Advice from the Dentist-Mom
"Although my main practice is centered around implants, bone-gingival grafts and surgery, as a mother I am concerned with public health, especially that of children.”
Dr. Roxane Katiya DMD
In relation to infants
The most important thing is to clean their teeth as soon as they appear. After a bottle, breastfeeding or food, put a small, clean, damp cloth over the teeth or a small rubber brush that can be put on the finger so that they get used to the rubbing of the teeth and that it becomes like a game.
Decay is the reaction of bacteria in the saliva that feeds on the sugars in the food and acidifies the pH of the mouth. Acidic saliva eats away at the tooth enamel and this what causes cavities.
The transmission of cavity bacteria is through saliva and that is why it’s important that the people around the newborn or even the children between them do not have untreated cavities.
So as soon as the child can take a toothbrush in his hands, give them a toy always under supervision, so that he does not hurt himself either. Let him tame the texture of a brush and have something in his mouth.
Accustom your child to brushing his teeth at a very young age, as if it were a game. The activity must be fun, pleasant and part of the pre-sleep or pre-daycare stages, a little moment between you and your child where you tickle him, sing with him and brush his teeth with a grain of toothpaste, no more. The dental floss is necessary as soon as the teeth stick together. It's hard to floss in a small mouth?
Tooth brushing should be seen as a pleasant moment, of complicity, not an imposition, not stressful, without putting too much toothpaste, with a toothbrush of the right size. And remember, a little fluoride is better than having to do hours of cavity repair at the dentist for a small child.
Tell them funny stories about the tooth fairy, or a book by Robert Munsch about the tooth that wouldn't fall out. Make the dental experience fun.
If your child must take a syrup or medication that may decrease their saliva, be sure to clean their teeth thoroughly afterwards and floss diligently.
Be careful not to instill fear of the dentist before the first appointment. Do not mention the words pain or fear. Make sure you go to a clinic that treats children, and at the first appointment do not have any expectations. Your child needs to get used to the clinic and the people who work there, it should be a positive experience with a treasure chest at the end!
If your child has cavities at a young age, the general dentist may not be able to treat them and they may be referred to the pediatric dentist who has different techniques and is better equipped to treat children. This is not a failure, but an opportunity to start over.
Be sure to create a morning and evening ritual with your children and teach them the importance of dental hygiene and healthy eating.
Avoid sugary, processed, overly frequent snacks or juices and advocate water as a hydration fluid. If a toothbrush is not available after a sweet snack or meal, finish with cheese, nuts or raw vegetables.
And if you or your children have cavities that need to be repaired, the dentists, hygienists and assistants of Quebec are there for that and are among the best trained and most advanced professionals in the world.