Over the past few years, we have seen a marked increase in the number of cavities in the
three to five year age range. We find that distressing, if only because cavities are the most unwanted news a parent of a pre-schooler can hear. These cavities are almost, without exception, in the surfaces between the baby molars and those teeth will be in the child’s mouth until the age of ten to thirteen, so we must maintain their good health.
Improving the resistance of the enamel surfaces to decay is our best strategy if we hope
to reverse the trend. Of course, oral hygiene practices, including daily flossing, is helpful, but many children grow cavities in-spite of their “best efforts”. Recently we have been recommending that toddlers start using a small amount of fluoride tooth paste at their bedtime brushing.
When I say “small amount”, I mean a smear on the brush bristles barely
enough for the child to notice the taste. During this young age, the child will likely swallow all of what is on the brush, but if we are using only the recommended amount to barely register
on the taste buds, the child will get his or her daily dose of fluoride. Fluoride can be used in excess, so this routine requires careful parental supervision. This recommendation is for night time brushing only. The reason night time exposure to fluoride is important is that the fluoride mineral will remain in the mouth longer during periods of sleep. Ideally, you should brush the toddler’s teeth right before bedtime using a tiny smear of fluoride tooth paste and then make sure the child goes right to bed without anything to eat or drink.
One brand of tooth paste that is most popular with the toddlers is Tom’s of Maine Strawberry with fluoride. And, of course, try to control the sticky sweets and refined carbohydrates, and no sodas.
