Kids and tooth decay: Tips for infants, toddlers and beyond

From pacifiers to carbonated drinks, dentists have advice on kids' oral health. (FAITH CATHCART/The Oregonian)

As part of a new educational campaign, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has launched what it calls the Monster-Free Mouths Movement, which includes tips to make the most of kids' tooth care, such as:

FOR CHILDREN UP TO AGE 2:

** Before teeth erupt, clean baby's mouth and gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush to get them used to the routine.

** If you give a baby a bottle at bedtime, don't fill it with anything but water. Bottles with sugary liquids or carbohydrates such as those found in milk, formula or fruit juice put the teeth under attack from bacterial acid all night.

** Never dip a pacifier in anything sweet.

** Take children to the dentist by their first birthday.

** Talk to the dentist about the right amount of fluoride for your child and how to get it.


FOR CHILDREN AGE 2 TO 5:

** Brush your child's teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and right before bedtime.

** Schedule dental visits every six months.
** If your child hasn't quit sucking a thumb by age 3, ask your dentist for suggestions. Sucking for prolonged periods can cause upper front teeth to tip out.

** Limit snacks to no more than three a day.

** Begin flossing your child's teeth when any two teeth touch.

** Limit juice to less than 6 ounces daily.


SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN:

** Supervise tooth brushing until children are 7 or 8.

** In addition to brushing and flossing, children can chew gum with xylitol, a non-sugar, naturally occurring substance that stimulates saliva flow, helping clean the mouth.

** Protect children's teeth with a mouth guard when they participate in sports or other physical activities.

** Avoid carbonated beverages, sports drinks and juice pouches – all bad for the teeth.

--Katy Muldoon



Source: Oregon Live