Tuesday, February 16, 2021 — Page 5B
February is
“ Decay or premature loss of baby teeth isn’t a big deal since these teeth are going to fall out anyway, right?” WRONG. Fact: Premature loss of baby teeth can affect the spacing of permanent teeth, potentially increasing the need for orthodontic care. Fact: Tooth decay can cause children pain, and can also lead to infections. Fact: Tooth decay can stop kids from eating healthy foods and negatively impact nutrition. Fact: Premature loss of front baby teeth can impede speech. Fact: Poor dental hygiene habits often continue into adulthood.
5 Ways to Prevent Decay
Know the Signs Common Indicators of Decay in Baby Teeth
1. Avoid giving babies and children high-sugar drinks and foods.
• Chalky white spots on teeth around the gumline • Tooth pain in or around the affected tooth • Increased sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or certain foods
2. Fill baby bottles with milk, water or formula, not fruit juices or soft drinks.
Only a dental professional can accurately diagnose and treat tooth decay and cavities, so be sure to consult a dentist if you notice any of these symptoms or persistent bad breath that is not alleviated by brushing.
3. Don’t put babies to bed with a bottle, particularly one containing anything other than water.
Essential Dental Care Guidelines By Age
4. Never dip pacifiers in anything sweet like sugar, honey or syrup.
Source: Crest.com
First Tooth
Age 3
Begin brushing your child’s teeth using a drop of fluorid toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Brush at least twice a day, ideally after breakfast and before bedtime. Begin flossing your child’s teeth daily as soon as two touching teeth emerge.
Advance to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth at least twice a day.
Age 1 See a dentist by age one or within six months of the emergence of their first tooth. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for frequency of future checkups.
5. Begin teaching children to drink from a cup instead of a bottle by age one. Source: USDA WIC Works Resource System Please note, this information should not be used as a substitute for the adviceor care of your child’s pediatrician.
Age 7 Begin teaching children to brush their own teeth by starting the process and letting them finish.
More than
40%
of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. - American Academy of Pediatrics
Miller Michael J DDS Family Dentist (304) 472-8598
86 East Main Street, Buckhannon WV
As a Smile Defender, You Can Help Defeat the Mouth Invaders! www.SmileDefenders.com Part of the Wilson Martino Dental Family 304-305-HERO
Dr. Zelenak, DDS
Super hero gear for all patients • TV's in every operatory watch a movie during your appointment! • Special Hero Themed Rooms
Wilson Martino Dental
19 E. Main St. Buckhannon
472-4954
wilsonmartinodental.com