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295 Buck Road, Suite 201
Holland, PA 18966-1748
215.942.9090
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Fast Facts about Children's Dental Health
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Almost Every Child Can Grow Up Cavity-Free.
Children need healthy teeth and mouths to chew food easily, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Today's easy-to-follow guidelines make it possible for almost every child to grow up cavity-free.
- Cavities are the result of both what children eat and how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on teeth longer and promotes tooth decay.
- All foods can cause decay in the absence of good oral hygiene. Particles of food get trapped on tooth surfaces and help to cause cavities. Some foods, because of their texture, are retained in the mouth longer than others. However, foods that you think are "sticky" are not always responsible for cavities. Research continues in this area.
- Table sugar (sucrose) was once considered the only dietary source of dental cavities, but recent research shows that cooked starches also play a role. When foods such as bread, corn flakes, pasta, crackers, and potato chips are allowed to remain in the mouth for several hours, bacteria produces acids that attack teeth and cause cavities. Save sugars and cooked starches for mealtime, when saliva is produced and foods and beverages that rinse the teeth are consumed as well.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers six guidelines that parents should remember as they work with their children to achieve an A+ for oral hygiene.
- Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss children's teeth once a day until they are able to do it themselves.
- Visit your pediatric or general dentist regularly.
- Get enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products, and when indicated, fluoride supplements.
- Have sealants applied to the chewing surfaces of permanent teeth or molars soon after they come in.
- Snack moderately—no more than twice a day.
Some Teeth May Need a Bit More Time.
- Broken Teeth
Save any piece and visit the dentist's office immediately. If a permanent tooth is knocked out and remains unbroken, rinse in cool water and replace it in the socket, if possible. Hold it in place until you see the dentist. If the tooth does not seem replaceable, put it in a glass of milk or water and take it to the dentist. The faster you get to the dentist, the better the chance for saving the tooth.
- Sensitive Teeth
These are not uncommon and can be a sign of anything from a sinus headache to more serious problems such as teeth grinding, cavities, loose fillings, or gum disease. Whether pain lasts for a short time and is caused by hot or cold elements or if it lasts longer, have your child examined by your dentist.
- Teeth That Require Special Help
As a pediatric or general dentist keeps track of your child's dental progress, he or she can teach your child how to avoid habits, such as thumb sucking, that can cause teeth to become crooked or out of line. Your dentist can also identify any problems that may call for the attention of an orthodontist who specializes in tooth development that is not normal. Early orthodontic treatment may prevent more extensive treatment later.
Score a Perfect 10 for Helping Children Develop Positive Dental Habits.
- Start by setting an example.
- Make oral health a family effort.
- Show children that daily brushing and flossing, limited snacking, and a regular dental check-up schedule are all part of a good dental hygiene program.
- Then, praise their efforts and their newfound independence when they are able to brush and floss on their own.
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First Aid for Dental Emergencies
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Toothache
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. Do not place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take acetaminophen for pain, and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or if it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root position. You may rinse the tooth, but do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Follow the directions above regarding broken teeth.
Broken Braces or Wires
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek, or tongue, do not remove it. Take the child to a dentist immediately. Loose or broken appliances that do not bother the child don't usually require emergency attention.
Other Emergency Conditions
Possible Broken Jaw
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie, or handkerchief; then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Bleeding after Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once; if bleeding persists, see a dentist.
Cold or Canker Sores
Many children occasionally suffer from "cold" or "canker" sores. Usually, over-the-counter preparations give relief. Because some serious diseases may now begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.
These first-aid tips provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
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