It’s not all about the Tooth Fairy Published Jan. 31, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Robert Smethers 52nd Dental Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Many parents have questions about their children's early years of tooth development and the correct preventive care to give their children. As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, members of the 52nd Dental Squadron are taking time to make sure these questions are answered. When should a child be brought in for their first dental visit? Children should have their first dental visit by age one. This visit consists of an oral examination of the child's gums and teeth. It will familiarize children with the dental clinic environment. This visit also educates parents how to properly brush and floss children's teeth and explains nutritional habits that prevent cavities. When should parents start brushing and flossing their children's teeth? Parents should be taking care of their children's mouth from birth. They should gently wipe an infant's gums and tongue with a wet soft cloth after each feeding and before bedtime. Children's teeth should be brushed with a child-sized toothbrush and water or infant's toothpaste up to the age two. Emphasize brushing teeth in the morning and before bedtime. After the age of two, a small pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used. Brush in tiny circular motions at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line, making sure the entire surface of the tooth is brushed. Around age eight, children develop the dexterity needed to thoroughly brush their teeth; however, until then, a parent should assist with brushing. When the second tooth arrives, parents should being flossing unless there is sufficient spacing between the teeth. What are cavities? Cavities are the most common childhood disease. They are formed by the byproduct of plaque and bacteria inside the child's mouth. This byproduct is an acid which is produced from the ingestion of sugary foods. Every time sugary foods are ingested there is a 20 minute byproduct attack on enamel, this is called an "acid attack." The frequency of these acid attacks is a major contributor for the cause of dental cavities. To prevent this plaque to form, perform proper brushing and flossing within a 24-hour period. Reduction of snacking between meals can reduce the risk of cavities. What foods affect children's teeth? Certain foods children consume can also be a risk factor for dental cavities. During the infant stages, do not put children to bed with a bottle containing milk or juices. This can lead to pools of sugary liquid collecting around teeth and cause a condition called "baby bottle rot." This condition can cause the bacteria to rot the front teeth. If a child needs a bottle at bedtime, it should be filled with water should also help. Regulate frequent sweetened snacks and drinks between meals and replace sweet liquids with water. Establish healthy snacks including foods from grain, vegetable and fruit early on in their life. The dental clinic will visit the Spangdahlem and Bitburg schools and Child Development Centers during February. For more information about dental care, call the dental clinic at 452-8193, 452-3590, 06565-61-8193 or 06565-61-3590.