What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is when the enamel of a tooth is destroyed.  It is one of the most preventable diseases seen in children.  It can cause pain and prevent a child from being able to eat, sleep, speak and learn properly.

Possible Causes of Tooth Decay:

• Going to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, breast milk or juice.  All of these contain sugar
• Falling asleep at the breast with milk still in the mouth
• Using a training cup (sippy cup) for a prolonged period of time
• Using a pacifier dipped in honey, sugar or sweetener

Checking for Tooth Decay:

• Once a child has teeth, lift his/her upper lip once a month to check the teeth
• Look for dull white spots or lines on the teeth close to the gums
• Dark spots on teeth are also a sign of a problem
• If you see any signs, take your child to a dentist as soon as possible
• Tooth decay should be treated early or your child may develop infection and have pain

Visual Signs of Tooth Decay:

How can I prevent my child from getting tooth decay?

-Toothbrushing and Flossing

-Fluorides

-Healthy Snacking

-Dental Sealants

-Dental Visits

Toothbrushing and Flossing

The purpose of toothbrushing and flossing is to remove plaque (food debris) from the teeth.  This can be difficult depending on the age and cooperation of your child.  The bottom line in tooth decay prevention is remove plaque however possible.

Infant/Toddler (0 to 3 year)

Even before your child's first teeth appear, wipe out their mouth with a clean wet cloth or gauze square.

Once they have their first tooth, brush at least twice a day with water only, especially before bedtime.  You can use either a small flat soft bristled toothbrush or a clean wet cloth.

Clean your child's teeth and gums after breast or bottle feeding.

Have your child lay down while you clean the teeth, on the couch or the floor(this will improve your ability to see and access all of the teeth).

Child (3 to 10 years)

Teeth should be brushed a minimum of two times a day, with special attention given before bedtime.

Fluoride toothpaste can be used once a child has learned to spit it out, but only a small amount is recommended (half the size of a pea).

Help your child to brush his/her teeth until he/she is around 10 years old.

Have your child lay down while you clean the teeth, on the couch or the floor (this will improve your ability to see and access all of the teeth).

You may also begin to floss your child's teeth once the molars start to touch.  Floss handles are helpful to use as it can be difficult for parents to get their own hands into their child's tiny mouth.

Change your child's toothbrush every 3 months or after an infectious illness.

Brushing and Flossing Difficulties 

Your child may resist your attempts to clean his/her teeth, and insist that he/she can do it alone.

Most children only chew the brush, which will remove some plaque, but parents need to be aware that this is not enough and they still needs to do a thorough brushing for the child afterwards.

If the child clenches his/her lips and will not open, try to gently squeeze the cheeks until you can put the toothbrush inside.

Try to make brushing and flossing a positive experience for your child.  You could let the child try to brush your teeth first, or sing a brushing song.

If your child will not lay still while you are trying to clean his/her teeth you may want to try this gentle hold technique.  Sit on a carpet or other soft surface with your legs streched out straight.  Place your child on his/her back on the floor with his/her feet pointing in the same direction as your own.  You can then put your legs over your child's arms and gently secure his/her head between your thighs.  Sounds tricky but it works.  In this position, you will be able to control your child's arms and head, while being able to look directly into the mouth.

Fluoride

Fluoride Toothpaste

Children under the age of 3 years should not use fluoride toothpaste as children tend to swallow more than they spit out.

Depending on how much they brush (1-4 times a day), this can be a lot of swallowed fluoride.

Too much ingested fluoride can lead to problems with developing teeth.

By 3 years of age, you can use a tiny amount of toothpaste (half the size of a pea) to brush your child's teeth.  Teach your child to spit out the excess toothpaste. 

Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride Varnish is a protective coating that is painted on the teeth.  It prevents cavities and can stop cavities that have already started by making tooth enamel harder.

With  fluoride varnish application, the varnish hardens as soon as it comes into contact with saliva, preventing the child from ingested it and making it safe for application as early as the first teeth appear.

Fluoride Varnish is approved by the FDA and Health Canada and is supported by the Canadian Dental Association

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is offering Fluoride Varnish to all children 3 years of age and younger at no charge.  Visit the Preventive Dentistry Clinic at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to have fluoride varnish applied to your child's teeth.  Call 625-5984 to schedule your appointment.

Topical Fluoride Treatment

A concentrated form of fluoride that is applied at a dental office.

The dentist or hygienist will indicate if there is a need for a fluoride treatment.

Fluoridated Water

Water fluoridation has been shown to be an effective way of reducing dental decay.  At present, Thunder Bay's water supply is not fluoridated.

Healthy Snacking

Snacks are important for young children, but even nutritious snacks eaten too often throughout the day can lead to tooth decay.  Your child should snack when he/she is hungry or thirsty, not for comfort or entertainment.

A healthy diet in regards to dental health is a diet that is low in sugar.  The worst foods for your teeth contain sugar and are sticky.

Avoid letting your child  sip on juice or milk all day long (even diluted juice is not recommended).  Water is the only liquid that will not cause tooth decay.

3 Steps to Healthy Snacking:

1.  Limit the number of snacks to 2 - 3 per day.

2.  Offer a variety of snacks.

3.  Offer nutritious snacks, such as those listed below:

• water
• fruits and vegetables
• yogurt
• cereal (not sugar coated)
• cheese
• eggs
• whole grain bread and muffins

The ideal time for a sweet snack is when your child can brush afterwards.  The following snacks are not to be eaten often:

• candies
• chips and cheesies
• cookies and cakes
• marshmallows
• fruit rollups and fruit leathers
• dried fruits (e.g. raisins)
• pop (regular and diet)
• sugar-coated cereals
• honey, syrup and jams/jellies
• fruit flavoured drinks (usually contain a high amount of sugar)

After the fisrt teeth appear, give your baby a bottle of water if your child must have a bottle at night.

Pacifiers should not be dipped in anything sweet.

If your child is on a liquid medication (usually sweetened for taste), rinse and/or brush with water after the medicine has been given.

When your child does eat something with sugar in it, teach your child to brush immediately after eating it.   If brushing is not an option at the time, your child can rinse the mouth with water, chew sugar-free gum or eat some cheese.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are plastic protective coatings that are painted into the deep grooves of permanent molar teeth where plaque is often difficult to remove and dental decay is common.  This can usually be done shortly after the time of eruption of the 6 year and 12 year molars.

Dental Visits

For children today, a visit to the dentist is often a fun experience.  A positive attitude on the part of the parent is important in determining the child's outlook on visiting the dentist.

Bring your child to the dentist before there is a problem.  It is recommended that your child visit a dentist by their first birthday for a screening.  During your regular daily cleaning of your child's teeth, if you see something that you think might be a problem, call your dentist.

Find a dentist who enjoys and regularily treats children.  If your family dentist does not enjoy working on children, ask him to recommend one who does.

Don't over prepare your child for their first dental visit.

To avoid making your child anxious, don't use words like "hurt", "afraid" or "bad".  Try not to relay any fears you may have about the dentist to your child.

Click Here for Printable Information on Early Dental Care Advice

For more information call 625-5984.