Early Childhood Caries, How to Brush Children's Teeth

Early Childhood Caries(Cavities), How to Brush Children s Teeth

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(AAPD) recognizes early childhood caries as a significant public health problem. The AAPD encourages oral health care providers and caregivers to implement preventative practices that can decrease a child's risks of developing this devastating disease.

Newly erupted teeth, because of immature enamel, may be at a higher risk of developing caries. Best practices includes twice-daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste for children at caries risk who live in fluoridated and fluoride-deficient communities.

A "smear" of fluoridated toothpaste should be considered for children less than 2 years of age. A "pea-size" amount of toothpaste is appropriate for children aged 2 through 5 years. Parents should dispense the toothpaste onto a SOFT, age-appropriate sized toothbrush and perform or assist with tooth brushing of preschool-aged children. To maximize the benefits of fluoride in the toothpaste, rinsing after the brushing should be kept to a minimum or eliminated altogether.

Parents/caregivers should establish a dental home within 6 months of eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age to conduct a caries risk assessment and provide parental education including anticipatory guidance for prevention of oral diseases.

Also, children need to avoid high frequency consumption of liquids and solid foods that contain sugar.

Infants should not be put to sleep with a bottle filled with milk or liquids containing sugars.

Working with dental providers to ensure all infants and toddlers have access to dental screening, counseling, and preventative procedures will ensure better oral health and no childhood caries.