Preventing Cavities

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist take place by the first birthday, in which we will explain proper brushing and flossing techniques. These visits can help in the early detection of potential problems, and help kids become accustomed to visiting the dentist so they'll have less fear about going as they grow older.Cavities are caused by bacteria and food that are left on the teeth after eating. When food is not brushed away, acid collects on a tooth, softening its enamel until a hole — or cavity — forms.

Fluoride

When all of your child's primary teeth have come in (usually around age 2½), starting application of topical fluoride is best. Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel, helping to ward off the most common childhood oral disease, dental caries, or cavities. Regular use of fluoride toughens the enamel, making it more difficult for acid to penetrate and causing a cavity to form. Even though most toothpaste contains fluoride, toothpaste alone will not fully protect a child's mouth. Be careful, too much fluoride can cause tooth discoloration.          

Brushing

Discoloration can also occur as a result of prolonged use of antibiotics, as some children's medications contain a large amount of sugar. Parents should encourage children to brush after they take their medicine, particularly if the prescription will be long-term.Brushing at least twice a day and routine flossing will help maintain a healthy mouth. Kids as young as age 2 or 3 can begin to use toothpaste when brushing, as long as they are supervised. Kids should not ingest large amounts of toothpaste — a pea-sized amount for toddlers is just right. Parents should always make sure the child spits the toothpaste out instead of swallowing.As your child's permanent teeth grow in, the dentist can help seal out decay by applying a thin wash of resin to the back teeth, where most chewing occurs. Known as a sealant, this protective coating keeps bacteria from settling in the hard-to-reach crevices of the molars.If you are prone to tooth decay or gum disease, your child may be at higher risk as well. Therefore, sometimes even the most diligent brushing and flossing will not prevent a cavity. Be sure to call your dentist if your child complains of tooth pain. The pain could be a sign of a cavity that needs to be treated.Babies Need Care Too! Proper dental care begins even before a baby's first tooth appears. Remember the teeth are still there even though you are not able to see them. Teeth actually begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy. At birth, your baby has 20 primary teeth, in which some are fully developed in the jaw.Running a damp washcloth over your baby's gums following feedings can prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Brush the teeth with a soft child's toothbrush or rub them with a soft cloth at the end of the day once they start showing. Even babies can have problems with dental decay when parents do not practice good feeding habits at home. Putting your baby to sleep with a bottle or a sippy cup in his or her mouth may be harmful to the baby’s teeth. When the sugars from juice or milk remain on a baby's teeth for hours, they may eat away at the enamel, creating a condition known as bottle mouth. Pocked, pitted, or discolored front teeth are signs of bottle mouth. Severe cases result in cavities and the need to pull all the front teeth until the permanent ones grow in.It has been shown to be effective when babies drink water with added fluoride in the proper amounts. ADA supports municipal water fluoridation and refers to this as the single most effective measure to prevent tooth decay. The primary purpose in adding fluoride to distilled drinking water is to help strengthen teeth. Nursery® Water is purified water that is steam distilled for purity. This has also been endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, labeling municipal water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.  Rocky Creek’s goals are prevention, heading off potential oral health problems before they occur, and maintenance, ensuring thorough routine checkups and proper daily care that teeth and gums stay healthy.Giving your child an early start on checkups and good dental hygiene is an effective way to help prevent this kind of extensive dental work. Encouraging your child to use a mouth guard during sports can also prevent serious dental injuries.As your child grows, plan on routine dental checkups anywhere from once every 3 months to once a year, depending on the dentist's recommendations. Limiting intake of sugary foods and regular brushing and flossing all contribute to your child's dental health. Your partnership with Rocky Creek Dental Care will help ensure healthy teeth and a beautiful smile! 

How to Brush:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

• Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes.

• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.

• To clean the inside surface of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh. 

Yes! Kids Floss Need to Floss Too!!!

• Use about 18 inches of floss wound around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wound around the opposite middle finger.

• Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between the teeth.

• Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth.

• Rub the floss gently up and down, keeping it pressed against the tooth. Don’t jerk or snap the floss.

• Floss all your teeth. Don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth.