Facts about Children's Dental Health

Children need healthy teeth and mouths to chew food easily, speak clearly and smile with confidence. Today's easy-to-follow guidelines make it possible for almost every child to grow up cavity-free.

Cavities are the result of both what children eat and how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on teeth longer and promotes tooth decay.

All foods can cause decay in the absence of good oral hygiene. Particles of food get trapped on tooth surfaces and help to cause cavities. Some foods, because of their texture, are retained in the mouth longer than others. However, foods that you think are "sticky," are not always responsible for cavities. Research continues in this area.

Table sugar (sucrose) was once considered the only dietary source of dental caries, but recent research shows that cooked starches also play a role. When foods such as bread, corn flakes, pasta, crackers, potato chips are allowed to remain in the mouth for several hours, bacteria produce acids that attack teeth and cause cavities. Save sugars and cooked starches for mealtime, when saliva is produced and foods and beverages that rinse the teeth are consumed.

Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss children's teeth once a day until they are able to do it themselves.
Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly.
Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products, and, when indicated, fluoride supplements.
Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth or molars soon after they come in.
Snack moderately - no more than twice a day.

Broken teeth - Save any piece and visit the dentist's office immediately. If a permanent tooth is knocked out and remains unbroken, rinse in cool water and replace it in the socket. Hold it in place until you see dentist. If the tooth does not seem replaceable, put it in a glass of milk or cool water and take it to the dentist. The faster you get to the dentist, the better your chance for saving the tooth.

Sensitive teeth - These are not uncommon and can be a sign of anything from a sinus headache to more serious problems such as teeth grinding, cavities, loose fillings or gum disease. Whether pain lasts for a short time and is caused by hot or cold elements, or if lasts longer, have your child examined by your dentist.

Teeth that require special help - As a pediatric or general dentist keeps track of your child's dental progress, he/she can teach your child how to avoid habits, such as thumb sucking, that may cause teeth to become crooked or out of line. Your dentist can also identify any problems that may call for the attention of an orthodontist, who specializes in tooth development that is not normal. Early orthodontic treatment may prevent more extensive treatment later.

Start by setting an example.
Make oral health a family effort.
Show children that daily brushing and flossing, limited snacking and a regular dental check-up schedule are all part of a good dental hygiene program.
Then, praise their efforts and their newfound independence when they are able to brush and floss on their own.

This health education material has been favorably reviewed by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation.