Children's dentistry

Looking after children's teeth requires special care. Good dental health as a child can give healthy teeth and gums through life and prevent the need for unpleasant and expensive treatments. Healthy teeth as a child helps ensure healthy teeth as an adult. Below is a description of some of the issues involved and what you can do to care for your kids dental care. You should of course also regularly visit your dentist and hygienist. American Dental provides comprehensive quality dental care for kids in a caring environment.

Your Child’s Dental Care:

Primary Teeth - are important, as healthy primary teeth and gums set up the correct spacing and alignment to give healthy adult teeth and gums.

Early prevention - by regular exam, cleaning, fluoride and education can prevent problems. Care of the gums goes alongside care of the teeth.

Problems - of the teeth and gums are largely caused by sugary foods and by lack of hygiene. Children's teeth have thin enamel and are susceptible to decay. Problem teeth can be unattractive and give a child problems with self confidence.

Treatment - should be done as soon as problems are identified. Neglected problems can require complex treatment that can result in a lasting fear of the dentist.

Dental education - is the responsibility of parents as it may not be provided adequately at school.

Toothbrush & toothpaste - should be special for children. Toothpastes with flavour that children enjoy and low fluoride level as it may be swallowed. Toothbrush soft enough to not damage the child's gums.

A balanced diet - is necessary for your child to develop strong, decay-resistant teeth. In addition to a full range of vitamins and minerals, a child's diet should include plenty of calcium, phosphorous, and proper levels of fluoride.

If injuries occur - such as your child chips, breaks or knocks out a tooth, you should contact your dentist immediately to determine appropriate treatment. Take all parts of the damaged tooth to the dentist.

During pregnancy - you should ensure dental health. Get Adequate Calcium for development of baby’s teeth and bones, which is found in milk, cheese, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. Avoid tetracycline, a common antibiotic, during the last half of pregnancy and during nursing, as it can cause tooth discoloration.

Make dental care fun - by, for example, before you go play dentist with your child - use a flashlight and mirror and count each other's teeth. Make brushing fun.

Dental Care Program for Children:

6 months to 2 years old

• Teething occurs between 6 months and 3 years. It causes tender gums, that can be relieved by rubbing the gums with your finger, with a small cool spoon or a frozen teething ring, or with use of special pain relief gels and medications.
• Once teeth emerge, brush twice daily (before bed and after breakfast). First with a soft baby tooth brush that fits on your finger, and later with a baby toothbrush.
• First visit dentist by 12 months, then every 6 months.
• Give fluoride supplement (Prague does not have fluoride in tap water).
• Get child off the dummy by 18 months. Extended use can result in problems with the teeth and jaw.
• Do not put dummy in parents mouth or share cutlery with child, as that can expose child to bacteria.
• Avoid extended exposure of the teeth to sugar. Such as dipping dummy in anything sugary, or putting your child to bed with a bottle containing anything other than water.
• Avoid constant snacking or drinking of sweetened drinks.
• Breast milk contains sugar so a nursing baby still needs teeth to be cleaned.

2 to 6 years old

• Brush twice daily - your child should brush and then you do it as a control.
• Start to teach the child flossing from age 4.
• Dental exam every 6 months, with instruction in brushing technique, attended by child and parent.
• Give fluoride supplement.
• Limit between-meal sweet snacks and drinks.

From 6 years

• Brush twice and floss daily - child do it himself and parents monitor technique.
• Professional cleaning and exam every 6 months.
• Give fluoride supplement.
• Use adult toothpaste from age 6.
• Limit between-meal sweet snacks and drinks.
• Use a protective mouth guard for contact sports.
• Consider Orthodontics (braces) if your child has problems with alignment and spacing of teeth.