Do you know your child's dental health needs?

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., Feb. 15, 2011 — February is Children's Dental Health Month and the Barksdale Dental Clinic will address the common questions regarding infant oral health care asked often by our first-time parents.

When should you start caring for your baby's teeth?

It is actually a good idea to get in the habit of cleaning your baby's gums even before teeth emerge. To clean your baby's mouth, lay your baby in your lap using the orientation easiest for you and your infant. Gently rub a clean and damp piece of gauze or washcloth along both the upper and lower gums. Cleaning your baby's gums after every feeding is ideal, but at a minimum clean the child's gums at least two times per day - after breakfast and after the last feeding of the day. As your child's teeth begin to erupt, which is usually at around six months, look for a baby toothbrush with a small, soft bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand.

Should I use tooth paste to clean my baby's teeth?

As long as you're cleaning your child's teeth regularly, you don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush the tongue as well, if they will let you, to remove the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out. A little fluoride is a good thing for your baby's teeth, but too much of it can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which in mild cases causes white spots to show up on your child's adult teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends waiting until your child is two years old to use fluoridated toothpaste and even then you should let him use only a tiny, pea-sized amount each time. Young children tend to swallow their toothpaste rather than spit it out and swallowing too much fluoridated toothpaste over time can lead to fluorosis.

When do I need to take my child to the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend you bring your baby to see a dentist between 6 and 12 months-of-age. An early dental exam might identify a problem early therefore preventing cavities. Establishing a relationship with a dentist early-on provides families with a source for important dental information as well as routine and emergency dental care.

Baby teeth are important because they allow for a proper diet, jaw growth, giving the face its form and appearance, assist in the formation of proper speech and most important--act as space savers for adult teeth. Tooth decay in babies can lead to pain, infection, malnutrition and premature loss of teeth, which can affect the development of permanent teeth. Good oral health habits started at an early age at home increases the chance for a healthy mouth during your child's young life and carries on through adulthood.

For more information, contact the 2nd Dental Squadron at 456-6718 or 456-6719.