CHILDREN’S DENTAL CARE

Here are some tips for maintaining your children’s dental care:

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) recommends you use a soft cloth or gauze pad to clean inside your child’s mouth after feeding.

Do not put a bottle of milk, juice or formula in bed with your child for self-feeding (there’s sugar in all three).

You can help avoid cavities by practicing daily three easy basics of children’s dental care:

1. Brushing in gentle circular motions from tooth to tooth with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line;
2. Flossing from the time your child’s adjacent teeth are in contact with each other;
3. For children aged six or above, a potential finishing swish with fluoride mouth rinse such as LISTERINE^® SMART RINSE^® For Kids.

What to Watch For

Tooth decay comes about for adults or children through the same process: the dreaded plaque (formed by the combination of bacteria, food, acid and saliva) sticking to the teeth. Bacteria make acids that over time eat at the tooth enamel, creating a cavity. Sensitivity to sweet foods and cold drinks might occur, but there are also some visual indicators. Chalky white spots on a child’s tooth, light brown discoloration, a small hole, or a darkening of the entire tooth — all can be early signs of tooth decay. If you notice any of these in your child’s mouth, see your dentist as soon as possible. If your child’s dental care doesn’t include examination by a professional, tooth decay may go undetected or untreated — which can result in pain, infection or tooth loss for your little ones. So make sure to keep an eye out and visit your dentist!