Kids and the Dentist

Stop what you're doing for just a minute today and check out your children's teeth. Experts say we should be taking action when our kids are young to prevent problems in the future. Unfortunately, a recent study found, more than 16 million kids in the United States aren’t getting the dental care they should.

Experts say kids should see the dentist by the age of one, or within 6 months of getting that first tooth. That may sound young, but an exam and cleaning for a little one isn't like what we get as adults. Dr. Lauren Moore is a Pediatric Dentist and a Mom. She works with kids every day. She was doing an exam on 2-year-old Catherine Weineker when we were there. Dr. Moore gave Catherine what's called a knee-to-knee exam. Dr. Moore says an early start with teeth is the best because it helps you and your children develop good habits, and confront any problems that may be forming.

Dr. Moore explains, "Our goal would be to see these children earlier. So, instead of age three when we already have these cavities. We want to see them as early as age one. So, that's going to give us the opportunity to provide dietary counseling, guidance as far as feeding habits, how to clean your baby's teeth. And, to do this early enough to prevent the cavities before they form."

PREVENT CAVITIES
Dr. Moore says to help prevent cavities,

• Make sure your kids drink only water at bedtime.
• They should brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed. And, again, after that night-time brushing, Dr. Moore says only water to drink!
• It's a good idea to help your kids brush their teeth. Make sure they get every part of each tooth.
• If you have a baby, Dr. Moore suggests wiping your little one's teeth with a wash cloth after every feeding.

TEETH TIMELINE
On average, babies get their first teeth around six months. By the time your children are three or so, they should have 20 baby teeth. they'll start falling out around the age of six. And, they'll likely hang onto their back molars until they're 12 or so.

But, it's really important to remember these are averages, each child is different. So, Dr. Moore says that's why it's a good idea to see a dentist early on!

For more information, you can contact Dr. Moore at www.mobilekidsteeth.com/ or you can call 251-343-2170.