Protecting Tiny Teeth

Watch out for these hidden dental dangers

BY DWAIN HEBDA

It’s an exciting life landmark when a child’s teeth start coming in and the resulting pearly little smiles are enough to melt any parent’s heart. But the emergence of baby teeth — and even before — is also a signal for parents to begin a child on healthy dental habits, according to Dr. John “Pug” Pate with Small Bites Pediatric Dentistry.

“Tooth decay is the number one most common disease in children and an epidemic in the United States,” he said. “The good thing is that it is 100 percent preventable. Research has shown that the earlier you start going to the dentist, the less dental treatment is needed throughout life. This is why it is recommended to start seeing a dentist at age 1.”

Pate said while most parents know that sugar is generally bad for teeth, they often don’t realize how many places it pops up in their child’s diet. Cough syrups, fruit juices and the trendy new pureed squeeze snack pouches can all hide a lot of sugar that can wreak havoc on tiny teeth.

“Candy is bad, but sugary drinks throughout the day are worse,” he said. “Water is our best friend and should be sipped on between meals. Milk is good at mealtimes but can get us into trouble if consumed too much. Juice or sodas of any kind are loaded with sugar and can cause a lot of decay.”

Healthy snacks for children — such as orange wedges or dried fruit — are another threat to teeth that are counterintuitive for many parents. According to MouthHealthy.org, a website of the American Dental Association, acidic fruits such as citrus are hard on tooth enamel while dried fruit is sticky and therefore stays on the child’s teeth longer, as do fruit and vegetable pureés in a pouch.

Pate said there’s a simple remedy for these problems that improves both oral health and starts the child on a general healthy habit all at the same time.

“My biggest tip: Kids should drink lots of water,” he said. “Drinking water throughout the day cleanses our teeth, helps wash away bacteria in our mouth, neutralizes acid around the teeth which cause cavities and strengthens and rebuilds the surface structure of the tooth.”

It’s never too early to start children on healthy dental habits, either. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends cleaning a baby’s gums before teeth even come in to help acclimate them for the brushing regimen to come. A soft cloth or infant toothbrush works well before teeth come in.

After teeth start to appear, brushing is a must, Pate said.

Flossing can be introduced as soon as a child has two teeth touching one another.

“Brush, brush, brush; in the morning after breakfast and absolutely it should be the last thing we do before going to sleep,” he said. “Use fluoridated toothpaste; a smear or rice grain sized droplet until age 3, and then a green pea sized amount at age 3 and older.”

Proper care also includes watching out for behaviors and activities that can damage teeth. The AAPD warns against sucking on a thumb, finger or pacifier as it can cause the upper front teeth to tilt outward or impede teeth from coming in properly altogether. While most kids stop this behavior on their own, parents should intervene if they haven’t ceased and desisted by age 3.

Another potential hazard is sports activities where impact with a ball or another player can cause tooth trauma. Mouth guards should be regarded as essential pieces of protective equipment for competitive and even leisure activities.

And, of course, it’s vital to establish a relationship with a dentist and take the child for regular checkups. Your child’s pediatric dentist will not only provide professional cleanings, but is also an expert source of information on everything regarding your child’s healthy teeth. The routine measures and preventative treatments they provide will help reinforce the efforts you’re taking at home.

“Sealants on molars decrease the likelihood of cavities in the most common places on teeth,” Pate said. “Schedule dental cleanings and fluoride treatments at the dental office every six months. These procedures incorporate minerals into the tooth structure that makes the tooth harder and more resistant to cavities than the natural tooth structure itself.”