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Guest: Dr. Elena Rumack
www.calabasastoothfairy.com
Episode 18
Your Child’s Dental Care
Did you know your first dental visit should occur by age 1? Have you heard of Xylitol, the natural cavity remedy? Tune into this episode to learn about all things related to pediatric dentistry with Dr. Elena Rumack. She provides so much education and tips that you won't want to miss this!
Products Recommended In This Episode:
Spry Toothpaste Brand - This is a Xylitol toothpaste for those who don’t want fluoride.
Oral B Soft Toothbrush For Kids
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Show Notes:
It is recommended that the first dental visit occur by the first birthday or first tooth eruption. Most of this visit is covering education for the parents. Parents also want to have a dentist lined up for any possible emergency visits and to avoid trauma when visiting the dentist.
Parents should brush their child’s teeth until they feel like their children can bathe themselves (age 6-7yo). You also want the child to be used to adults going in their mouth so its not scary when they go to the dentist.
What is the first visit like?
Typically, the child sits on mom or dad's lap, the child gets to see and touch the tools, and the visit is done quickly to check for cavities. A toothbrush is put into the child's mouth and the “tell, show do” technique is used.
Digital x-rays are usually taken at 4 to 5 years old when the back molars start to touch one another. A handheld lowest radiation device is used, along with lead aprons, and a thyroid collar.
When should thumb sucking or pacifiers be stopped?
-It is recommended between 2 and 3 years old. Try to offer pacifier over thumb. If this isn’t stopped it can cause a big gap, or high palate leading to speech and dental issues, as well as breathing, sleeping, and eating issues.
Baby Teeth
Cavities DO need to be fixed on baby teeth, as baby teeth don’t start to fall out until age 6 or so (back molars don’t fall out until 12 to 13 years old).
What type of toothbrush should I use?
Start with a banana brush or finger brush. As molars come in you can switch to soft bristle brush. Make sure to use soft toothbrushes until the age of 1.
What type of toothpaste should I use?
Fluoride is safe to use in the proper amount (it makes enamel stronger).
If you don’t want to use fluoride then you have the option of Xylitol toothpaste (xylitol is a natural ingredient made from birch trees and decreases the bacteria that causes cavities).
Flossing & Mouthwash
-You don’t need to start flossing your child’s teeth until the back molars are touching each other (usually around 3 to 4 year old)
-Floss picks are okay but string flossing offers more control.
-Mouthwash should not be used until they can spit it out, and do not use plaque pickers until teen years.
Does drinking tap water or nursery water help nursing moms give their baby fluoride?
Nursery water (water enhanced with fluoride) is fantastic and can be mixed with formula.
What about Oragel?
Dr. Rumack prefers parents use organic clove oil for teething. With Orajel, kids lick the area and it tends to numb the wrong area. The clove oil she recommends can be found here.
Foods to avoid
Sugary foods and sticky foods should be avoided.
Don’t allow juice throughout the day (offer juice with a meal, not in between).
What if my child is afraid of the dentist, what can be done or used?
Establish a dental home early on and see your dentist every 6 months to establish the relationship.
If deemed necessary, a dentist can use nitrous oxide, a sedative, or have the child go under anesthesia to have dental work done.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The recommended age is 7 to 9 years old.
Final Tips:
Consistency and routine are important.
Pair toothbrushing with your wake up and bedtime routines.
Provide healthy foods in your child’s diet like calcium and dairy, and stay away from sweet, sticky things.
Don’t allow your baby to go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
Recommended Products - ((There are affiliate links on this website which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations))
Spry Toothpaste Brand - This is a Xylitol toothpaste for those who don’t want fluoride.
Oral B Soft Toothbrush For Kids
Spiffy’s Baby Teething & Cleaning Wipes
Recommendations: