52nd DS offers parents oral hygiene tips Published Jan. 29, 2008 By Capt. (Dr) Patrick Parsons 52nd Dental Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Parents often wonder how best to approach home oral hygiene care with their children. Home oral hygiene care is not just brushing teeth, but a more encompassing subject including diet, fluoride use and parental involvement. These three areas are critical for the prevention of dental-related problems such as tooth decay and gum problems. The age of children often dictates certain aspects of home care, particularly the level of parental involvement. Home oral hygiene care starts when a child's first tooth breaks the gums, typically at six months of age. Here, parental involvement includes inspection and cleaning of the child's tooth with a cloth or wet toothbrush. Toothpaste is not required at this age. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents bring their children in for their first dental exam six months after the first tooth appears. As the child ages and gains manual dexterity, parental involvement becomes more supervisory. Children need to brush their teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. When children are old enough to spit and not swallow the toothpaste, fluoridated toothpaste can be used, but only in pea-sized amounts. Children will usually need physical assistance to thoroughly brush their teeth until the age of 8-9. Plaque-disclosing tablets are a good teaching aid to ensure children are cleaning effectively. These tablets stain areas of plaque on the teeth pink and allow children to see areas they have missed during brushing. Dentists can help parents obtain some. Childhood flossing is recommended on a case-by-case basis by the dentist. Parental involvement with oral home care does not stop with tooth brushing. Indeed, a child's diet plays an important role in their dental health. Parents should limit the amount of high sugar drinks like juice and soda that their children consume to one glass per day or less, and encourage them to drink milk and water. Children should not be put to bed with bottles or "sippy" cups with anything but water. They should have set mealtimes and not be allowed to "graze" throughout the day. High sugar intake combined with high frequency of consumption or "grazing" create favorable conditions for tooth demineralization and subsequent decay. Finally, dentists should be consulted regarding fluoride consumption. Fluoride prevents tooth decay when used properly but in excess can have some adverse effects. Dentists can determine if children need fluoride supplementation. Ultimately, reducing the amount of plaque on teeth, in combination with proper diet and routine checkups with a dentist, can significantly reduce the number of dental problems children may experience. Parents play the most important role in the dental well being of their children. For more information, call the 52nd Dental Squadron at 452-8193, or visit www.ada.org or www.aapd.org. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry policy on early childhood cavities - prevention strategies - Infants should not be put to bed with bottle - Weaned from bottle by 12-14 months - Drink from cup as approach age one - Avoid repetitive consumption of liquid containing sugars - Implement oral hygiene when the first tooth shows - The initial dental exam should take place within six months after the first tooth appears and no later than 12 months - Decrease the transmission of cavity causing bacteria from caregiver to infant by not sharing the same eating utensils with child (Editors note: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry policy information is courtesy of the Oral Health Policies, AAPD. Pediatric Dentistry Reference Manual 2004-2005)