When should I start brushing and flossing my child’s teeth?

You should begin wiping the gums after every feeding even before there are any teeth. Once the teeth begin to come in, you can use a soft bristled toothbrush with a small head. Parents should assist with brushing until your child is 6.
Flossing should begin once any two adjacent teeth touch one another. Parents should floss for children at least once a day at night, assisting until your child is 9.

Is juice safe for my child’s teeth?

Juice is not harmful to the teeth if given in moderation. Juice can damage the teeth if given over a prolonged period of time or if given frequently throughout the day. It is best to give juice no more than 1x to 2x per day and to have your child consume it quickly so that it does not bathe the teeth in sugar. Diluted juice can be just as damaging as undiluted juice if your child is allowed to sip it throughout the day.

What kinds of snacks are good for my child’s teeth?

Snacks that are low in carbohydrates are safe for the teeth. Cheese, fresh fruit, unsweetened nuts, and luncheon meat are examples of snacks that are not damaging to the teeth. Things that adhere to the teeth longer like dried fruit, fruit leather, or gummy fruit snacks can deliver sugar to the teeth over a long period of time and can promote cavities.

What are Sealants?

Sealants are a protective plastic coating placed on the chewing surface of molars to prevent decay from occurring in the deep pits and fissures of the tooth. Sealants cannot protect the flossing surface of the tooth.

Once sealants are placed your child should avoid chewing ice, and hard candies. It is important to have regular six month checkups so your dentist can monitor the integrity of the sealants.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen teeth. It can be given systemically (swallowed) or can be given topically (toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinses, professionally applied at the dentist). Too much or too little fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Too little fluoride will not strengthen the teeth so they are resistant to cavities. Too much fluoride in the toddler and preschool years can lead to dental fluorosis in the adult teeth. Fluorosis is a condition in which white or brown spots appear on the adult teeth. To prevent fluorosis, it is best not to use fluoridated toothpaste until your child can spit.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally derived sugar substitute that has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Xylitol gum, mints, toothpaste and mouthrinses can be a part of a cavity prevention program.

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