Start Early for Proper Dental Habits

In dental humor, the joke goes "You know the toothbrush was invented in Alabama, otherwise it would be called a teethbrush." But proper dental care is no joke. From cradle to grave, taking care of your teeth can mean the difference between taking them with you and leaving them in a glass beside your bed.

As a dental hygienist, I've seen it all... everything from middle agers who have never had their teeth cleaned and are now losing them to periodontal (gum) disease to children with a mouth full of decay, and once even a teenager who didn't own a toothbrush. The most frustrating part of my job is convincing people that a little extra care can go a long way in preventing oral diseases. Floss, brush twice a day, have your teeth cleaned and examined regularly. These are the basics of good dental care. But too many people don't realize that good dental care must be taught at home, at a very early age.

Even infants with no teeth are not exempt. After feeding, babies' mouths should be wiped out carefully with a piece of gauze or a clean cloth. Milk and formula contain lactose, a sugar that causes rapid growth of bacteria. Infants should not be introduced to toothpaste or any product to clean their mouths. When the first teeth make their appearance, parents should wipe them carefully, again with gauze or a clean cloth.

For families who live in an area with no fluoride in their drinking water, many dentists and pediatricians recommend prescription fluoride drops for infants. This is a topic that has been the center of debate in many areas, and parents should do plenty of research to do what they feel is right. As a hygienist, however, I have lived in areas where there was no fluoride in the water and in areas where there is, and the difference is obvious. Fluoride should be used only as directed, as too much can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition in which the teeth are discolored and chalky.

As more and more teeth appear, it's time to introduce a toothbrush. There are products out there that are designed specifically for infants. One is a toothbrush that parents can slip over their finger, similar to the finger of a glove, that have very soft bristles on the end which are used to gently brush the teeth and massage the gums. Another product is shaped like a teething ring and has bristles on it for gentle brushing and teething.

Most dentists agree that infants should be introduced to the dentist when their first teeth make their appearance. At this time, the dentist would usually just do a quick visual exam to check the health and position of the new teeth. In most cases, a pedodontist (a dentist who treats only children) should be used. However, many family dentists will treat infants and small children as well.

At around age two, parents can begin to introduce small amounts of toothpaste. There are many brands and flavors available, and there are even toothpastes that contain no fluoride. Non-fluoridated toothpaste may be the best choice for children who like to swallow the toothpaste. Parents should brush the teeth of children under age three and closely monitor brushing for children up to age five. Your dentist can give you disclosing tablets (those pink tablets that children can chew and spit out to reveal areas of plaque accumulation that aren't being brushed properly.) Remember to brush your child's teeth twice a day!

It is around age two that children should begin to have their teeth cleaned professionally. For children who are uncooperative, it is still a good idea to bring them in and show them around the office. If an older sibling is having his or her teeth cleaned, the younger child should be allowed to watch, which usually sparks an interest in having his own teeth cleaned. Many dental offices have policies of not allowing the parents to remain in the room while the procedure is being done. Children are almost always much more well-behaved when the parent isn't around, allowing the dentist and hygienist to more easily do their jobs. For parents who are insistent on being allowed to watch, I try to convince the parent to let me take the child back alone, but allow them to come back to the room a few minutes later and watch so the child isn't aware the parent is watching.

Floss should be introduced before the child's fourth birthday. Those "floss picks" that are pre-threaded with floss work great for kids! This is important to prevent decay in between the teeth where the toothbrush can't reach and in keeping the gums healthy. Teaching flossing early will make it a habit for life.

These are just some basic guidelines for developing good oral hygiene habits in children. Your dentist and hygienist are invaluable in recommending specific solutions to care for the individual needs of every member of the family. If it's been more than six months since you've seen yours, give them a call today!