Did you know that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday? Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States! Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection that can lead to problems with eating, staying hydrated, playing, learning, and sleeping. Children with cavities often miss more school and can have trouble earning good grades than children who have good oral health. Baby teeth matter! They help children with many functions: speaking, smiling, chewing food, developing self-confidence, holding the space for the permanent tooth, etc.

The good news is that cavities are preventable! Ways that you can reduce your child’s chance of getting cavities are by starting dental visits early so that a dentist can properly assess your child’s risk factors for getting cavities and treat conservatively if they start to develop at a young age. Fluoride varnish can prevent about a third of cavities in the primary teeth. Children living in fluoridated communities and that drink tap water have fewer cavities than those whose water is not fluoridated. Also, children that brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste will likely have fewer cavities. Some research studies have found that dental sealants that are applied to chewing surfaces of back teeth can prevent approximately 80% of cavities!

The oral healthcare of a baby will differ slightly than the oral healthcare of an older child. It is recommended for a parent to wipe the baby’s gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria and sugars that can cause cavities. When teeth begin erupting, a parent can start brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush with plain water under the age of 1. When a patient is 1 year old, a rice-grain size of children’s fluoridated toothpaste can be used when a parent brushes the child’s teeth. When a child turns 3 years old and can visibly spit out the toothpaste well, changing the amount of the toothpaste to a pea-size amount is appropriate. It is recommended to help your child brush his or her teeth until the ages of 6-8 years old, when they can hold their pencil well or tie their own shoes. Parents should supervise their children when they become more independent so that the toothbrush is removing all the plaque, the soft sticky bacteria-containing deposits that accumulate on the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Your child’s diet will play a key role in their dental health. Sugar is the major culprit of dental caries. It is the “food” for the bacteria to produce acid on the teeth. The longer and more frequently their teeth are exposed to sugar, the greater risk of cavities. “Sticky sugar” foods such as dried fruits, gummy snacks, raisins, sugar gum, caramel, sticky candy, etc. can stay on the teeth for hours and can do serious damage. Also making sure that your child does not drink sugar-containing drinks in a sippy cup for a prolonged period of time. Even watered-down juices can still cause these problems!

Just remember, “Get It Done At Age One,” a perfect reminder for parents to set up their child’s first dental appointment with a pediatric dentist. Baby teeth matter, and good oral health from the start can set up a lifetime of good overall health!