Protecting Your Child's Teeth

Dental health may not be something parents are focused on when children are in their infancy, but baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth that are left may move and not leave any room for the adult teeth to come in. It is recommended that children start visiting the dentist when their first tooth comes in, which is typically between six and twelve months of age.

Starting healthy dental habits early on can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Tooth decay can begin as soon as the first tooth appears and if left untreated can lead to extreme pain and infection. Parents should feed their child vegetables and fruits instead of sugary or sticky snacks, fill bottles and cups with water or milk and don’t share food or silverware as germs can spread in the mouth causing cavities or even gum disease.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following when caring for you child’s teeth. When children are between birth and twelve months of age, parents should:
• Schedule a dental visit
• Keep up with your child’s well-baby visits
• After the first tooth appears, ask your child’s doctor about fluoride use
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to gently brush your baby’s gums after feedings
When children are between twelve and twenty-four months of age, parents should:
• Schedule a dental visit
• Limit the amount of juice intake to one cup a day
• Brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day
• Check with your doctor about any sucking habits your child may have developed.
When children are twenty-four months of age and beyond, parents should:
• Continue to brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day; the number-one dental problem among preschoolers is tooth decay
• Ask your child’s doctor about flossing
• Start using fluoride toothpaste
• Children should begin visiting the dentist at least once a year

St. Christopher's Department of Dental Medicine treats infants, children, and teens, including those with special needs and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage for emergencies. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 215-427-5065.