Taking care of immature teeth is an essential part of properly caring for a child. Dental work for children sets them up for oral success and can help them maintain a smile they will love for years to come. Is taking care of children’s teeth the same as adults’? There are a few key differences, and here we address some of the most common needed clarifications and queries.
When Do a Baby’s First Teeth Erupt?
The appearance of a child’s first teeth is an exciting event, a benchmark to be celebrated. But when should parents start looking for those itty bitty pearly whites? It is common for the two lower front teeth (the central incisors) to poke through the gums at about six months of age. The upper central incisors generally follow soon after. By the time the child is two or three, all twenty baby teeth should have surfaced.
Can I Brush My Baby’s Teeth?
Dental work for children begins as soon as their teeth are visible. To be gentle with infantile gums and teeth, use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. There are many such toothbrushes on the market that are specifically designed for babies. At such a young age, before teeth are in use, it is appropriate to brush at least once a day to brush away bacteria.
When Should My Child Start Using Toothpaste?
Because of the fluoride content in most commercial toothpastes, it is wise to hold off using toothpaste until a child is around three. Water and a soft-bristled brush should be sufficient before then, preventing the risk of swallowing the paste. Even when a child starts using toothpaste, keep dollops around the size of a pea and supervise to minimize minty consumption.
What’s the Deal with the Tooth Fairy?
This question, admittedly, has less to do with dental work for children and more to do with helping them cope with the trauma of losing their teeth. Strangely enough, humans have always had a fascination with teeth. Vikings carried their children’s lost baby teeth into battle for good luck, while in Central Europe it was common to burn or bury lost teeth so witches could not get at them.
The roots of the American “tooth fairy” are quite obscure. It is said that in 17th century Spain, Queen María Cristina commissioned Father Coloma, catholic priest, to come up with a story for her son, King Alfonso XVIII, to help him endure losing his first baby teeth, while in many French-speaking regions, a magical mouse transports lost teeth away. However the swap happens, it somehow always manages to leave parents short a few quarters.
Is Thumbsucking Detrimental for Dental Work for Children?
Thumbsucking is a common habit, especially in young children. Unfortunately, it can undo professional dental work for children pretty dramatically, causing crowding or problems in a child’s bite. The best course of action is to break the habit before the permanent teeth grow in. otherwise, an appliance recommended by the dentist may be required.
Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?
Fluoride, in correct amounts, aids in the development and strengthening of bones and teeth. However, too much can cause tooth discoloration and bone weakening. Monitor the fluoride levels in your water, and wait to use fluoridated toothpaste until a child can understand that they shouldn’t swallow it.
Are X-Rays Safe for Kids?
Our understanding of the effects of x-rays grows every year, and with it the effectiveness of the precautionary measures used in conjunction with it. The aprons and high-speed film used when taking dental x-rays keeps radiation levels minimal, and the precautions professionals take when performing dental work for children are especially thorough.
Is Anesthesia Safe for Kids?
Occasionally, even children must experience the effects of anesthesia or sedation as part of their dental work. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have a very strict set of regulations when it comes to sedation for children, including the fact two professionals must always be present during the procedure.
Do Baby Teeth Cavities Need to Be Treated?
The temptation for many is that, because baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway, dental work for children in baby teeth is unnecessary. This is not the case. Dental health is a holistic process, and decay, even in baby teeth, can spread to other areas of the mouth rapidly. Keep dental care current and treat even temporary teeth.