Q: What does a daily pattern for children's oral health "look" like?
A: Parents should be brushing their children's teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste as soon as they are able to spit, usually around age 3. Children under 3 should use a training toothpaste to avoid ingestion of an excess amount of fluoride. Children with teeth that are touching should floss once per day. Children should never be put to bed with anything in their bottle or sippy cup other than water. Sugary drinks cause an increased risk of dental decay.

Q: When should a child be scheduled for a dental appointment?
A: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child's first appointment should be scheduled no later than six months after the eruption of the first primary tooth. This first appointment is primarily an educational opportunity to help families provide the best home care for their children. The appointment consists of instructions on oral hygiene and diet, tooth eruption sequence and potential problems from prolonged sucking habits. If the child is older it is never too late to begin good oral hygiene habits. It is recommended children see the dentist twice per year.

Q: How does a child's oral health affect other aspects of their lives?
A: Dental pain can distract students, cause their schoolwork to suffer, or even lead to school absences. In addition, the same dietary factors that lead to decay can lead to childhood obesity. If parents are encouraging habits that are good for oral health, they will be good for general health as well.
Tips courtesy of Dr. Amy Monti, DDS and owner of Adventure Dental 251-0200.