Kathy Kastberg has been a Dental Hygienist for over 20 years, working for the last several years at Masci & Hale Advanced Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry in Walden, NY

Good dental hygiene is of great importance for children, as it can avert problems in later life including digestive troubles from not chewing food properly.  Children should join their parents at their dental visits at age 2-3 merely to observe and become familiar with the office, staff and instruments.  Once a child has teeth, they should use a very small amount of toothpaste formulated for children on a soft child sized toothbrush twice a day. Adult supervision is encouraged to monitor the amount of toothpaste being used, as too much can cause stomach upset.  Investing in "kid-friendly" paste and brushes encourages use, this way the brush is neither uncomfortable in their little mouths or the toothpaste is too "spicy" which many children consider mint flavoring.  At age 3 children should have 20 baby teeth.

Once a child is old enough for their first dental visit, around age 4-5, they should come with an older sibling if available.  At our practice we discourage parents from being in the room, as it is not uncommon for the parent's own fears and anxiety to be transmitted to the child.   The staff has experience speaking a way that lessens their anxiety, while still allowing the child to anticipate the work being done.  While a parent might say, "this shouldn't hurt", planting the idea of hurt in the child's mind, a hygienist might say "you'll feel a tickle inside your cheek."  The hygienist needs to focus on the child and often parents converse too much with the staff and detract from the patient's forming their own relationship.  Additionally, often children are better behaved in the absence of their parents. 

Dental appointments at a young age are important to check for proper eruption of teeth, cavities, as well as to check bite for evidence of misalignment due to pacifier use, thumb-sucking, bottle or sippy cup use.  Routine care enables children not to be traumatized when a problem occurs.  A cavity in a baby tooth can get infected often causing a pimple or abscess on the gum above it.  If a bump to the mouth causes damage or discoloration or even loosens a tooth it is not of concern unless a pimple forms above which is a sign of infection.  Baby teeth tend to be very white, so when permanent/adult teeth erupt, do not to be concerned if they appear more yellow. 

For fun ideas to celebrate the birthday of the toothbrush and encourage good habits in your family, go to:  http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/juneholidays/l/bljune26th.htm

For facts on teeth, go to: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/body/teeth_noSW_p2.html

*Fun fact:  As our society has become more "disposable", we throw away our whole toothbrush when it becomes old.  Years ago, we kept the handle, often made out of bone, and replaced only the bristles, using two small pegs!

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