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February 2008

Wee Care for Tots' Teeth

By Julie Bloss Kelsey

It’s been a struggle, but you’ve finally taught your toddler how to brush his teeth. After a week of his brushing each night without throwing a screaming fit, you sense a major victory. Now you can quit worrying about cavities, right?

Wrong. When it comes to young children, “The parents have to be the ones doing the actual brushing, or it doesn’t count,” says Lisa Testen, dental hygienist. Testen works with her husband, Dr. Bob Testen, a pediatric dentist in Germantown. She adds, “It’s the parent’s responsibility. You wouldn’t expect 3- to 4-year-olds to bathe themselves, so you have to help them.”

Before turning over the toothbrush, Testen recommends asking your dentist whether your child is ready to brush his teeth unassisted. “Every child is different,” says Testen. She adds that most children are ready by age 8, but factors like limited manual dexterity or orthodontia can make effective brushing difficult. “Ask your dentist if your child is doing a good job,” she says. If not, you need to take control of the toothbrush.
It may be difficult to get your little ones to cooperate, Testen admits. “If you brush their teeth whether they are screaming and yelling [or not], eventually you will break them. Eventually, they realize that this is something that needs to be done. You’re not hurting them by brushing their teeth; you’re hurting them by not brushing their teeth. Baby teeth can abscess and can be very painful for a child if decay is left untreated,” she says.

Testen speaks from experience. In her husband’s practice, they recently treated an 18-month-old child with such extensive tooth decay that the toddler required a trip to the operating room. “Even though baby teeth do eventually fall out, they are very important,” says Testen. “They maintain space for future permanent teeth that will erupt, and they are important for the child to be able to chew food properly.”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one to establish a “dental home.” The American Academy of Pediatrics goes further, suggesting that oral health risk assessments should begin when an infant is 6 months old. The idea behind the dental home is that young patients will feel more comfortable and receive better care if they establish a relationship with their dentist before a serious problem arises.

“Think of it as a well-baby visit for your child’s oral health,” says Testen. For example, if the dentist notices problems cropping up in your child’s teeth from poor brushing, too much juice or other bad habits, these problems can be treated before they affect his health. Oral habits, like thumb-sucking or chewing on nonfood items, are among the hardest habits to break. Heading off bad habits before they take root is ideal. “It’s all about prevention,” Testen says.

“The main thing is to bring your child to the dentist early [in life],” says Testen. If your general dentist won’t see them [that young], take them to a pediatric dentist. Don’t worry if your child won’t cooperate on his first visit. “We’re used to that!”

Julie Bloss Kelsey is a freelance writer and mother of two living in Germantown. You can visit her online at http://www.mamajoules.blogspot.com.

Dental Tips for All Ages

Dental hygienist Lisa Testen offers these tips for keeping your child’s smile bright:

Don’t let your child chew on ice. “Chewing on ice can cause chips in the teeth.” This bad habit can lead to tooth sensitivity; if a tooth chips or cracks, tooth restoration may be required.

Finish your meals with crunchy vegetables or a glass of water. Crunchy vegetables are best because their fibrous texture helps to dislodge food particles. Peanuts are also good (if your child isn’t allergic). Cheese is a winner, too. “Cheese can change the acidity of the saliva making the teeth less susceptible to decay,” says Testen. You don’t want your children to end their meals with chewy brownies or starches (like bread) that stick in the teeth. But if you can’t convince your children to eat their food groups in a certain order, have them follow up their meals with a glass of water. This will help rinse the teeth and remove any remaining food particles.

If your child has braces or hates flossing, invest in a Waterpik. A new product that Testen likes is the cordless Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet. This hand-held device is used to rinse the teeth. Testen believes that the Waterpik is “the most under-rated dental product out there.” She adds that it’s also good for people who hate to floss.

Power toothbrushes can motivate some children to brush. Testen says power toothbrushes are not necessary for all children. They work best for those who are not doing a good job with a manual toothbrush or who are not motivated to brush. Before investing in an expensive toothbrush, Testen recommends buying an inexpensive version, like the Crest SpinBrush, to see how your child reacts. Some kids will like the child-friendly design on the brush, while others may be motivated to brush because power toothbrushes are noisy and messy.

What’s a Good Valentine’s Day Treat?

“Dr. Bob and Ms. Lisa recommend chocolate candy,” says dental hygienist Lisa Testen. Laughing, she adds that if you have any extra chocolate, you can send it her way. Dental professionals are just as likely to indulge in sweets as anyone else. “You can still eat things that might be bad for your teeth as long as you have the knowledge of what you should do to prevent cavities.”
“Chocolate is good because it doesn’t stick to the teeth … it melts and it’s gone,” Testen says. “Sticky candies, like caramels and Skittles, Starburst and Jolly Ranchers, are the worst.” She adds, “Giving your kid candy every now and then is not a big deal. But if you give your child candy regularly and don’t remove the sugar debris, he will be more susceptible to cavities.”