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Figure you don’t have to worry about your child’s oral health until they develop permanent teeth? Think again. Here
are some tips to start your child on the road to a lifetime of healthy well being:
A healthy pregnancy.
A child’s teeth begin to form during the fifth week of pregnancy, so dental care should begin as early as possible. The
unborn baby’s vitamins and minerals come from the mother’s food, so expectant mothers can ensure healthy baby
teeth by eating a healthy diet.
Start cleaning teeth early.
As the first tooth appears, begin cleaning by wiping with a clean, damp cloth every day. When more teeth come in,
switch to a small, soft toothbrush. Begin using toothpaste with fluoride when the child is two years old. Use
toothpaste with fluoride earlier if your child’s doctor or pediatric dentist recommends it.
Supervise brushing.
Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Then,continue to
closely watch brushing to make sure your child is doing a thorough job and using only a small amount of toothpaste.
Avoid “baby bottle syndrome.”
A bottle can comfort your baby or help him or her fall asleep - but it also can harm his or her teeth. Baby bottle tooth
decay is caused when the child’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. They often fall
asleep with the bottle in their mouth and the liquid may pool around their teeth. Acids formed by the juice or milk can
attack the tooth enamel and may cause irreparable damage to the baby’s teeth.
Fluoride is key.
Children who drink fluoridated water from birth have up to 65 percent fewer cavities. Check with your doctor or
dentists about your child’s specific fluoride needs. After age two, most children get the right amount of fluoride to
help prevent cavities if they drink water that contains fluoride and brush their teeth with a pea-size amount of
fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Parents of children over the age of six months should ask about the need for a
fluoride supplement if drinking water does not have enough fluoride. Do not let a child younger than six years use a
fluoride mouth rinse unless the child’s doctor or pediatric dentist recommends it.
Give your child a healthy diet.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of milk and eats other calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt and cheese. Discourage
snacks that are high in sugar or starch or sticky foods.
Preventive care.
Regular at-home brushing and flossing after every meal can keep dental problems to a minimum. From age two,
children should begin to brush their own teeth with a parent’s help. After age eight, children can brush and floss
alone. Sealants can help prevent tooth decay in children under age 15.
Visit your pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday.
This may seem early, but your pediatric dentist can review cleaning techniques and look for problems with your child’
s primary teeth. Avoid using phrases such as “It won’t hurt,” or “Be brave.” Instead, help your child be comfortable
and unafraid of dental checkups.
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| Tips on Oral Health for Your Child |
P u r v i V. S h a h MS Nutrition, DDS, Pediatric Dentist Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry |
| 361 Village Square Lane, Suite 100, Castle Rock, CO 80108 |
| (303) 663 3388 |
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| Send mail to webmaster@pediatricdenticare.com with comments about this website Copyright © 2006 pediatric denticare, p.c. |
Dr. Shah provides dental care for the children of Douglas County, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County and the
Greater Denver Metro Area. Children from many areas surrounding Castle Rock, Colorado come to Dr. Shah's
practice, including Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Franktown,
Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Littleton, Lone Tree, Monument, Parker and Sedalia.
Dr. Shah also provides pediatric dental care for children in her practice at The Children's Hospital, Denver, The Sky
Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado and at the Medical Center of Aurora.
Greater Denver Metro Area. Children from many areas surrounding Castle Rock, Colorado come to Dr. Shah's
practice, including Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Franktown,
Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Littleton, Lone Tree, Monument, Parker and Sedalia.
Dr. Shah also provides pediatric dental care for children in her practice at The Children's Hospital, Denver, The Sky
Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado and at the Medical Center of Aurora.