GOOD oral care begins before a baby’s first tooth.

Babies are born with all their teeth. You can’t see them because they are hidden in the gums. Baby teeth start to break through the gums around six months. But it is important to start good oral care even before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.

By age three, children have all their baby teeth. These are called primary teeth. Baby teeth start falling out around age six, this is when the permanent, or adult teeth start coming in.

Gaps between baby teeth are normal. They make room for the permanent teeth. Most permanent teeth come in by age 13.

BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY

Baby bottle tooth decay can happen if babies drink milk, formula or juice out of bottles over long periods of time.

To avoid it:

* Take the bottle away after your baby is done drinking.

* Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD’S TEETH HEALTHY AND STRONG

FROM 0-2 YEARS

* Wipe gums with a washcloth after feeding. This will help to get rid of the sticky coating called plaque that can cause tooth decay.

* Brush teeth twice a day with water and a soft-bristle toothbrush.

* Schedule first dental appointment before first birthday.

FROM 3-5 YEARS

* Start using fluoride toothpaste at age three

* Use only a pea-sized amount. Make sure your child spits it out after brushing.

* Try to break thumb-sucking and pacifier habits by age four.

* Start visiting the dentist every six months.

FROM 6-9 YEARS

* Begin flossing as soon as teeth touch.

* Let your child know that it’s normal for baby teeth to fall out. That’s how “grown-up” teeth come in.

* Until children are able to practise proper oral health habits alone, parents should help their child brush and floss twice a day.

* Always pay special attention to the back teeth, which may have more plaque.

FROM 10-12 YEARS

* Require children who play sports to wear a mouth guard to protect their smile.

13+ YEARS

Parents can make the most of their teen’s interest in how they look by reminding them that a healthy smile and fresh breath will help them look and feel their best.

TIPS FOR TEENS

* Encourage teens who wear braces to brush and floss thoroughly.

* How teeth look when braces come off depends on how they’re treated while the braces are on.

* Suggest that teens carry a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in their school bag for use during the day.

QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER ORAL HEALTH FOR KIDS

* Start practising good oral care even before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.

* Parents should schedule their child’s first dental appointment before the first birthday and every six months starting at age three.

* It is important that children brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch.

* Children should limit sugary and sticky foods and drinks to protect against tooth decay.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica School of Oral Health Sciences. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 630-4710.