral health for his patients.
We always want to assure that our patients receive great care and have good experience when they come to see us.