Dentists' advice: start kids' care early : News : CNYcentral.com

Dentists' advice: start kids' care early

by Laura Hand

Posted: 02.13.2011 at 11:40 AM

Laura Hand

Laura Hand anchors CNY Central's Weekend Today in Central New York.

Read more: Local, Health, Pediatric Dentistry, Tooth Decay, Children's Teeth

Getting children to like dental visits

Dentists say even newborns need dental care

Dentists say we need to start children on organized dental care a lot earlier than most parents realize, both for tooth health, and to get children to not dread going in for care.
Dr. Cosmina Nolan, a pediatric dentist in practice in Fayetteville, says that starting at birth, children's gums sould be cleaned with a soft infant toothbrush, or cloth and water. The first visit to the dentist should be within six months of the first tooth's erupting, and no later than the first birthday. And flossing should start at age 4.
Dr. Nolan says there are lots of child-friendly dental aids, including smaller and bright toothbrushes and colorful flossers.
One more piece of advice: teeth exposed to sugary beverages for extended periods have a higher risk of decay.
The New York State Dental Association has more information for parents.