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Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

Childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting nearly one in three children between two and five. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reports that tooth decay can appear in children as young as six months old. As a parent, it is possible to spare your child from early childhood tooth decay and potentially prevent a lifetime of oral health problems in one fell swoop.

Birth to age two

Good oral health begins before your child's teeth ever erupt from the gums. During the first few months of life, you should be wiping your child's gums with a damp cloth after eating as soon as teeth appear, Drs. Lisa Richardson and our team at Dentistry 4 Children recommend you start brushing them with a toddler toothbrush and water and call our Friendswood, TX office to schedule your child's first visit. Never allow your child to go to bed with a bottle, and try to limit beverages other than water only to mealtimes. Children who walk around or go to sleep with bottles or sippy cups full of juice or milk are exposed to more sugars and are more likely to develop tooth decay.

Ages two to six

All of your child's primary teeth should erupt by age three. Brush your toddler's teeth at least twice daily with a toddler toothpaste and toothbrush. As your child gets older and learns not to swallow toothpaste, you may begin to use oral care products specially designed for preschoolers and elementary-age children. Be sure to maintain regular dental appointments and cleanings recommended by your child's dentist, and encourage your son or daughter to begin drinking from a regular cup. This is also the time to teach your child the importance of healthy eating habits, limiting sweets and sugary desserts to mealtime.

By first grade, your child will begin to lose primary teeth. This is the time to start talking with Drs. Lisa Richardson about dental sealants, which can prevent tooth decay from forming on the teeth' chewing surfaces. Sealants are painless, easy to apply, and undetectable to other people.

Tips

Fluoride is an essential ingredient for healthy teeth. Check to make sure the water your child drinks is enriched with fluoride. Also, brush your child's teeth with fluoridated toothpaste, and talk to our office about whether fluoride treatments could be right for your family. For more information about preventing your child's tooth decay, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Lisa Richardson, give us a call at our convenient Friendswood, TX office!

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