Graphic and information provided by World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

In honor of your little ones’ chompers, here are some basics and tips for happy mouths and healthy smiles.

When should we start going to the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both recommend the first dentist visit by age 1, or when the first teeth erupt. The first year exam educates you on what is taking place in kiddos’ mouths, cavity prevention, proper nutritional habits for strong, healthy teeth and dental emergency protocol (let’s be honest, little kids fall on their faces sometimes!). Starting dental visits early also acquaints kids with the environment, so that “going to the dentist” can be a joyful experience, rather than a scary or stressful one.

How often should we go?

Every six months. (Grownups, this goes for you, too.) For the very little ones, this consistency helps familiarize them with the process. As teeth are developing and mouths are growing, regular visits monitor growth and catch changes early to prevent need for treatment or – eek! – fillings and extractions.

How can we encourage dental hygiene at home?

• Drink lots of healthy, pure, clean water all day long!
• Have scheduled meals. If snacks are absolutely necessary, schedule them as well (10am snack, 3pm snack, for example). Frequent snacking or grazing creates a more acidic environment in the mouth and significantly increases cavity risk.
• Vitamin D is key! Get natural sunlight daily, or take a D3 supplement or a high-vitamin cod-liver oil.
• Give kids an age-appropriate probiotic. If there are more good bugs in our bodies, there is less room for the bad bugs!
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Kids need help with brushing and flossing until they can tie their own shoes (8-10 years old).

Foods to eat and foods to avoid

Eat:
Real fruit and veggies
Cheese slices or sticks
Olives
Nuts and seeds
Hard-boiled eggs
Seaweed snacks
Chunks of tofu, chicken or ham
Cinnamon, curry, turmeric, mustard, sea salt
Plain water and plain milk

Avoid:
Sweets and treats, including fruit snacks and leathers
Raisins and dried fruits
Granola bars
Crackers and chips
Pastas and breads made from refined wheat
Sodas, sports drinks, kombucha, juices

With both a West Side and North Portland location, World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has been inspiring children through a uniquely positive dental experience since 2008.