Lily had a wonderful dental visit today. It is very important to have your child visit the dentist and develop a positive attitude toward dentistry from a very young age. We are proud of you, Lily!
I want to share some INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT INFORMATION with you that was recently released by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Infants need to visit the dentist, and infants need fluoride to make their teeth stronger! Even though baby teeth do fall out to give way to permanent adult teeth, they need to remain healthy as they can affect the health of the adult teeth underneath. And, pregnant mothers need to have a healthy oral environment so that they reduce the amount of dangerous bacteria they pass onto baby.
The Chicago Tribune‘s Danielle Braf reported on new recommendations for expecting mothers and children, and several were regarding oral care for both mothers and infants. According to the Tribune’s article, The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that infants are exposed to fluoride toothpaste once their teeth begin to come in, and that babies ingest fluoridated tap water rather than bottled water, and that mothers receive routine oral health assessments during pregnancy.
- How do you administer fluoride toothpaste to infants? Rub a grain-of-rice sized toothpaste on an infant’s teeth and let it stay there. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth and prevents cavities.
- Use fluoridated tap water in sippy cups, or in bottles. Bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride.
In 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that routine oral health assessments should be done during pregnancy, and they published that dental X-rays also are safe throughout pregnancy.
Pregnancy can result in changes in gums and teeth, and cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from mother to baby. About 40 percent of pregnant women in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, including inflammation of the gums, cavities and periodontics, so it’s important that they continue to have dental work done throughout their pregnancies. Root canals and filling cavities is permitted and encouraged during pregnancy!
I hope this helps you take care of yourself and your little ones!
Best, Dr. Frankel
Just a reminder to make sure your kids begin practicing good oral hygiene habits from a young age! Our littlest patients love to brush!
- Don’t put your children to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The liquid can stay in their mouth after they fall asleep and cause tooth decay.
- Wipe your child’s gums off with a gauze after they eat or drink. After their teeth have come in, its time for them to brush!
- Keep sugary beverages to a minimum. Sugar causes cavities!
- Say adios to sippy cups by age 3. Start phasing them out between the ages of 2-3. Sippy cups can cause/perpetuate a sucking disorder, and change the shape of a child’s mouth if used to long.
- Fluoride is a good way to combat tooth decay. It can be administered by your dentist, Richards Frankel Dentistry!
Thank you to our families who send us adorable photos of their kids brushing, keep them coming!
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children visit the dentist by the age of 1? Yes, I said 1 yr. of age! It’s important for your child to become familiar with the dentist, and to develop the skills he, or she needs to begin healthy hygiene habits at home. Today we had wonderful patient into our office who began going to the dentist by 18 months!
Get your child excited about the dentist like our patient here! What a cutie!
Best, Dr. Frankel