A child's toothless smile can light up a room. But put that same toothless smile on an older child or young adult and you have a completely different story. The result can lower self-esteem and negatively effect your child's overall health.

Developing good oral hygiene habits in your child begins at an early age and pays benefits throughout his or her life. Columbia University College of Dentistry states that there is growing research showing that the health of your mouth effects the health of the rest of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases found in childhood—five times more prevalent than asthma and seven times more prevalent than hay fever. The CDC adds that more than half of children between the ages of five and nine have had at least one cavity or filling and by age seventeen, more than seven percent of children will have lost at least one permanent tooth to decay.

Establishing a routine of good oral care at an early age can go a long way toward assuring a bright smile and healthy teeth and gums for your child. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that good dental hygiene habits should start well before a child's first tooth appears. They recommend wiping a baby's gums with a clean, soft, damp cloth after feedings to help prevent the buildup of bacteria along the gums. When the first teeth appear (between four and seven months of age), it is time to start using a soft children's toothbrush two times a day. The AAFP notes that teething is usually painless but some babies become fussy and uncomfortable. In addition:

• A cold teething ring or cold washcloth to chew may be comforting for a teething baby.
• Use teething gels carefully—too much isn't good for a baby.
• Teething does not cause a fever. If a baby has a fever, consult with your family physician.

The AAFP recommends that a baby should have its first visit to a dentist by his or her first birthday to allow the child to become familiar with the dentist office environment before a dental problem arises.

When a child is preschool age, you may begin using toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient for brushing. Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste may cause permanent stains on a child's teeth.

But being a kid is all about candy and sweets, which naturally bring cavities. The AAFP describes cavities as holes in the teeth that are formed when bacteria in the mouth use the sugar in food to make acid. It is this acid that eats away at the teeth. Those who are at risk for cavities include children who eat a lot of sugary foods and drink sweet liquids. Some dietary changes recommended by the AAFP that can help reduce cavities in children include:

• Avoid sweets, sticky foods, and between-meal snacks.
• Choose snacks that are "teeth-friendly" (fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, and crackers).
• Never put a baby to bed with a bottle (unless it contains water). When sugars from milk and juice stay in contact with the teeth for a long time, the sugars cause tooth decay.
• Don't let children walk around during the day with a bottle.
• Teach a child to use a drinking cup around his or her first birthday.

Careful brushing is sufficient care until two or more baby teeth touch each other. At that time, between the ages of three and six, the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine states that it's time to start flossing. Flossing is an essential part of oral care since toothbrush bristles cannot reach between baby teeth—an area prone to cavities. Columbia University also notes that children should be encouraged to participate in brushing and flossing their own teeth as soon as they can hold a toothbrush and find their mouths.

For those children who lack good oral hygiene habits, a variety of periodontal diseases may occur. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the following are some of the more common dental conditions that may occur if teeth are neglected:

• Chronic gingivitis—Common in children and causes the gum tissue to swell, turn red, and bleed easily. The condition is easily preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. Left untreated, it can advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
• Aggressive periodontitis—Usually found in teenagers and young adults and affects the first molars and incisors. The condition is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone (the thin layer of bone that forms the tooth socket).
• Generalized aggressive periodontitis—Begins around puberty and can involve the entire mouth. Results in inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque or tartar). It can eventually cause teeth to become loose.

The AAP also notes there are four basic signs that will alert you to the possibility of periodontal disease in your child:

• Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or at any other time.
• Constant bad breath that continues regardless of brushing and flossing.
• Gums that have receded away from the teeth, sometimes to the point of exposing the roots of the tooth.
• Puffy, swollen, and bright red gums.

One last note, the CDC adds that children should always wear a helmet when engaging in wheeled activities (biking, skateboarding, etc.) as well as protective headgear and mouth guards when participating in sports to help protect the teeth from damage during falls and physical contact.

Preventative steps are the key to healthy teeth and gums. Follow the AAP's recommendations and establish good oral health habits in your children early, check your child's mouth regularly for any sign of periodontal disease, schedule regular dental visits, and serve as a good role model by practicing good oral care habits yourself. You'll smile knowing your kids are off to a good start each day with a smile to last a lifetime!

Consult with your family dental care provider for any questions or concerns regarding your family's dental health.

Sources:
American Academy of Family Physicians—www.familydocotor.org
Columbia University College of dental Medicine—www.simplestepsdental.com
American Academy of Periodontology—www.perio.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—www.cdc.org

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