HOME > DENTAL TIPS
Q. When should my child have his or her first dental visit?
A. The
Early intervention is much easier on you and your little one than an emergency visit for advanced baby tooth decay. Injury to the teeth and mouth are common as children progress through crawling to walking.
By establishing a relationship earlier with a pediatric dentist, you will not only have someone to call in the event of an emergency, but your child will be familiar with the pediatric dentist and the dental environment. Give yourself and your child the advantage of the best of oral health and schedule that first visit.
Q. What about the juices? Can they cause baby tooth decay?
A. Juices causes 20 times more baby tooth decay than milk. Any beverage other than water will cause damage to your child's baby teeth if it is given constantly in a bottle or sippie cup.
Children whose stomachs are full of liquid may have less of an appetite and eat less of the more nourishing foods. White grape juice contains more fluoride than the other juices. Consumption of white grape juice should be limited before four years of age. A safe tip is to dilute the juice with water up to 50/50 proportion, and limit its consumption to meals. Avoid juices as a snack.
Q. How does one know if her baby needs a fluoride supplement?
A. Fluoride supplements are necessary only if the baby is receiving no fluoride. These supplements may begin at six months of age. It is always recommended to have a baseline of fluoride content in the water when a child is living outside the city limits (i.e. rural areas) and/or an area in which the fluoride content is not known.
If an infant is strictly breastfed, fluoride may be prescribed for optimal oral health. However, there are many sources of fluoride besides your tap water.
The following contain fluoride:
Juices Bottled water Baby foods, (especially chicken)
Q. When should one begin brushing the baby's teeth?
A. Brushing may begin with a soft-bristled brush as soon as the first baby teeth erupt. Do not use toothpaste. Toothpaste contains too much fluoride, the taste may be unacceptable and the foaming may upset your child.
Q. Any toothbrush tips?
A. A toothbrush with a small rounded head is safer. Bristles should be extra soft. Rinse the brush with hot water before and after brushing.
Change the toothbrush as soon as the bristles appear to be frayed. The toothbrush should also be changed after any illness.
 |  Nebraska Business Development Center |
