Have you heard this exclamation from a child, declaring a great check-up? Prevention is even more effective now than ever. Paying attention to a few details during your child's growth can indeed result in the same proclamation. Your child's dental health begins before the eruption of his or her first teeth.

Prior to the eruption of teeth, fluoride can begin its very important work making the enamel much harder and resistant to decay throughout the rest of the life of the child. Permanent teeth are actually developing at birth, including the permanent central incisors and permanent first molars. For very important dosage and over-dosage of fluoride see the article on "Fluoride".

"Teething" occurs as teeth slowly break through the gum tissue. Your baby's response to teething may range from insignificant, to being irritable, to developing a fever. To minimize the irritation, a parent might gently rub the affected gums with a soft cloth, hold ice on the surface or allow the baby to "chew" on teething rings, brushes or frozen devices made for teething. Cold will diminish the feeling of irritation.

As teeth erupt, initiating and practicing good oral hygiene is important, even at an early age. By brushing with a soft brush, cloth or gauze, the teeth are cleaned and good oral hygiene habits are initiated. Children tend to follow parental patterns, which then become lifetime habits. Children who resist cleaning can effectively be taught to tolerate the activity with appropriate resolve on behalf of the parent. It is more difficult to develop habits later in life so it is best to start early. At age 22-24 months the infant's second molars erupt. Since most cavities occur between the molars, it is important to floss between these teeth. This means flossing between the upper and lower right and left molars. As the first permanent molars erupt, at about age 6, flossing between the child's primary molars and permanent first molars should begin. Soon after, children are usually able, with parental guidance and encouragement, to floss their own teeth.

During infancy, close attention should be given to chronic nasal congestion. This is a condition which leads to the necessity of mouth breathing and, if the condition exists for an extended period of time, leads to a habit of mouth breathing causing muscle, bone and soft tissue alterations which can lead to orthodontic, speech and facial development problems later in life. You may read more about this very important topic in the article titled "Mouth Breathing and Tongue Thrust".

Nutrition is another very important aspect of your child's long term dental health. A well-balanced diet, which is low in sugar and juices (even unsweetened juices), will serve your child's development well and establish healthy eating habits which will last a lifetime. For more information on your child's dental health and nutrition, please read the article: "Nutrition and Your Child's Health".

Your child can be disease-free and very healthy if attention is given to the above issues as he or she develops. Utilizing the techniques and information provided above should enable you to help your child develop and maintain healthy habits for a lifetime.

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