Local Dental Care - Brushing Baby Teeth

Toddler And Pre-Schooler Dental Care

Almost half of the three-year-olds whom I see for a first dental examination have one or more cavities. Primary (baby) teeth do not have the enamel-strengthening advantage of fluoride during their development, because only trace amounts of fluoride pass through the placenta to the fetus. The primary teeth begin to develop during the sixth week and are calcifying at twenty weeks during pregnancy. Infants may be infected with the bacteria that cause tooth decay as early as ten months of age. This occurs when the caretaker tastes or blows on baby's food or by kissing. The decay-causing bacteria are transferred in saliva. Constant exposure of the teeth to juices, milk, or other sweetened drinks, either in a baby bottle or sippie cup, may also cause decay. Early childhood decay may result in a tendency to experience decay for the rest of your child's life. Good oral hygiene is just as important for the primary teeth as it is for the permanent teeth.

Pediatric dentists believe that toothpaste should not be used until after two years of age. A match head-sized amount should be dispensed. Some toothbrushes have a colored area on the brush head to indicate how much toothpaste to use. Do not permit your toddler to eat toothpaste from the tube. If your little one does not like toothpaste, do not use any. The fluoride in toothpaste does help to decrease decay, but sometimes brushing without toothpaste is necessary. Do not use tartar control toothpaste until the teen years. There are too many additives.

Toddler's teeth should be brushed at least once each day. Bedtime is always the most important time to brush the teeth. During the day, saliva flows over the teeth to aid in removing any food residues. Brushing should be done only by the parents, not the toddler or preschooler. A serious injury can result from permitting your child to run with a toothbrush in his or her mouth. Once all 20 primary teeth have erupted (come in), begin to brush after breakfast too. Do not permit your little one to brush first. The benefit of the fluoride in the toothpaste will be lost. Brushing the toothpaste directly onto the tooth's enamel surface will add to fluoride's strengthening effect. The toothbrush is not a toy. Chewing on the bristles will bend them. The brush must be replaced if this occurs, because it can no longer properly remove plaque. The brush should have a small, rounded head with soft bristles.

Most parents find brushing in a seated position to be easiest. Sit on the floor, the bed, or the couch and place your child's head on your lap. If your toddler is not cooperating, wrap one of your legs around both of his/her legs. Use your free hand to hold his/her hands. Your child will probably be protesting with the mouth wide open. Take advantage of the moment and brush! Brushing does not have to take two minutes. Thirty seconds may be enough time to cover all baby tooth surfaces. Do not think about time, just be sure to brush all surfaces.

A back and forth or small circular motion may be used for brushing primary teeth. Covering every tooth surface is most important. If you brush with the same pattern every time, you will be more efficient. Begin with the upper right or left primary molars. Brush from one side of the mouth to the other. Include the chewing surfaces and the side of the teeth next to the roof of the mouth. Move on to the bottom primary molars. Brush in the same manner as the upper teeth, moving from right to left, or vice versa, including the chewing surfaces and the side of the teeth next to the tongue. Ask your little one to close his or her mouth and brush the sides of the teeth all the way around next to the cheeks. Gently pull the bottom lip away from the bottom incisors (front teeth) and brush upward and away from the gum line. You may notice some light staining on these teeth when your little one is taking an oral antibiotic.

If there are no spaces between the primary teeth, flossing should begin. The same reclined position used for brushing should be used for flossing. Pretend like you are the dentist. This can become a time for not only cleaning teeth, but a time for desensitizing your child. Each time you brush or floss, he/she will become more accustomed to being in a reclined position with this activity occurring in his/her mouth. There are so many varieties of floss. If the teeth are tight together, use waxed floss. Your child may like the flavored floss, which also is easy to use with tight teeth. Use a piece of floss the length of your wrist to your elbow. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers on each hand. Palms will face upward for the top teeth and downward for the bottom teeth. Use your thumbs and index fingers to gently slide the floss between the teeth. In this case, begin with the front teeth first because they are easier to reach. Wrap the floss in a C-shape around each tooth and use an up and down motion (not back and forth) to floss. After a short time, you will be a pro! If you can manage to floss each day, that would be great, but two to three times a week is adequate.

No matter how much your child prefers to delay or avoid brushing, do it! It is much better for you to have a battle at home than for your child to experience early decay and have to undergo dental treatment at age two or three. In most cases, decay is preventable. Here's to a cavity-free future!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+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.

Facts About Dental Fluoride

We have all received the benefit that fluoride offers in preventing tooth decay. The following facts will provide you with information to assure that your child's teeth receive the optimum amount of fluoride.

• Fluoride strengthens the outer layer of enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acid attack of decay-causing bacteria. It can be of benefit not only when the teeth are forming, but also after they have erupted (come in).
• Primary (baby) teeth begin to develop at six weeks during pregnancy. Fluoride supplements for mom during her pregnancy do not benefit baby's developing teeth. Only tiny amounts of fluoride are found in breast milk.
• Well water may contain large amounts of fluoride. Before giving your child fluoride supplements, have your well water tested for fluoride content. Fluoride sticks to the sides of glass containers. Use a plastic container for an accurate test result.
• Bottled water may also contain significant amounts of fluoride. The amount of fluoride will vary with the season of the year, the water table, and the plant from which the water was obtained.
• Juices, tea, and soft drinks may contain fluoride. White grape juice has the highest concentration of fluoride. Fish and chicken baby food may also provide fluoride.
• Do not assume that your home water filter system removes all fluoride. The age of the system and the filter may have a significant effect on your fluoride level. Have your water tested before giving your child a fluoride supplement.
• Do not use fluoridated toothpaste before two years of age. Dispense only a dab the size of a match head for children under five. Children's toothpaste has the same amount of fluoride as the adult brands.
• If your home water supply is not fluoridated, the water at school, daycare, or the caregiver's home may be optimally fluoridated.
• Your physician or pediatric dentist may prescribe a fluoride supplement. Once the chewable tablet is begun, fluoride and vitamins should be taken separately. Vitamins work best with food, and fluoride is best absorbed from an empty stomach. Fluoride tablets should be taken at bedtime after the teeth are brushed. Chew, swish, and swallow.
• There are many sources of fluoride other than your home water supply. When considering a fluoride supplement for your child, remember your fluoride facts!

by Jane A. Soxman, DDS



+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.