How to prevent tooth decay with children?

When should a child visit a dentist for the first time?

The first visit to a dentist should be before the first birthday. A general rule is that it should be six months after first teething. It is the best way to prevent problems such as caries or tooth decay. Furthermore, it can help parents to learn how to clean their child’s teeth. The visit in such early period is primarily intended for parents so they can get informed on appropriate diet and hygiene.

How to prepare your child and yourself for the visit?

Before the first visit, ask your dentist about the procedures so there will be no surprises. Very small children can be nervous and cannot sit still. This is why you should talk to your child on what it can expect. For the same reason, no interventions should be performed on the first visit, so they can get to know the environment and the dentist.

What happens at the first visit?

Majority of first visits are nothing more than breaking the ice, an opportunity for the child to get to know the dentist and the dental office. Patience and calmness of parents, as well as convincing communication with the child, are extremely important in these situations. Short, successive visits serve the purpose of building child’s trust in the dentist and the dental office.

When should you schedule another visit?

Children, as well as adults, should visit a dentist every six months. Premature visits can also be appointed every three months while the child is small so the child would feel comfortable and build trust. Furthermore, caries on milk teeth advances much faster compared to permanent teeth, so it is much better to take children to the dentist more often.

How to prevent tooth decay with children?

Parents usually look after oral hygiene of their child until it is old enough to take personal responsibility. Appropriate home prevention is important from the day your child is born.

Clean the gums of your baby with clean, wet gauze after every feeding. Do not give your child a bottle of sugared milk, juice, or sweetened liquid before sleep.

When first milk teeth grow, buy a toothbrush with a smaller head because teeth are smaller compared to permanent teeth. It is most important to brush teeth in the evening due to smaller saliva production and lack of self-cleaning during night. The child can brush its teeth on its own in order to build self-confidence, and then, a parent can brush them again to be sure that deposits are removed. Usually around fifth year, the child can learn how to properly brush its teeth, following parents’ instructions.

The best way to teach your child how to brush its teeth is to give it good example.
Therefore, be a good example to your child.

Author: Dr. Tijana Ivošević

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