Kids laugh around 400 times per day. Grown-ups,  just 15.

Source: www.cyc-net.org

Healthy teeth are important. No matter what stage in your child's life_ infant, toddler or adolescent, healthy primary teeth (baby teeth) are vital in your child's dental development and overall health. On average, chilren have primary teeth until they are 11-12 years old. See Eruption chart. Poor dental health can compromise your child's quality of life with respect to comfort, eating, speech and proper development of their permanent teeth. Over 5,000 children under the age of four undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia or sedation each year in BC .* 

What should you do as a parent or caregiver?

During pregnancy

• Poor nutrition in pregnancy also increases the risk for tooth decay. When pregnant, be sure to include sources of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. These nutrients are important for healthy baby teeth. Calcium rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, and almonds. Salmon, milk, egg yolks and margarine are good sources of vitamin D.

• It’s important that your teeth are healthy while you are pregnant, as well as after the birth of your child. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth. This is a good time to talk to your dentist about caring for your baby’s teeth in their first year.

Infants

• It starts with you. Tooth decay is an infectious disease caused by bacteria (Streptococcus Mutans) in the mouth that feed off fermentable carbohydrates (sugars and starches) in the food we eat.  You will want to keep your teeth clean to avoid passing bacteria on to your baby. Brush daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss and see your dentist.
• Start oral care before teeth appear. Use a clean, soft cloth or gauze to wipe your baby’s gums and mouth twice a day beginning at birth.
• Once teeth do appear, use a soft baby toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush the teeth twice a day. You only need a tiny dab of toothpaste.
• Lift your baby’s lip regularly to check for white or brown spots on their teeth. If you notice anything unusual, contact your dentist.
• Do not put your child to sleep with a bottle of anything but water . Milk, juice, formula and many other beverages contain sugar, which can cause serious tooth decay when left in your baby’s mouth while they sleep.
• Take your baby to see a dentist by their first birthday, or if you notice white or brown spots on their teeth, call your dentist.

Toddlers

• Young children cannot clean their own teeth. Do it for them when they are very young; do it with them as they grow.
• Brush twice a day; brushing before bed is especially important.
• Always use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
• Toothpaste should not be swallowed. Encourage children to spit out toothpaste and keep it out of their reach.
• Take your child to the dentist regularly once all their baby teeth come in, around two to three years of age.

Adolescents

• Children under eight need you to finish brushing for them.
• Be a great role model: children want to brush their teeth when they see you brushing your own.
• Don't forget about brushing the tongue and flossing.

Fluoride

How does fluoride work?

When used in small amounts on a routine basis it helps to prevent tooth decay. It encourages remineralization (a strengthening of the weak areas on the teeth). Fluoride occurs naturally in water and in many different foods as well as in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels, varnishes and supplements. Fluoride is effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.**

Will my child need fluoride supplements?

Children between ages of 6 months and 16 years may require fluoride supplements. Dentists consider many different factors before recommending a fluoride supplement. Your child's age, risk of developing dental decay and different liquids your child drinks are important considerations.**

What type of toothpaste should my child use?

Your child should use a toothpaste with fluoride and the Canadian Dental Association Seal of Approval. Young children, especially pre-school aged childre, should not swallow any tooth paste. Careful supervision and only a small pea-sized amount on the brush are recommended. If not monitored children may swallow over four times the recommended daily amount of fluoride in toothpaste.**

How safe is fluoride?

Fluoride is documented to be safe and highly effective. Research indicates water fluoridation, the most cost effective method, has decreased the decay rate by over 50 percent. Only small amounts of fluoride are necessary for maximum benefit. Proper toothpaste amount must be supervised, and other forms of fluoride supplementation must carefully monitored in order to pevent a potential ovderdose and unsightly spots on the developing permanent teeth. Do not leave toothpaste tubes where young children can reach them. The flavours that help encourage them to brush may also encourage them to eat toothpaste.**

What is topical Fluoride?

Topical fluoride comes in a number of different forms. Gels and foams are placed in fluoride trays and applied at the dental office after your child's teeth have been thoroughly cleaned. Fluoride varnish is one of the newer forms of topical fluoride applied at the dentist office. It has been documented to be safe and effective to fight dental decay through a long history of use in Europe.

The advantages of varnish are:

• Easily and quickly applied to teeth.
• Decrease the potential amount of fluoride digested.
• Continues to soak fluoride into the enamel for approximately 24 hours after original application.

This method is especially useful in young patients and those with special needs that may not tolerate fluoride trays comfortably.**

Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for dental decay. Risk factors include a history of decay, high sucrose carbohydrate diet, orthodontic appliances and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.**

 It's a cliche, but an important one ..." An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure." 

* source BC Dental Association 

** source American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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