Tooth care for little ones

  • Published
  • By 48th Medical Group
  • Dental Clinic
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As with any other part of your child's body, your child's mouth needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it healthy, working properly and looking good. Research shows that the health of your mouth affects the health of the rest of your body. If your child's mouth is clean and healthy, the rest of his or her body will be better off too. 

Oral hygiene needs to start early. This means taking action even before your child gets their first tooth. Wipe your child's tongue, gums and cheeks at least once a day, before bed or nap time, with a clean, damp washcloth wrapped around your finger. You can also use a terrycloth finger cot. This fits over a finger and is made for this purpose. Most pharmacies carry them. 

It's best if you can look into your child's mouth while you clean it. Lay your baby in a bassinette and stand behind their head as you use the wipe. As your child grows, sit down and have your child stand or kneel between your legs, facing away from you. Then, your child can tip their head into your lap. 

While you are looking in your child's mouth, keep an eye out for anything that does not appear normal; like white or red spots, bulges and other changes. If something looks extraordinary and you would like to have it evaluated, please contact our clinic for a sick call appointment. 

As soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth, it is very important to clean your child's gums around it. This is where plaque mostly accumulates creating cavities or inflammation. Plaque is a sticky white or yellowish substance that contains bacteria. Wiping with a cloth is a good way to clean your child's mouth until the first few teeth begin to show. Then it is best to switch to a soft-bristle, infant-sized toothbrush. Use a very small amount of infant toothpaste. 

Non-Fluoridated toothpaste can be used until your child learns to spit. Then, you can switch to one containing fluoride, but only a small "pea-size" amount should be used. Too much toothpaste makes it difficult for you to see what you are doing when you brush. More is not better. Be sure that the toothpaste doesn't reach the expiration date. This will give your child the full benefit of fluoride. 

The sides of your child's teeth don't touch each other when they first erupt. There is a space between them. But as they grow, the back teeth move into position against each other. This can occur as early as age three or as late as age six. When these back teeth start touching each other it is time to start flossing your child's teeth. Flossing is essential as the bristles of a toothbrush do not reach the areas between baby teeth. These areas are considered high risk areas for developing cavities. If you have trouble using the floss wrapped around your fingers, you can purchase floss holders. They are available at the base exchange.

You should also keep in mind that the health of your teeth and gums play a part in your child's oral health. Research shows that a caregiver of a child can pass cavity causing bacteria to their child by blowing on and tasting foods prior to feeding. By keeping your teeth plaque free, you will drastically reduce the amount of bacteria transferred to your child.

Many parents like to introduce sippy cups to children to transition them from a baby bottle to a regular cup; however, when a child sips for extended periods on sugared beverages (even diluted) or milk, they are exposed to a higher risk of decay. Sippy cups should only contain water unless it is mealtime. Do not have your child go to sleep with a sippy cup or a bottle of milk or formula.

When your child reaches 15 months of age, please call 226-8800 to schedule your child for their first dental appointment. We look forward to seeing you.