Kids and Dental Health

DENTAL EFFECTS OF PROLONGED THUMB SUCKING 

• Thumb sucking is a very common habit for children to have especially before they start school. Around 90% of children from 2 to 4 years old suck their thumbs. This becomes an issue if it is still going on till ages 5 or 6 because this is when the permanent teeth start to erupt.
• At this point, it’s important to stop the habit before permanent damage is done to the teeth.

Some long-term effects of thumb sucking beyond the age of 5-6 years:

• Teeth being pushed around, causing a deformation in the childs bite
• A lisp: due to bone formation being deformed
• Germs from your childs hands and thumb
• The roof of the mouth becomes altered and more sensitive

If you start to see changes in your child's teeth due to this habit, see your pediatric dentist.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BABY TEETH AND THEIR CARE

• When do my baby's teeth start to erupt?
  • Teething starts as early as 4 months of age, but most babies don't get their first tooth until 6 months. They usually emerge in pairs starting with the bottom front two, followed by the top ones. Then the side front teeth, followed by the molars and then the canines, which are the pointy teeth next to the front teeth. The back molars erupt last.
  • Your baby should have a full set of primary teeth by age 3; permanent teeth won't begin to replace them until the child is 4 to 6 years old.
•  Why do I have to worry about cleaning my child's baby teeth? They're just going to fall out anyway.
  • Baby teeth are actually very important. They will help your child chew food, speak clearly, and maintain space for the permanent teeth.
  • If baby teeth aren't cared for well, they will start to decay, causing inflammation of the gums and infections of the teeth that will cause your child to feel sick and can even affect the underlying permament teeth buds. 
• What can I do to care for my childs teeth?
  • Start oral care even before your child's teeth erupt!
  • Wipe the gums once a day with a warm, wet washcloth or gauze wrapped around your finger. Once the first teeth start to show, start using the gauze on these too. You won't need to use a brush to actually clean her teeth until she's eating solid foods, around 18 months.
  • But be careful!  if your toddler has eaten sticky, sugary foods, cleaning her teeth with a wet toothbrush and some baking soda.
  • Once the baby is  2, begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush the teeth. 

BABY BOTTLE TEETH DECAY

• What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
  • Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected and is caused by frequent prolonged use of a feeding bottle, especially if the baby is allowed to fall asleep with the bottle and have it in for long times.
• Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
  • Do not leave the bottle in your babys mouth while he/she sleeps.
  • Maintain proper oral hygiene by cleaning your child's gums and teeth with a damp guaze at least once a day.
  • Once more teeth erupt, start using a baby toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoridated toothpaste until age 3.
  • From 3 to 6, brush his/her teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
  • Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste—usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
  • Place only formula, milk or breast milk in bottles. Avoid sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
  • Provide only clean pacifiers.
  • Start taking your child to the dentist once the first teeth come in. 

WHAT IS DENTAL/FISSURE SEALANT? 

• Dental sealant is a thin filling-like coating placed into the depression or grooves of back permanent teeth (premolars and molars). Once these teeth erupt, take your child to the dentist so that this sealant can be placed to prevent future decay of these teeth by acting like a protective shield.
• Proper good oral hygiene and brushing habits should still be maintained to completely avoid teeth decay in your child.