Children's Dental Health

Although your child may not have all of their adult teeth yet, it's still important for them to have regular trips to the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see the dentist when their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday.

Your child's "baby teeth" are just as important as their adult teeth because their baby teeth (primary teeth) will allow them to speak clearly, chew their food naturally, and it will help to form the path for their permanent teeth. 

Early on, you may clean your child's teeth (or gums) with a soft cotton cloth. By the time teeth begin to form, it's important to use a soft-bristled tooth brush, which will help to remove plaque, bacteria, and excess food particles. 

Did you know that almost 42% of children ages 2-11 experience some form of tooth decay? Tooth decay, which includes cavities, is usually caused by unhealthy eating habits. However, one of the most common causes of tooth decay is "baby bottle tooth decay". This occurs when a child is given a bottle during bedtime. The milk and juice from the bottle will sit in your child's mouth throughout the night and create bacteria. To prevent this, the AAPD suggest that children drink the contents of their bottle at once, instead of sipping slowly. This helps to reduce the amount of time their teeth are exposed to the sugary substances. If possible, it would be best to give your child a small amount of water before bed time. 

For more tips on preventing pediatric tooth decay, good dental practices, and what to expect during your dental visits, please visit mouthhealthy.org. If you or your child do not have a dentist OR if you need help with setting your appointments AND you qualify for case management services, please contact Pam's Kids using the telephone numbers from our contact page.  

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