Ask a Monte Doc Featuring Nuntiya Kakanantadilok, DMD

Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREVENT MY INFANT FROM DEVELOPING CAVITIES?
A: Cavities occur when the bacteria that collect on the teeth secrete acids – those acids wear away the enamel of the teeth. The good news is that there have been so many advances in dental care that many children growing up today never develop cavities.

There’s a lot you can do to help your child prevent cavities. As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, stop giving him bedtime bottles of milk or juice. These liquids can pool around the teeth and cause cavities. Make sure your child starts seeing a dentist regularly after his first tooth comes in, and teach him good brushing and flossing habits as he gets older. You should also encourage your child to choose healthy foods and limit the amount of candy, soda and refined sugars he eats.

Q: WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD START VISITING A DENTIST?
A: Children should have their first dental appointment when they’re about 1 year old or when their first tooth comes in. Then they should see a dentist every six months for routine and preventive dental services. (Parents, don’t forget, you should do the same!) During these exams, dental professionals will clean and examine your child’s teeth. They might apply topical fluoride treatments and sealants to help prevent cavities.

Q: I'VE HEARD THAT FLUORIDE IN THE WATER IS IMPORTANT, BUT I'M NOT SURE IF MY WATER CONTAINS FLUORIDE. HOW DO I KNOW?
A: Ask your child’s dentist whether your community has fluoridated water. The trace amounts of fluoride in the water penetrate developing teeth, making them more resistant to cavities. Your dentist may recommend that your child take fluoride supplements or drops if your community doesn’t have fluoride in its water supply. You also can purchase bottled water with fluoride in your local supermarket.

Q: MY CHILD HAS ONLY TWO TEETH. WHEN SHOULD HE START BRUSHING AND FLOSSING?
A: Your child should already be brushing his teeth twice a day! Kids should start brushing as soon as they get their first tooth. Choose a toothbrush small enough to fit comfortably into your child’s mouth and with soft bristles gentle enough for small, sensitive teeth. Kids should begin flossing at about age 4 or 5. You may have to brush and floss for your child until he’s able to handle a toothbrush correctly and floss without damaging his gums.

Q: MY CHILD DOESN'T LIKE THE STRONG TASTE OF ADULT TOOTHPASTES. ARE THE BUBBLEGUM-FLAVORED TOOTHPASTES AND OTHER KIDS' TOOTHPASTES EFFECTIVE?
A: Flavored toothpastes have the same active ingredients as adult toothpastes, so they’re very effective. And they make brushing more fun for kids! Children should use toothpastes that have been tested in young children and are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. I don’t recommend that very young children use toothpastes that contain fluoride because they may swallow the toothpaste instead of spitting it out. Ingesting too much of the concentrated fluoride in toothpastes can actually discolor the teeth.