Lifetime of healthy teeth begins early for young children
The Columbia Basin Health Association's Dr. Espinosa examines a child at his one-year checkup
MATTAWA - The American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Month every February to raise awareness about the importance of oral health in children.
Dr. Alvin Thien, director of the Columbia Basin Health Association's dental clinics, appreciates this attention to dental care and urges parents to take it seriously
"Children sometimes end up in hospital emergency rooms with bad tooth aches," he said. "Regular dental care prevents this type of serious problem."
Dr. Thien said dental visits should start after a baby has received a tooth or two - usually between six and twelve months. Regular dental appointments should occur after the first visit.
"If you suspect your child has dental problems, take the child to see a dentist as soon as possible," he said. "We always leave room in our schedules for emergencies."
Tooth decay often starts in infancy, Dr. Thien said, especially if babies are put to bed for a nap or a night's sleep with a bottle of milk, formula or sweetened liquid. Dr. Thien said the sugars in these liquids are used as an energy source by the bacteria in plaque, the thin film of bacteria and by products that constantly forms on the teeth.
"The bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel," he said.
This condition is called baby bottle tooth decay which occurs when a child's teeth are frequently exposed for long periods of time to liquids containing sugars - most notably milk.
"Baby bottle tooth decay is a dental condition that can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child," Dr. Thien said.
The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper front teeth, the ones that make such a difference in a child's smile. Other teeth may also be affected.
Babies should not be allowed to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids. After the baby finishes a bottle, a quick wipe of the baby's mouth with a clean, damp cloth or other cleaning device greatly reduces the chance for decay.
"Begin brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears," Dr. Thien said.
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