At What Age Should My Child Have His/Her First Dental Exam?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive their first dental exam shortly after the first primary tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. This early visit places special emphasis on feeding, diet and oral hygiene and habits (pacifier, thumb).

Is It Important to Care For My Child's Baby Teeth Since They Will Eventually Come Out Anyway?
Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of the growing adult teeth. The primary teeth guide the permanent teeth into position and allow normal development of the jawbones and muscles. Because primary teeth hold space for the permanent teeth, early loss or damage can affect the alignment of the permanent teeth. Furthermore, children need healthy teeth and mouths to chew food easily, for proper speech development and to smile with confidence!

When Should My Child Begin to Brush His/Her Teeth?
Brushing should actually begin before children are capable of doing it themselves. After nursing, a wet cloth or gauze can be used to effectively clean the gums and remove plaque. This also helps in establishing a good habit early on. Gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste) should begin when the first tooth erupts whereas flossing should begin when most primary teeth are in.

What are Dental Sealants?
Dental sealants are made of a shaded plastic-like material that is "painted" onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children occur. They essentially seal up the tiny pits and grooves, preventing food and plaque from collecting and causing tooth decay. Once applied, sealants must be checked and maintained by the dentist. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as periodic check-ups by the dentist, are still required to help prevent tooth decay.

Is Diet Important in the Prevention of Cavities?
Though a balanced diet is certainly important in preventing cavities, experts agree that cavities are not only the result of what children eat, but also, how often they eat. Frequent snacking without brushing leaves food on the teeth longer and facilitates tooth decay.

What are Good and Bad Foods For the Teeth?
Although foods such as milk, fruits and vegetables contribute to strong bones and healthy teeth and gums, even they can foster tooth decay in the absence of good oral hygiene.

Particles of food that are trapped on tooth surfaces are considered to contribute to cavity formation. Because of their texture, some foods are retained in the mouth longer than others are. These foods include chewy, sticky candies as well as cooked starches containing complex carbohydrates, such as bread, cereals, crackers and potato chips. Bacteria that live in the mouth break down food that remains on the surfaces of the teeth for several hours.

This process produces acids that attack the teeth, resulting in cavity formation. Research has shown that certain snack foods have anti-cavity potential. Cheese, including aged cheddar, Monterey Jack and Swiss, is an excellent snack choice. This is because cheese stimulates saliva production which clears carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and harmful acids, remineralizes teeth and also neutralizes harmful acids. Raw fruits and vegetables are also excellent snack choices. Peanuts and cashews have also been found to fight plaque and neutralize the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

I Am Concerned About the Alignment Of My Child's Erupting Permanent Teeth. Is Their Anything That Can Be Done?
Absolutely. It is recommended that children receive an orthodontic evaluation around age 7, unless problems are noticed earlier. Fortunately, there are many different "interceptive" treatment options now available that may benefit your child even before all of the permanent teeth are in. Dr. Franklin is a licensed specialist in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics and would be happy to discuss ways to enhance your child's smile.