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With eruption of the first tooth, parents should begin brushing with a soft-bristled, small-head brush. |
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The most important time to brush is at night, after the last feeding, with children being allowed to consume only water afterwards. |
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To prevent fluorosis, parents should make efforts to minimize the swallowing of toothpaste, or consider using only water or a non-fluoridated toothpaste. |
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Parents should begin flossing the child’s teeth as soon as the tooth surfaces touch each other. |
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Eating and drinking supply bacteria in the mouth with the carbohydrates they need to produce acid and destroy tooth enamel. |
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The type of food and pattern of ingestion both impact caries development. |
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Caregivers should decrease the frequency and duration of sugar intake, promptly remove carbohydrates from the teeth, and choose less cariogenic foods. |
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Night feedings should be discouraged once a child's teeth begin to erupt. |
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no juice for children younger than 1 year of age and limiting juice consumption in older children. |
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A diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is best in the prevention of Early Childhood Caries. |
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Frequent snacking and drinking throughout the day increases a child's risk of caries. |
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Families should be encouraged to avoid sticky foods such as dried fruits, fruit roll-ups, and candies. |
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Decreased saliva production is a known risk factor for the development of caries. |
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Causes of limited saliva production include systemic diseases and salivary gland damage. |
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Decreased saliva production is most commonly a medication side effect. |
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When a child is at risk or is known to have xerostomia, he or she should be more closely screened for caries by a dentist. |
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Dental caries is an infectious process, so delaying bacterial colonization will delay caries development. |
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Because modifying the primary caregiver's dental flora can significantly affect a child’s caries risk, physicians should promote improved parental oral hygiene. |
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Anticipatory guidance includes recommending that parents brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, as well as floss daily. |
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Parents can decrease transmission of oral bacteria to children by minimizing the passage of saliva. |
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with risk factors for caries be seen by a dentist within 6 months of eruption of the first tooth or 12 months of age, whichever comes first. |
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Risk factors such as special health care needs and sleeping with a bottle warrant referral to a dentist. It is recommended that, whenever possible, all children be referred to a dentist by 12 months of age. |
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It is important to create relationships with local dentists to allow for “emergent” referrals. |
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Risk factors such as special health care needs and sleeping with a bottle warrant referral to a dentist. |
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It is recommended that, whenever possible, all children be referred to a dentist by 12 months of age. |
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It is important to create relationships with local dentists to allow for “emergent” referrals. |
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Dental sealants provide a physical barrier to bacterial invasion of pits and fissures and should be applied to all high-risk children around the ages of 6 and 12. |
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Sealants can be applied at any time; however, ages 6 and 12 are ideal because that is when the permanent molars erupt. |
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Sealants are cost-effective because they typically last 5 to 10 years and cost less than half that of a filling. |
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Fluoride is effective in the prevention of caries, but primarily benefits the smooth surfaces of the teeth. |
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Parents of infants should be counseled to begin brushing once teeth erupt. |
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Recommend that families discontinue bottle use by 12 months
of age. |
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Parents of toddlers should be advised to limit sippy cup use and to keep snacks to one time between meals. |
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Cariogenic snacks should be limited for all children, with fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains being the snacks of choice. |
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Parents of infants should be counseled to begin brushing once teeth erupt. |
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Adolescents have unique issues that need to be addressed, such as oral piercing and tobacco use. |
