It has been said that it is wise to pick your battles when it comes to dealing with children. While this may be true, there is one battle for which parents should never give in, and that battle is good oral hygiene habits. For younger children, it is not enough to simply send them into the bathroom sink armed with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Children need to be educated on good dental hygiene practices, and parents need to set a good example for children to follow.

Some parents may think, unwisely, that it is not necessary to make oral hygiene a priority when children only have their baby teeth. However, the truth is that it is never too early to begin a dental regimen program. Children who are exposed to experienced, fun, non-threatening dentist offices at an early age typically maintain their good oral hygiene practices for life.

Risk Factors for Child Dental Problems

The American Dental Association (ADA) has estimated that more than half of all children age 5 to 9 have at least one cavity or filling. Some children are more prone to developing dental problems, such as cavities, than others. Higher risk factors can include children who:

• Consume too much fruit juice or other sugary snacks
• Sleep with bottles or sippy cups
• Suck their thumbs or use a pacifier
• Grind their teeth at night
• Have special needs
• Do not brush their teeth regularly
• Do not get enough fluoride in their toothpaste or drinking water

Pediatricians will evaluate children during well visits and identify blatant problems or inform parents if children fall into this high risk category. However, family dentists will be able to fully evaluate a childs dental health in order to quickly identify and correct problem areas.

Good Oral Hygiene Habits for Children

There are many things parents can do to take proactive measures toward their childrens dental health. Parents should:

• Help children under age 6 brush properly two times each day
• Help children under age 10 floss properly one time each day
• Provide fluoride toothpaste and supervise the amount of toothpaste used by children under age 6 (only a pea-size amount is necessary)
• Limit the amount of snacking during the day
• Provide children with a healthy diet
• Choose water over juice as a hydration source
• Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months
• Provide mouth guards for children to wear during sports to help avoid tooth injury
• Take children to the dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and check-up

Parents may also consider having dental sealants applied to their childrens back molars and premolars. Sealants are extremely effective in helping prevent tooth decay by warding off harmful plaque that can become stuck in the pits and grooves of the back teeth.

Timeframe for Child Dental Visits

Children should see a dentist for a check-up every 6 months or more frequently if there are problems to be corrected. The timeframe for the first visit is up for debate. The ADA recommends that children be taken to a dentist by their first birthday, while the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children have a comprehensive dental exam in the early toddler years.

About the Author:

If you are concerned about your childs dental health and live in the Studio City, California area, please visit the website of family dentists Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands.