PREVENTING ORAL DISEASE IN CHILDREN

Early Dental Visits
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) recommends that a
child's first visit to the dentist take place within six months of eruption of the first tooth and no later than twelve months of age. The earlier the visit, the less likelihood of a child developing dental problems. At the first visit, the dentist will do an oral inspection to look for any abnormalities and counsel with parents regarding:
* breast and bottle feeding habits and timely weaning in order to prevent cavities
* teething (tooth eruption)
* fluoride supplements where the drinking water is not fluoridated
* home care including tooth brushing and use of fluoride toothpaste
* thumb sucking and pacifier use
For more information about early dental visits, visit the American Academy
of Pediatrics web site.

Fluoride Supplements
Daily fluoride supplements (drops or tablets) are recommended for children between the ages of six months and sixteen years of age who reside in areas where the drinking water is fluoride-deficient (little or no fluoride in the water). A dentist or pediatrician will determine the appropriate dose based on the child's age and drinking water fluoride level. Daily use of fluoride supplements is very effective in preventing cavities in children.
For more information about fluoride supplements, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry web site.

Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is a thin coating of resin that is applied to tooth surfaces in order to prevent or arrest decay. It has been proven effective in infants and children who have had cavities, breast feed on demand at night, chronically use high sugar (syrup like) oral medications, engage in prolonged or on demand use of a bottle or sippy cup containing liquids other than water and for children with disabilities. The initial application of fluoride varnish is followed by a second application in between three and six months.

Sealants
Sealants are thin, clear or shaded plastic coatings applied to the occlusal (chewing) surfaces of the first (six year) and second (twelve year) permanent molars in order to prevent cavities. Sealants "seal out" food and bacteria-containing plaque that tend to accumulate in the crevices of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and cause cavities. It takes only one visit to apply sealants. Sealants are only one step in preventing cavities ... brushing, flossing, limited snacking and regular visits to the dentist are all essential to good oral health. There is more information on line.

Daily Home Care
Preventive home oral hygiene health care begins at birth.
* Wipe your infant's gums with a clean washcloth after bottle or breast feeding.
* As teeth erupt, brush the child's teeth with a small, soft bristle toothbrush and a very small (pea-size) amount of fluoride toothpaste.
* In order that teeth are thoroughly cleaned, children under six or seven years
of age should have their teeth brushed by an adult.
* As children begin showing an interest in brushing their teeth, they should be
encouraged to do so in addition to the brushing done by a caregiver.

There is more information about preventing oral disease in children from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry web site and Academy of Pediatrics' Collaborative Care Oral Health Initiative web site .