Top parenting stories this week

• 1.  Why Babies Smile
• 2.  Second Trimester Infant Development
• 3.  What Happens to Your Body After Childbirth
• 4.  Changing from Two Naps to One
• 5.  Baby's Development in the First Trimester

Early Childhood Dental Care

When to plan your first trip to the dentist and how to care for those tiny teeth.

by: Tarra Elliott

ost babies get their first tooth around six months and their last primary molars before they turn three. Your child will keep these "baby" teeth until age 10 or 12 so it's important to care for them. Here's how to keep your child's smile bright and healthy:

1. Start cleaning before the first tooth emerges.

Even before the appearance of baby's first tooth, his mouth should be wiped with a warm cloth each evening to get rid of excess liquid or food. It also gets your baby used to proper tooth care.  

2. Establish an early brushing routine.

Once teeth appear, brush morning and night with a warm cloth, finger brush or children's toothbrush. The abrasive action of a wet cloth or brush is sufficient to remove debris and dental plaque. Teach your child "two for two," which means brushing twice a day for two minutes each time.

3. Fluoride.

The mineral fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and increases resistance to the acid secreted by cavity-causing bacteria. Flouride is usually found in tap water so your child is probably getting all he needs. If you're giving him bottled water, look for a brand with 0.7 to 1.2 ppm (parts fluoride per million parts water).

Because fluoride should not be consumed in large doses (it can cause teeth and bones to hyper-mineralize, resulting in brittle bones, white spots on teeth, brown teeth and mottled teeth), you should use water or fluoride-free children's toothpaste until your child learns to rinse and spit. You can use a small smear (about half the size of a pea) of regular toothpaste if you are helping your child brush. Even if he swallows the toothpaste, the small amount won't contain enough fluoride to harm him. As a bonus, using a dash of regular toothpaste will promote spitting at an earlier age.

4. Monitor Bedtime Drinks.

Don't allow your baby or toddler to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup. Prolonged exposure to any sugary drink (including milk) can cause cavities. If your child wants to go to bed with a drink, fill a cup with water.

5. Do-it-Yourself Checkups.

Lift your child's lips and look at his teeth and gums on a regular basis. Take note if there are any color changes, lines or spots. If so, contact a dentist.

6. Floss.

Once teeth start to touch, it's time to add flossing to your child's routine. Aim for once a day.  
Tip: It's best to use floss handles with toddlers.

7. The Family That Brushes Together .  . . 

Children love to mimic mom and dad so let them see you brushing your own teeth.

8. Bacteria Prevention.

Nobody is born with the bacteria that cause dental decay. Once we catch it, however, it can never be completely eradicated. Most children actually get these bacteria from their parents. To eliminate transfer, avoid licking pacifiers and don't share spoons, cups, food or toothbrushes.

9. The Dentist.

The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and the Canadian Dental Association both recommend that children visit the dentist by 12 months. Although this seems early, the goal is to provide preventive services and to promote awareness of oral health. Here's a checklist of what your dentist should discuss at that first visit:

• The benefits of regular home and professional care, even at a young age.
• The relationship of diet to dental disease
• The effect of certain medications and conditions on oral health (For example, asthma medications have side effects that increase susceptibility to decay.)
• Why sleeping with a bottle can increase cavities.
• Oral hygiene practices.
• The benefits of water fluoridation.
• Developmental milestones, such as sequence of tooth eruption.
• Monitoring jaw growth and development.
• Effects of habits such as thumb sucking and pacifiers.
• Injury prevention, trauma treatment (for example, what to do if a tooth is hit or knocked out).

10. First Dental Cleaning?

The first cleaning depends on how cooperative your child is. He will need to be able to sit still with his mouth open for a prolonged period of time. Most children are five before they will sit through a full cleaning.

Meet our expert:

Tarra Elliott, BSc, DDS, is a dentist practicing in Toronto and Markham. She regularly brushes her toddler's teeth with a dab of "real" toothpaste. She suggests checking out youroralhealth.ca for more information on toddler tooth care.