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Are thumb
sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a
child's teeth?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will
generally only become a problem if they go
on for a very long period of time. Most
children stop these habits on their own, but
if they are still sucking their thumbs or
fingers when the permanent teeth arrive, a
mouth appliance may be recommended by your
dentist.
How can I
prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting
anything other than water in their bed-time
bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush
and floss your child's teeth. Take your
child to a dentist regularly to have his/her
teeth and gums checked.
How often does
my child need to see the dentist?
A check-up every six months is recommended
in order prevent cavities and other dental
problems. Your dentist can tell you when and
how often your child should visit based on
their personal oral health.
Toothpaste: when
should we begin using it and how much should
we use?
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced
when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to
that, parents should clean the child's teeth
with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
When toothpaste is used after age 2-3,
parents should supervise brushing and make
sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized
amount on the brush. Children should spit
out and not swallow excess toothpaste after
brushing.
How do I make my
child's diet safe for his teeth?
Make sure your child has a balanced diet,
including one serving each of: fruits and
vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and
dairy products, and meat fish and eggs.
Limiting the servings of sugars and starches
will also aid in protecting your child's
teeth from decay.
How do dental
sealants work?
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on
the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This
shuts out food particles that could get
caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The
application is fast and comfortable and can
effectively protect teeth for many years.
How do I know if
my child is getting enough fluoride?
Your dentist evaluate the fluoride level of
your child's primary source of drinking
water. If your child is not getting enough
fluoride internally through water
(especially if the fluoride level is
deficient or if your child drinks bottled
water without fluoride), then your dentist
may prescribe fluoride supplements.
What can I do to
protect my child's teeth during sporting
events?
Soft, plastic mouth guards can be used to
protect a child's teeth, lips, cheeks and
gums from sports-related injuries. A
custom-fitted mouth guard developed by a
dentist will protect your child from
injuries to the teeth, face and even provide
protection from severe injuries to the head. |
