June 13, 2007
The Smile File
 Few images are as album-worthy as a gummy smile punctuated with tiny teeth. From the moment those pearly whites make an appearance, it's your responsibility to keep them cavity free.
Set your baby up with a lifetime of healthy chompers: Below are tips from The Smile Specialists, a pediatric dental practice in Oakland, NJ:
Fight cavities with fluoride: Fluoride, delivered both systemically (via a pill or drinking water) and topically (from brushing with a fluoride toothpaste), has been shown to reduce cavities by 60 percent over the course of a lifetime. Babies as young as 6 months can be given fluoride pills.
Safeguard small teeth with sealants: Tooth coverings that fill in bacteria-attracting grooves in the surface of the teeth can reduce cavities by a whopping 90 percent. You can have sealants applied to your child's teeth as early as age four.
Brushing basics: Daily brushing and flossing are still your baby's best bet for ensuring a healthy smile. Teach them to brush (and eventually to floss) after each meal, and most importantly, at bedtime.
Food Facts: It's not just what you eat, but how you eat. While sugar (natural and refined) is an obvious cavity-causer, any food has the potential of becoming a culprit if a child has the tendency to eat slowly and keep food in their mouths for long periods. Keep distractions (like TV and video games) to a minimum at mealtimes and choose fruits, vegetables and water over sweat snacks like juices and sodas.
Of course, talk to your pediatric dentist to decide what is right for those little grins.
For more information, visit aapd.org.
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