Transcript Dr. Jones` Tips for Infant/Toddler/Child Tooth Care

Tooth Care
Pregnancy through Childhood
Dr. Alison Jones
Cavity Causing Bacteria
Tooth decay is caused by a certain
strain of bacteria called Streptococcus
mutans, which can be transferred from
adult to baby.
If Mom, Dad, or other caretakers of
infants have had cavities, they are
likely to transfer the bacteria to baby’s
mouth if precautions are not taken.
1. Regular dental visits
2. Chew gum containing “xylitol”
3. Do not share cups, utensils, or
“clean” a dirty pacifier by putting it
your mouth.
Children are less likely to develop
decay in baby or adult teeth if they
have not been exposed to the
bacteria.
1st Birthday Visit
• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American
Dental Association (ADA) both advise that a child be seen by a dentist by
they turn one year old.
• Early prevention and education will decrease the risk that your child needs
to have dental work done, other than regular cleanings and check-ups.
• Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish starting at age one.
• Prepare your child by reading positive books about what to expect at the
dentist office
• Make it a “fun” experience and never tell children anything scary or
threatening
– “If you have a cavity, the dentist will stick you will a needle!”
– Dentists have kid friendly words to make exams and fillings easier
Bottles / Sippy Cups
You should never put your child down to
bed/nap with a bottle or sippy cup of milk,
formula or juice. These liquids contain
sugars that can pool around the baby’s
teeth and cause early decay
For older children limit milk/juices to
mealtime and do not allow children to
have sippy with milk/juice to sip on
throughout the day.
Your child should stop using a bottle or
switch to a cup by the age of one.
As soon as child is old enough and has
enough dexterity, start transitioning to a
regular cup instead of a sippy. This will
help in proper development and spacing of
teeth. Constantly having bottle, sippy,
pacifier/thumb in child
S mouth can cause an “open-bite.”
Tooth and gum care for your
baby/toddler
• Before the first tooth erupts, regularly wipe the gums with a clean, wet
washcloth.
• After the first tooth erupts, it is time to switch to a soft bristly baby
toothbrush or small silicone bristled brush made for babies.
• There are non-fluoride “training” toothpastes available for babies until
he/she can spit on their own.
• However, it is a good idea to work in a small amount of fluoride
toothpaste at age 1.
– Fluoridated toothpaste can reduce your child’s risk by 30%
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When teeth first erupt, they are more susceptible to develop tooth decay
Only a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste is needed
Brush teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time
Change toothbrush when bristles begin to fray, or at 3 months
Start flossing when two teeth start to touch
This will greatly reduce plaque and bacteria and keep teeth/gums healthy
Baby teeth are important!
• Many people assume that
baby teeth are not important
because they will fall out and
you will get a new one
eventually.
• However, baby teeth serve
several important purposes.
– Allow child to chew effectively
and maintain proper nutrition
– Need to stay healthy (cavityfree) so child does not develop
infection or abscess
– Proper speech development
– Baby teeth serve as place
holders for adult teeth
Don’t let this happen to
your child!
What do I do if my child knocks out or
breaks a tooth?
• 1. Immediately try to find the tooth and handle it
carefully.
• 2. Gently rinse the tooth off in water
– No scrubbing, no soap
• 3. Place tooth in cup of milk as soon as possible and
call your dentist right away
• 4. If possible, the tooth can be replanted back into the
socket and can be maintained by your dentist.
• 5. If your child breaks or chips a tooth, call your dentist
right away so your child can be examined and the tooth
can be repaired as soon as possible.
Sports mouthguards are very
important!
• You send your children off to play
sports with helmets, shin guards
and pads, but do they wear a
mouthguard?
• Mouthguards will protect teeth,
as well as reduce the force of
traumatic blows that can cause a
concussion, neck injury, or jaw
injury/fracture.
• They
are
not
just
for
football…they should be worn in
soccer, skateboarding, in-line
skating,
lacrosse,
hockey,
basketball, or any sport where
your child is likely to receive a
blow to the face, or may fall
causing injury.