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Toddlers, Toothbrushes & Teeth

Master Sgt. Shanaya Fournier, 319th Medical Operations Squadron Dental Flight NCO in-charge, helps 2-year old Ellie Pagel brush Rex the Dental Health Mascot’s teeth during Feb. 12, 2013, visit to the Parent Child Center on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The visit by three dental health experts was done in observance of National Children's Dental Health Month, a nation-wide campaign endorsed by the American Dental Association designed to promote awareness about the importance of oral health. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Toothcare Teachings for base youth

Jesse Teale, Air Force spouse, cracks open a copy of a book titled, “Baby Book of Oral Health,” during a visit by three base dental health experts to the Parent Child Center on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. , on Feb. 12, 2013. The book was one of the informational items provided to parents during the visit, which was conducted in observance of National Children's Dental Health Month, a nation-wide campaign endorsed by the American Dental Association designed to promote awareness about the importance of oral health. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Toothcare Teachings for base youth

(From left) Master Sgt. Shanaya Fournier, Capt. (Dr.) Kevin Kemarly and Staff Sgt. Cecil Collins pose for a group photo while giving Rex and Lina (base dental health mascots) another brushing during a visit Feb. 12, 2013 to the Parent Child Center on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The visit was conducted in observance of National Children's Dental Health Month, a nation-wide campaign endorsed by the American Dental Association designed to promote awareness about the importance of oral health. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Toothcare Teachings for base youth

(From left) Staff Sgt. Cecil Collins, Master Sgt. Shanaya Fournier and Capt. (Dr.) Kevin Kemarly give a presentation to children and parents on what foods are beneficial to oral health during a visit Feb. 12, 2013, to the Parent Child Center on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The visit was conducted in observance of National Children's Dental Health Month, a nation-wide campaign endorsed by the American Dental Association designed to promote awareness about the importance of oral health. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)

National Children’s Dental Health Month: Make oral hygiene a top priority for youth

Published Feb. 12, 2013
By Capt (Dr.) Matthew Moberg
319th Medical Group

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- February is National Children's Dental Health Month! I polled our four dentists on base and asked them for their top recommendations for children's oral health.

This is the Grand Forks Air Force Base Dental Clinic's Top 5 list:

#1. Start oral hygiene right away! Even before their teeth come in, use a warm, wet wash cloth to clean out the child's mouth and get them used to having their mouth cleaned. As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and water. Children may enjoy brushing better if you use non-fluoridated toothpaste. Brushing can even help the teething process become less burdensome! Brushing two times every day will help instill a good life-long habit.

#2. Trust but verify. It is a great idea to allow your children to begin brushing and flossing their teeth at a very young age. When they can write their name, they should be brushing their teeth. When they can tie their shoes, they should be flossing. However, their oral hygiene isn't performed adequately. Continue to "check" their work by going over all surfaces of the teeth up to age 8-9 or even older depending on the child.

#3. Bedtime is not sippy-time. Never allow your child to fall asleep while sipping on sugary liquids, including milk, formula, or even fruit juice. The carbohydrates remain in the child's mouth and create an environment that is ideal for bacteria to form cavities.

#4. Fluoride is fantastic, but don't use it too early. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and it also makes teeth stronger. But don't use fluoride toothpaste before age 2. The child needs to be able to spit out most of it or they could swallow too much fluoride. You only need to use a small smear of toothpaste on the bristles. Fluoride in water is very important for developing teeth. If you drink well water, check to see if there is fluoride in it. If not, you may want to ask your dentist about a supplement for your child.

#5. Visit the dentist regularly. The American Dental Association recommends the child's first dental visit by the time the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Regular visits help to prevent cavities, catch small cavities before they become a bigger issue, evaluate and treat other oral pathology, and monitor teeth alignment.

Following this Top 5 list can help promote a lifetime of chewing, talking, and smiling for your precious little ones.