Dr Goyer – Kids Overall Health, Oral Hygiene

Overall Health

A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the time they are 3.

Being proactive about your child’s health today can help keep his or her smile healthy for life. Dental decay in baby teeth can lead to crowding in the adult teeth and can affect the growth of the jaw, which is why regular appointments are important to monitor development.

It is also extremely imperative to talk with your dentist and pediatrician if your child snores or chronically breathes through his or her mouth, since this also can affect the growth of the jaw and size of the airway.

Oral Hygiene

Even before teeth erupt, it is important to clean your infantʼs gums with a damp cloth or gauze pad. Teaching your child proper brushing technique and brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will promote life-long healthy habits. Remember, mouthwash does not replace brushing or flossing. Come see us for check-up appointments every six months starting around one year of age to monitor development and evaluate hygiene practices (and also take a trip to the treasure chest)!

Nutrition

Diet and nutrition play a major role in determining long-term oral health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet builds strong muscles and bones, which include teeth. Foods and beverages containing sugars and acids are very harmful to teeth, so "treat treats as treats," (Food Rules).

Visit the Sip All Day, Get Decay site by Minnesota Dental Association for great information on the damage that sodas and energy drinks cause. Acid in sports drinks, energy drinks, and sodas, whether they contain sugar or not, is the primary cause of weakened tooth enamel. An average can of soda contains around nine teaspoons of sugar. With each sip, acid attacks the teeth for approximately twenty minutes. Consider sipping on water and save those other drinks for a treat.

Mouthguards

Mouthguards and sports make a good team. As you are gearing up for sports, include a mouthguard. A blow or a fall can leave you with chipped or broken teeth or even tooth loss. A mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw. A properly fitted mouthguard will stay in place and still allow you to easily talk and breathe.

Pediatric Resources

Visiting the dentist can be an overwhelming experience for kids of all ages. Our friends at the American Dental Association have great resources available to help explain the visit and healthy dental practices. Check out some of the resources below:

Oral Hygiene

Even before teeth erupt, it is important to clean your infantʼs gums with a damp cloth or gauze pad. Teach- ing your child proper brushing technique and brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will promote life-long healthy habits. Remember, mouthwash does not replace brushing or flossing. Come see us for check-up appointments every six months starting around one year of age to monitor development and evaluate hygiene practices (and also take a trip to the treasure chest)!

Nutrition

Diet and nutrition play a major role in determining long-term oral health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet builds strong mus- cles and bones, which include teeth. Foods and beverages containing sugars and acids are very harmful to teeth, so "treat treats as treats," (Food Rules).

Mouthguards

Pediatric Resources