Children’s Dental Care Published Jan. 24, 2008 By Capt. Ashley Brooks 7th Aeromedical Dental Squadron DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- February is National Children's Dental Health month for raising awareness about your children's oral health. Often, parents begin seeking direction on how to care for their children's teeth as soon as teeth appear. The following are answers to some common questions: Q: How should I care for my child's teeth? A: You should start caring for your child's gums and teeth at birth. Gently wipe your baby's gums with a soft, wet cloth after each feeding. When baby teeth appear, start cleaning them with a soft, child-sized toothbrush twice a day. In children up to 4 years old, use a small, pea-sized dab of children's fluoride toothpaste. It is important to use a small amount of toothpaste so your baby does not swallow too much of it. Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause spots on your child's teeth. Q: How does diet affect my child's teeth? A: Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Give your child a variety of foods. Sweets (candy or cookies), starchy foods (crackers) and sticky foods (raisins) stay in the mouth longer, so they can easily cause tooth decay. If your child wants a snack between meals, offer fruits or vegetables. They're better for growing teeth. Babies who go to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice are more likely to get tooth decay. Because the sugar in formula, milk or juice stays in contact with the teeth for a long time during the night, the teeth can decay quickly. Q: When should I start taking my child to the dentist? A: Take your child for a first dental visit within six months of the first baby tooth and by no later than the first birthday. This gives the dentist a chance to look for early tooth problems and to talk to you about how to care for your baby's teeth. It also helps your child feel okay in the dentist's office. Q: What happens if my child knocks a tooth out? A: If it's a permanent tooth, hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you! Baby teeth should not be placed back into the socket. This might disrupt the permanent tooth from ever coming out. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. You can search for more information by visiting www.ada.org.