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Children's Dental Health—Affordable Dental Care for a Lifetime of Smiles
by Community Dental Staff Dentist
Q: When is the most popular time to go to the dentist?
A: 2:30 ("Tooth-hurty")
A familiar joke to many is also an unpleasant reality for many children. Dental decay is one of the most common diseases in children. It's especially unfortunate that dental cavities are on the rise for children aged 2-5 years old, because there are many means of preventing cavities from ever developing. While it was once the trend to only see the dentist for acute pain, advances in dentistry have allowed for care that focuses more on prevention of problems, especially in children. Here are several tips to keep your child's mouth healthy and pain-free.
- First Dental Visit. A child should start visiting the dentist at age one, according to American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. This represents a shift in perspective, from the former recommendation of a first visit at age three. This preliminary visit to the dentist at age one establishes a dental home for the child. It allows the dentist to perform a quick exam (usually while a parent holds their child on his or her lap), evaluate proper development of the teeth, make an assessment of the child's risk for developing cavities, and discuss with the parent proper care of the teeth.
- Dental Sealants. Sealants are a protective, non-toxic plastic coating applied to permanent and primary (or "baby") teeth that are at risk for developing cavities. These composite coatings fill in the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach, helping prevent cavities in those grooves. Sealants can be received at the dental office as well as through school-based programs.
- Fluoride. A naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens the outer surface of the tooth, fluoride is available in many forms. Many towns have water that is fluoridated to the optimum level for cavity prevention. Families using a well may have natural fluoride in their water; fluoride levels can be determined through routine well-water testing. Toothpaste with the ADA seal is fluoridated, and not only cleans teeth but provides beneficial fluoride. Several mouth rinses on the market contain fluoride as well. Fluoride can even be prescribed for young children who do not get enough through their water source. Fluoride is also administered at the dental office. Fluoride not only strengthens teeth to prevent cavities, it can actually reverse small cavities so that they do not have to be filled by the dentist.
- Diet. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, a poor diet can quickly cause a good mouth to deteriorate with cavities. Each time a fermentable carbohydrate (think starch or sugar), is put into your child's mouth, it lowers the pH of the mouth—making it vulnerable to cavities. It takes about 30 minutes for the mouth to recover so that the teeth are no longer under attack. What this means is that if a child is snacking or sipping frequently throughout the day, cavities are likely to result. Major culprits are sodas (even diet soda), juice, other sweetened beverages such as sports drinks, candies (especially those that are sucked for extended periods of time like a lollipop), and crackers. Sweetened beverages should be consumed only at mealtime, and sippy-cups as well as bottles for bedtime should contain water only.
Keeping your child's teeth and smile healthy is certainly important for their overall health. Dental cavities can cause pain, infection, swelling, and can even lead to hospitalization. The impact this can have on a child's schooling, ability to learn, and self-confidence cannot be underestimated. Preventative dentistry is the simplest, commonsense and affordable route to keeping your child cavity-free. And later on in life, a healthy dental profile is associated with a higher level of education, employment, and well-adjusted lifestyle.
Keep your child healthy and smiling—now and throughout life—by obtaining preventative dentistry and visiting your dentist regularly.
Community Dental—Gentle, Safe, and Affordable Dental Care
Our approach is to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes preventative, restorative, and maintenance services by appointment. We accept most dental insurance plans, MaineCare, and walk-in emergencies for those experiencing dental pain. We are taking new patients and treat all ages, so your whole family can become established patients with us.
Give us a call—we have several locations throughout the state and look forward to your visit!
Biddeford
207-282-1305
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Farmington
207-779-2659
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Lewiston
207-777-7442
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Portland
207-874-1028
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Rumford
207-369-3600
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Principal Author: Community Dental Staff Dentist
Date Last Modified: October 21, 2011