Common Mistakes Parents Make with their Kid’s Teeth

Preventing cavities is the main goal of every parent with their regard to their children’s teeth. Parents are aware that regular brushing, a healthy diet, and routine dental visits are some of the best ways to decrease the number of cavities our kids may get.

The surprising statistics actually show that over 40% of children from the ages of 2 through 11, have had cavities in their baby teeth. And over 20% of kids from the age of 6 to 11, have had cavities in their permanent teeth, according to the CDC.

Here are the most common 7 mistakes the parents are making when it comes to the health of their children’s teeth.

1. Putting them to bed with a bottle. It was definitely easier raising three children, when I would give my kid a bottle and they would fall asleep. Unfortunately the results of baby bottle decay are painful and expensive. Never use milk in a bottle at bedtime. If a bottle is necessary, water is the best choice.

2. Letting your child brush their teeth alone. Surprisingly most children under the age of 8 years old do not have the motor skills to brush effectively. Most children need to be supervised and checked and encouraged by their parents every night.

3. Making their first dental appointment too late. It is recommended to have your child see a dentist at the age of 2 or 3 years old. The first trip should be a comfortable and an exciting experience for the child, with minimal oral examination time, a quick glance can usually suffice.

4. Offering your children healthy foods, they may not always eat them. Continued presence of healthy foods as an option for a snack, lunch or even at dinner will definitely decrease the number of cavities. The amount of sugar your child eats, even though carbohydrates, does significantly increase their decay rate.

5. Thinking cavities are no big deal. Many parents think that a small cavity is not a problem that needs to be addressed and fixed. The failure to deal and fix dental decay in your children’s baby teeth is critical. Maintaining these teeth in your child’s mouth is the stepping stone for their jaw development by keeping the baby teeth in place, rather than pulling them. Baby teeth that get infected can considerably damage the permanent tooth below.

6. Not using fluoride. Although fluoride is controversial, experts agree that the research is clear: it is one of the best ways to fight cavities. Fluoride occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, tea and other crops. Fluoride occurs naturally in water, as well as artificially by supplementing it. As a parent it is important to know how much fluoride your child is getting.  Too much and not enough can cause problems.

7. Allowing your child to drink soda and sport drinks. The convenience of sport and soda can cause serious problems with regard to the acid that is exposed to the children’s dentition. Water and milk are better choices for your kids.

At Torrey Hills Dental, we start seeing children at the age of 3.  Please call our office for an appointment and consult so we can help educate both the parents and children on how to live a healthier life.
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Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. James Tasto attended University of San Diego High School where he lettered in both golf and wrestling. After earning a Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Tasto graduated from University of Southern California Dental School with an emphasis on cosmetics and sports dentistry.  Dr. James Tasto was selected by his peers to be included in the List of Top Dentists in San Diego for 2007 – 2013.  He appeared in the May issue of San Diego Magazine.  Dr. Tasto is also a member of D.O.C.S. (Doctors Offering Charitable Services), a local organization that offers medical services such as plastic surgery, vision and dental to the less fortunate patients in San Diego.  Dr. Tasto currently resides in San Diego with his lovely wife Traci and their 3 children. He enjoys golf, beach volleyball and playing with his kids.