Dental health for kids

Getting your child to brush their teeth is a twice-daily struggle that many parents know all too well. Dental health shouldn't be a chore, though. It's an important part of your child's overall health and should be just as important as vaccines and annual check-ups with your child's pediatrician. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Nearly 1 in 4 children between 2 and 5 get cavities in their baby teeth.

• By age 3, about a third of children have more than one cavity.

• By age 8, more than half of children have cavities in their baby teeth.

At Children's Health℠, our pediatric dental team provides age-appropriate education on caring for the teeth and gums and preventing tooth decay. Below, we answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about dental health for kids.

When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?

It's never too early to start brushing your child's teeth. Starting at birth, clean your child's gums with a soft infant toothbrush or a washcloth and water. Once teeth erupt from the gum line, start brushing twice daily with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

What age should a child start brushing their own teeth?

At age 3, preschoolers can graduate to a "pea-sized" drop of fluoride toothpaste. While they can't effectively brush their teeth on their own, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests letting preschoolers brush their teeth on their own and then parents can follow-up with a more thorough cleaning.

Be sure to remind children to spit out the toothpaste and rinse their mouths out after brushing their teeth. And remember, the most important time to brush your child's teeth is right before bedtime.

What age should a child go to the dentist?

Experts recommend babies see a dentist as soon as they get their first tooth, or no later than their first birthday. Connecting with a dentist at an early age helps establish a dental home – giving you a place to go with dental emergencies or questions.

Regularly scheduled dental checkups also ensure that your child's oral health care is delivered in a comprehensive, coordinated and family-centered manner – answering all your questions and establishing healthy routines at an early age.

How do you prevent baby bottle tooth decay?

When your baby drinks from a bottle throughout the night, sugar from milk or formula can build up on their teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Try to avoid giving your baby a bottle to drink throughout the night. Instead, establish routines that don't require a bottle, such as:

• Taking a warm bath

• Singing or reading books

• Rocking in a dark, quiet room

If your baby must have a bottle at night, fill it with water.

Sippy cups can also lead to dental decay. Instead, offer regular cups of water between meals and use sippy cups only at meal times.

Call your dentist right away if you notice white spots developing on your baby's teeth. This is the first sign of a dental cavity.

When can my child start using regular toothpaste?

Any toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) is safe for children. Be sure to follow safety guidelines for how much to use:

• 1 year and under: water and a soft toothbrush or washcloth

• First tooth to age 3: small smear of toothpaste

• Ages 3 to 6: pea-size drop of toothpaste

Remind children to spit out toothpaste and rinse mouths after brushing teeth.

Do cavities in baby teeth affect permanent teeth?

Having tooth decay in baby teeth can lead to health problems with permanent teeth, including:

• Pain

• Problems with tooth structure

• Infections that damage permanent teeth

• Higher risk of developing gum disease

• Teeth that twist or grow out of place

How can I get my toddler to brush their teeth?

If you have trouble getting your child to brush their teeth, you might try:

• A reward chart where your child gets a sticker when they brush their teeth.

• Playing a fun song or using a timer while your child brushes their teeth.

• Letting your child see you brushing your teeth or brushing your teeth together.

• Online games or phone apps made to make teeth brushing more exciting.

Find dental care for your child

The Center for Pediatric Dentistry at Children's Health, through affiliations with Baylor College of Dentistry, provides comprehensive dental services for children with a range of needs, including routine preventive and restorative services, specialty care in the areas of periodontics and endodontics and treatment for patients who are medically compromised. Request an appointment today.