•    40% of children age 2-11 have decay on their baby teeth and 21 percent of children ages 6-11 have decay on their adult teeth! (Center for Disease Control)
•  Your child’s baby teeth do fall out, but before they do they ensure there is enough room for adult teeth.  Loosing teeth prematurely will affect your child’s growth and bite.  
• Baby teeth with decay can affect your child’s health and future permanent teeth.  Teeth can become infected causing pain and might require antibiotics and removal to treat.
• Children needing non-preventative treatment at an early age are more likely to have a negative view of the dentists growing up and into adulthood.  Maybe you have had an experience like this that makes you apprehensive about your dental visits?
• Dental decay is the most common disease in children and accounts for the most missed school time.

• Your child should see a dentist by age one! The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists agree that early intervention and education is the best way to prevent future problems.
• Fluoride is there to help.  New recommendations now state that children should use fluoridated toothpaste. Children under 2 should use a smear of toothpaste on the brush, for above 3 you can place a pea-size amount.
• Your child’s diet is just as important as yours!  The drink and food choices you choose for your little one effects how likely they are to get cavities.
•  Oral Hygiene should start early by wiping your child’s gums with a soft damp cloth.  As soon as the first tooth erupts you should brush their teeth with a soft bristled toothbrush.
•  Oral Hygiene for your child requires your help.  Recommendations suggest helping your child with brushing and flossing until the age of 7.  This will start in the form of active involvement early to supervision later.
• Follow the 2-2-2 rule.  You and your child should visit the dentist at least 2 times a year, brush at least 2 times a day, for at least 2 minutes.
• Flossing is not just for adults!  As soon as your child’s teeth are touching each other (usually around 1.5 year old) you should help them clean in-between the teeth with floss.  Floss holders are very helpful for this task. 

We hope this information is helpful as you make decisions for your children.  At Mashni Dentistry we do see children for these early age exams and continuing prevention visits.  We also have a wonderful set of pediatric dentists in the area that specialize with working with infants and children to help with their oral health.  As a team we want to keep our youth and families healthy and educated. Please contact us with any questions!

Labels: Children's Dental Health Month, Dentistry, East Lansing, Health