Keep Smiling - Big Y® World Class Market®

Answering the top questions about kids’ dental health

For parents, there are few things more precious than their child’s smile. But are you doing all you can to protect your child’s pearly whites? Does your family’s knowledge of proper dental hygiene stop and end with “brush your teeth before you go to bed”? If so, you’re not alone. Here, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about kids’ dental health.

Q: When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

A: Before she even has them. Eventually your child will have a mouth full of pearly whites, but from the time she’s born, it’s important to pay attention to her gums. For infants, swab gums gently with warm water at least once a day, preferably right before bedtime.

Once those baby teeth start coming in, you can gently brush them with water and a soft brush in the morning and evening. Look for a toothpaste that’s made especially for babies and toddlers — many dental professionals recommend holding off on regular fluoride toothpastes until between the ages of 2 and 3.

Q:My teenager will only drink bottled water. Is he getting enough fluoride to protect his teeth?

A: With the popularity of bottled water, we lose the fluoride normally found in tap water. Start by asking your dentist and/or doctor if your teen needs a fluoride supplement. Make sure your family uses a fluoridated toothpaste that carries the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval. You can also stock your medicine cabinet with mouthwash containing fluoride — make sure the one you select is clearly labeled “anticavity” or “contains fluoride,” because not all rinses are fluoridated. You can even purchase bottled water that has added fluoride, just to be on the extra-safe side.

Q:How will I know if my child needs braces?

A: You might not be able to tell until all of her permanent teeth come in. However, with certain issues such as cross-bite, where the position of the jaw can be treated before permanent teeth come in, treatment in young children can help prevent later orthodontic issues. With older kids whose teeth have all come in, be on the lookout for gaps between the teeth or missing teeth, overlapping or crooked teeth, or teeth that are too crowded in the mouth. Check your child’s bite — do you notice an over- or under-bite? It can be a good idea to have your child evaluated by an orthodontist even if the teeth appear straight, because some orthodontic problems can be difficult to detect.

Q:When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

A: Most dentists recommend taking your child to the dentist after his or her first tooth appears or no later than his or her first birthday. Waiting until a child is older may open the door to tooth decay or other problems. Consider visiting a pediatric dentist who will be used to dealing with a squirmy (and possibly scared) toddler.

Q:My child fell down and knocked out a tooth. What should we do?

A: If it’s a baby tooth, you might not need to visit a dentist right away. Rinse out your child’s mouth with water and make your dentist aware of what happened. If it will be quite some time before the permanent tooth will come in, your dentist might make a false tooth to fill the space. Your dentist will also monitor the permanent tooth to make sure it continues to develop properly.

If your child knocked out a permanent tooth, visit the dentist immediately! Try to find the missing tooth — the dentist might be able to reattach it. If possible, have your child hold the tooth in place until you can get to the dentist, or place it in a glass of milk (this can help preserve the tooth until the dentist can determine whether or not it can be saved).

With the proper knowledge and attention to dental hygiene, you can help keep your child’s sweet smile shining bright for years to come.