Local Dental Care - Tooth Decay In Children

Pediatric Dentistry Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

Snacking -- it's a frequent ritual for all ages and a regular part of most kids' lives. Healthy snack foods can contribute to a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, giving our bodies the nutrients they need.

The Daily Food Pyramid established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a good guide to daily food choices. The best snacks for good dental health include foods rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, free of cholesterol, virtually fat-free, and low in calories -- which are good reasons for enjoying them as snacks.

Foods containing fats, oils, pastries, candy, and other sweets should be eaten sparingly. However, food products that are high in these things often have the large advertising budgets and are heavily promoted to children.

Serving your children healthy snacks or having these ingredients on hand for them to serve themselves is easy and convenient. Teaching them early about making healthful food choices is good guidance that lasts a lifetime.

At least five servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended daily. Snacks are a good way to get them. However, even natural sugars found in them can contribute to tooth decay. Limit the frequency of snacking because frequent "grazing" coats the teeth in cavity-causing bacteria.

Some research has shown that when cheese or peanuts are eaten with or after carbohydrates, they may help to counter the effects of acids harmful to teeth. In any event, be sure and rinse or brush after each snack!

Here are some fresh, snack ideas from a children's dentist for satisfying and healthy treats:

• Munch on a colorful assortment of fresh fruit. There's a rainbow of snack ideas - apples, pears, grapes, kiwi, berries, peaches, plums, melons, and more. Try some of the new fruits, too, from around the world now available in produce departments.
• Enjoy celery, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and other crunchy fresh vegetables plain or dunk them into a dressing or your favorite dip.
• Zip up a zesty snack with citrus fruits including juicy oranges, grapefruit, and those easy-to-peel, "zipper" fruits: tangerines and tangelos.
• Make frozen banana chips to have on hand whenever the snack urge strikes. Cut a green-tipped or ripe banana crosswise into rounds; spread rounds on aluminum foil, then wrap tightly. Freeze and enjoy a frosty snack.
• Make fruit smoothies for refreshing, satisfying, and healthful snacks. Choose from the cool collection of fruits. Combine chunks of fruit like bananas, berries, or nectarines with some milk and ice, and whirl in a blender. You can also add some yogurt or fruit juice or sweeten smoothies with a little sugar, if desired. The ideas are endless with the rainbow of fruits, flavored yogurts, and juices.
• Make a snack mix of low sugar cereals with peanuts, tiny snack crackers, sesame sticks, and raisins, or other dried fruits such as cranberries.

Encourage children to eat healthy snacks but limit the frequency of snacking. Let them know that brushing between meals whenever possible is an excellent way to fight cavities. Don't let snack attacks become plaque attacks!

by Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

The Child Mouth, Timeline For Teeth

The appearance of your baby's first tooth is an exciting landmark! Nature has its own schedule for every child's mouth. Although at birth, babies already have 20 primary teeth, they appear at different rates. Some teeth arrive early and others a bit later.

Having some general guidelines and recommended care at each stage of development is helpful for caregivers.

3 to 4 Months:

Teething begins and your baby's gums may be sore because the teeth are getting ready to break through the gums. Signs to watch for include redness, fussiness, sleeplessness, drooling, and perhaps some loss of appetite.

8 to 12 Months:

The four front teeth (incisors) usually appear, followed by other front teeth. As soon as the first tooth erupts, it may be cleaned with a clean, wet washcloth or wet gauze. The gums should also be gently wiped. If a toothbrush is used, it should be an appropriate size and soft-bristled. Use only water with the toothbrush at this time. Schedule your child's first dental exam by his or her first birthday (and definitely no later than 16 months of age).

12 to 18 Months:

Baby is getting a mouthful! Incisor baby teeth and canines are common; first molars also can make their entrance. Wean your baby from the bottle to prevent "baby bottle tooth decay."

18 Months to 3 Years:

Canines, first molars, and second molars are expected. Schedule your child's dental exams every six months. Help your child form good oral hygiene habits; teach them how to brush.

3 to 5 Years:

All the primary or baby teeth should be in place. Some of the permanent teeth are getting ready to take their place. Your child likely needs help with some areas of brushing, like the inner surfaces and way in the back. Make sure to check your child's teeth after brushing is complete. By age five, your child is ready to floss with your help.

5 Years and Older:

The "toothless grin" stage begins as primary teeth are lost over several years. Permanent teeth emerge, usually beginning with the upper and lower molars. You may want to consult with an orthodontist about any potential needed correction.

Late Teens to Early Twenties:

The wisdom teeth need to be evaluated for proper placement and whether the size of the jaw can accommodate them.

Scheduling dental exams every six months is an important part of every stage of the developing mouth and plays an active role in good oral hygiene practices.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.