Tooth decay is the most common disease in children, with over 40% of children having one or more cavities by the time they reach kindergarten age. They live in a world of sugary snacks, sweetened fruit juices, soft drinks, and sugar-containing candies and gum.
If your child uses sippy cups, the best recommendation is to fill them with water. Limit the amount of sugary snacks and foods that stick to their teeth, such as cookies and cakes.
Recommendations for protecting your child’s oral health from the Academy of General Dentistry include the following:
Infant’s teeth can be cleaned with a small damp cloth.
Fluoride, which helps teeth resist decay, is recommended. Note that in most areas of Colorado Springs the water has naturally occurring fluoride. Some areas, especially in the Southwest area, have fluoride levels high enough to cause discoloration of developing permanent teeth. Permanent incisors begin forming as early as 18 months of age. Recommendations for adding additional fluoride should be evaluated for benefit versus harm.
We recommend that mild toothpaste not containing fluoride be used for children under the age of 6 years. It is a good idea to supervise brushing without negatively affecting the brushing experience. Common areas for tooth decay are the front surfaces of the teeth and the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Pacifier use is typically acceptable and is easier to control than finger or thumb sucking, as pacifiers can gradually be discontinued, usually by age two. Finger and thumb sucking are harder habits to break and may cause emotional difficulties. Overuse can also lead to misaligned teeth and future orthodontic needs.
Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth & harmful habits like thumb-sucking. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful & many times (though not always) eliminates the need for future orthodontic or orthopedic treatment.
Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6 to 12, when the permanent front teeth (incisors) & 6-year molars come in. Treatment deals with jaw misalignment & dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard & soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the permanent teeth & the development of the final bite relationship.
We’re happy to work with your child at each of the above developmental stages. Call today to schedule an orthodontic consultation for your child.
