When do I start?
Oral care should begin soon after your baby’s
birth. Gums should be cleaned after each
feeding. This is best accomplished by wiping
the gums gently with a moist piece of gauze
or soft cloth. You should begin brushing your
child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Insist on a
good brush before bedtime.
How can I avoid baby bottle
cavities?
Once your baby’s teeth begin to appear, you
need to take extra care that these new teeth
do not develop cavities. One common way
a baby can develop cavities is called “nursing
bottle mouth” which is caused by extended
nursing on milk, formula or juices especially at
bedtime or naptime. You should not use a
feeding bottle as
a pacier. If you must give your
baby a bottle at bedtime or naptime, make sure it
contains plain water.
Healthy teeth and good dental health habits start in the rst years of life. Here are a
few dental tips for the smallest members of your family to help them maintain healthy
teeth and avoid cavities, gum disease and other dental health issues.
Time to go to the dentist!
Children should visit the dentist by their rst
birthday. At the rst visit, your dentist will
examine your child’s mouth for early signs of
decay and other problems. The dentist will tell
you many of the things you will need to know
about helping your child grow up cavity-free.
Prepare your child for the rst dental visit with
fun, not fear!
You can make your child’s rst visit to the
dentist enjoyable and positive. Tell your child
in advance that someone will look at their
teeth and clean them. Most dentists prefer
that a parent be present for the examination
for any child under the age of three. Some
ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and
hold the young patient in their lap during the
rst few examinations. It can also be helpful
to take your younger children along for an
older sibling’s dental visit so that they can get
accustomed to the ofce and the staff.
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© 2020 LIBERTY Dental Plan BDental-Health-Tips-for-Kids-Eng RN 01 2020
Making members shine, one smile at a time
™
Dental Health Tips
for Kids
LIBERTY cares about more than just teeth!
Sports and children’s teeth
Children involved in sports need proper mouth
protection to prevent mouth injuries such as
teeth being knocked out. Your dentist can
customize mouth guards for your child’s needs.
What role does nutrition play in
healthy dental development?
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy
teeth. Many snacks that children eat
can lead to the formation of cavities. Try
to limit your child’s snacks and choose
nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat
yogurt and low-fat cheeses. Encourage
kids to drink water throughout the day
(especially after eating sweets). It will help
rinse sugar away from teeth until there is
time for a proper brushing.
Is uoride necessary?
Studies have shown that children who
drink uoridated water from birth have
up to 65% fewer cavities. If you live in
a community without uoridated water
supply, you can make sure your kids get
their uoride by using tablets, drops or
gel
and by having topical uoride treatments
applied at the dental ofce. Ask your dentist
for advice.
Are x-rays of primary
(baby) teeth necessary?
Although primary (baby) teeth are in your
child’s mouth for only a few years, it is very
important that they are kept in the best
health to ensure that the permanent teeth
erupt normally. Your dentist may want to
take x-rays to detect any unseen cavities
that need to be lled, or to make sure the
permanent teeth are forming below the
gum’s surface and are in good position.
What are dental sealants?
Today, most cavities occur on the chewing
surface of the back teeth. Dental sealants
provide specic protection against that
kind of cavity. A dental sealant is a plastic
material that is “painted” directly into the
grooves of the chewing surfaces of the
tooth. The sealant acts as a barrier to
protect the enamel from plaque and acids
and prevents the formation of cavities.
LIBERTY is an active participant in the integration of
each individual’s overall health. We work closely with
professional organizations; such as the Center for Oral
Health, on initiatives that promote the coordination
of one’s medical and oral health which we know will
lead to a higher quality of life for our members.
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www.libertydentalplan.com
© 2020 LIBERTY Dental Plan BDental-Health-Tips-for-Kids-Eng RN 01 2020
Making members shine, one smile at a time
™
