Dental Questions About Her First Teeth

Hi, Jodi. I am a dental hygienist. All text books say that you should take your child to the dentist by their first birthday but in the real world we recommend by their 3rd birthday. Unless of course they have a problem, then you need to get them to a pediatric dentist.

You should start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as she gets them. Definitely daily if not twice a day. As far as the fluoride goes, it's not too late to start again. I have never heard of someone being sensitive from fluoride in tap water but there is always a first time for everything. Now that she is a little older you may want to try it again. I think it is very important. My son has had tap water from day one and we recommend it to all our patients.

However, you do not want to give her fluoridated toothpaste until she is old enough to know not to swallow it and spit it out on her own. Look in the dental hygiene section at the grocery store for baby toothpaste that is UNFLUORIDATED.

Hope this helps.
H.

You are a little OCD. You need to relax. Just brush lightly. No need to add extra flouride.

Jodi,

I am a pediatric dentist & YES you should take your child to the dentist at age one. I see many one year olds that often already have early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay). I would suggest finding a pediatric dentist in your area, most will gladly see children at that age for an exam. The American Academy of Pediatic Dentistry actually put out a release a few years ago that formula should not be mixed with fluoride enhanced water (like the nursery water) becuase there is fluoride in the formula already. Once your child starts drinking water alone (around age one) then there is no need to add fluoride supplements unless your community water is not fluoridated. Most large cities have fluoride in the water & you can find out if yours does by calling the water office or reading the annual report they send out. When you visit the pediatric dentist choose one that is in your home town so they will know if the water in your area has fluoride.

I used to work for a dentist and most children weren't seen until they had all their teeth so between age 2-3. (Unless you notice a problem or have a concern.) Even at that age they didn't need a cleaning only an exam as long as the parents are dilligent at keeping the teeth clean. At age 1-2 you do not need to brush their teeth only use a wash cloth to wipe the teeth down after meals. NO you do not need extra flouride, my son is 7 and I have never used flouride water. We have a well and no flouride in our water. Too much flouride is actually toxic so I personally do not like flouride in the water. My sons teeth are great and I didn't even bring him to a dentist, even though I should have, until he was older. Do not use flouride toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out and not swallow. They sell training toothpaste with no flouride.

Of course a dentist is going to tell you to bring your child in early because that is how they get paid. If you have dental insurance then sealants may be covered, but without insurance they are very expensive.

I use a great pediatric dentist in Pearland ABC123 Pediatric Dentists. I highly reccomend them!

http://www.douglassreport.com/reports/fluoride.html?gclid... I read an article in readers digest about the dangers of fluoride but couldn't find it for you. It basicly said that Americans get to much of it and it can have bad side effects including learning dissabilities. The article I am sending you is a bit dramatic but you may want to read it anyway.

My pedi dentist told me I should have taken my kids in at the age of 2 to get thier teeth sealed (I waited too long (3 & 5 yrs) and they had cavities. Ugh!)She said to keep an eye on the baby for any obvious trouble, but otherwise, she can wait til she is 2. My 1 year old only has a few teeth, why would she go to the dentist? Just make sure you are cleaning those baby teeth daily with a rag and baby toothpaste or a soft baby toothbrush, which ever she tolerates better.