This month the American Dental Association (ADA) will celebrate the 80th year of a month-long tradition of putting children’s dental health in the spotlight with its February celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month.1 The theme of this year’s celebration is “Water, Nature’s Drink” and parents and educators can download printable fun activity sheets from the ADA’s website.2

The importance of maintaining good oral health in children can’t be stressed enough.

Starting healthy dental activities like brushing, flossing, getting regular dental check-ups and limiting sugary foods early on, turns those activities into lifelong habits.

How can I take care of my infant’s oral health?

Taking care of teeth, even in the early years of childhood, is important as statistics reveal that more than one in every five children, age 2 to 5 years, has at least one cavity in their baby teeth.3 Before your infant even has their first tooth you should wipe their gums with a soft cloth twice a day, usually in the morning after the first feeding and just before bedtime.4 This reduces bacteria on the gums which can cause cavities. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle and don’t put sugar, honey or other foods on your child’s pacifier as this can lead to cavities.

What is a good age to start brushing and visit the dentist?

As soon as a number of your child’s teeth have emerged, usually around 6 months to 14 months, it’s time to start regular brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled baby-size toothbrush and just a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. The ADA recommends taking your child to the dentist for their first checkup after the first tooth appears or by the time your child turns 1, as children can get cavities as soon as their first tooth appears.5

Most 3-year-olds have about 20 teeth which help them eat, speak and smile and hold the space for permanent teeth. You should continue brushing your 3-5-year-old child’s teeth for two minutes, twice per day using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft-bristled child-sized toothbrush. Clean between your child’s teeth with dental floss. Once your child is able to spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing it, you can let them do the work and just supervise them.

What are some tooth brushing tips for early childhood?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breaking the tooth brushing process into small steps that a child can understand and practice, placing your hand over your child’s hand to help guide the toothbrush as a child brushes.6 If the toothbrush is too difficult for your child to hold purchase a toothbrush with a thicker handle or use tape or a tennis ball to make the handle larger. Your dentist or hygienist can provide help on how to teach your child to master the tooth brushing habit.

Drinking water and oral health

Healthy eating and drinking habits are also important for good oral health in children, as well as teenagers, adults and seniors. In terms of beverages, as the 80th anniversary theme points out, water is nature’s drink and is the best way to stay hydrated and give your body, and your child’s body, the fluid it needs. Your pediatrician can advise you on how much water your child should consume based on their age and the volume of other fluids, such as breast milk or milk, your child is getting.

Generally, most children will drink enough to meet their needs if they have access to water, but if you have a child that doesn’t like drinking water try, encouraging them to take small, frequent sips using a colorful cup or fun-shaped straw. You can also incorporate soups and fruits that contain high levels of liquid, such as watermelon, oranges and grapes into their diet. Flavoring water with lemons. limes, cucumbers or oranges can make it tastier. Keeping your child properly hydrated not only helps cleanse bacteria from teeth, but keeps their bowels working correctly.

Your dentist and dental team and your pediatrician can help you navigate any challenges you face in teaching your child to brush and in getting them to stay hydrated. Even with the current pandemic it is important to bring your child in for regular dental check-ups so that any dental issues can be resolved in the early stages.

Our Walled Lake Dental Office addresses dental health issues of the entire family, including children. Our professional dental staff will take every measure to ensure your child’s comfort. Gentle oral health assessments, preventative dental care and advice on ways to keep your child’s oral health in the best condition are the best way to keep a healthy mouth for life.

Dr. Hechtman has been providing dental care for over 40 years and offers the latest techniques and procedures in general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry and dental treatments. Taking care of your overall health begins with your mouth. Call today for a Free dental consultation!

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1 National Children’s Dental Health Month turns 80
Link: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2021-archive/february/ncdhm-turns-80

2 February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
Link: https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

3 Children’s Dental Health
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/features/childrens-dental-health.html

4 Give Your Baby the Best Possible Start, American Academy of Pediatrics, 6/22/2018
Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Protect-Tiny-Teeth.aspx