February serves as National Children’s Dental Health Month, a month-long initiative designed to focus attention on the importance of oral health for children. This annual observance encourages parents, caregivers and educators to prioritize dental hygiene for the younger population and take proactive steps to ensure that children grow up with healthy, confident smiles.
“It’s generally recommended that children have their first dental visit around age 3. By this time, most children are able to cooperate and sit through an appointment,” said Kelly Bratsberg a general dentist at the Bryan Dental Group in Bryan.
“However, if a parent has any concerns about their child’s dental health, it’s a good idea to bring the child in earlier, especially once the first tooth begins to appear,” Bratsberg added.
Why are early dental check-up important?
Bratsberg said the primary focus of the first visit is parent education. She went on to say while it’s helpful for children to become familiar with the dentist’s office environment, the main goal is to provide parents with the knowledge and tools they need to help establish good oral hygiene habits early on.
While baby teeth may eventually fall out, they serve a crucial role in a child’s oral development. Baby teeth are thinner than permanent teeth and more susceptible to cavities.
If a cavity forms on a baby tooth, it can progress rapidly. Many people mistakenly believe that baby teeth are not as important as permanent teeth, but baby teeth help guide the growth of permanent teeth and help in the development of a child’s bite.
Children generally keep their baby teeth until about age 11 or 12, and sometimes even up to age 13. These teeth provide important space for the permanent teeth to erupt properly.
“If a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to cavities or infections, such as abscesses, it can cause misalignment or bite issues in the future,” Bratsberg said.
Oral health tips for children:
- Cleaning gums before teeth erupt: Even before teeth appear, it’s recommended to clean a baby’s gums with a warm, damp cloth after feedings. This helps to remove any food residue or bacteria.
Once the baby starts eating solids, it becomes even more important to keep the mouth clean by wiping the gums and tongue.
- Brushing the first tooth: Once the first tooth emerges, parents should begin brushing it using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. This tiny amount helps protect the enamel and prevents cavities.
“It’s important to avoid using too much toothpaste, as babies are still likely to swallow it. As children get older and have more teeth, parents can increase the amount of toothpaste slightly, but a minimal amount is always best,” Bratsberg says.
- Fluoride alternatives: For families who prefer alternatives to fluoride, Bratsberg suggests xylitol toothpaste as a recommended choice.
Xylitol has natural properties that help to fight cavities, offering a good option for children who are sensitive to fluoride.
- Brush twice a day: Just like adults, children should brush their teeth twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. This helps remove plaque and food particles that could cause cavities.
- Flossing: Once a child’s teeth begin to touch one another, flossing becomes essential to remove food particles and plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush might not reach.
- Healthy snacks & hydration: Parents should offer healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables and cheese instead of sugary or starchy snacks, which can promote cavities.
Additionally, if children consume sugary or starchy foods, brushing their teeth afterward is essential to prevent bacterial growth.
Hydration also plays a key role in oral health, drinking water can help wash away food particles and support the natural cleaning process in the mouth.
- Regular toothbrush replacement: It’s recommended to replace toothbrushes every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective at cleaning teeth and can even irritate the gums.
Bratsberg also said parents play a crucial role in helping children develop and maintain good dental hygiene habits.
“Modeling good behavior—such as brushing, flossing and caring for their own teeth, sets an example for children,” said Bratsberg. “Even as children grow older and may be capable of brushing their own teeth, parents should continue to supervise and assist with brushing as needed to ensure the child’s teeth are properly cleaned.”
Early oral care can help prevent significant dental issues down the line. Problems like cavities, gum disease and alignment issues are easier to prevent than to fix later on. Starting good dental habits early also helps avoid future health issues like sleep apnea, snoring and mouth breathing. These problems can be exacerbated by poor oral development, and addressing them early on can make a big difference.
Baby teeth also play an essential role in the development of proper bite alignment and the overall growth of the mouth, jaw and airway.
“Starting with good habits early on ensures a child’s oral health remains strong, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth,” Bratsberg said.
