When the toddler came to her office, 4 of his 16 teeth were so decayed, they required dental crowns.

Although this case may sound shocking, it’s not rare, says Beverly Largent, DMD, the Paducah, Ky., dentist who cared for the child. She tells parents it’s crucial to care for baby teeth. “You need to brush from the first tooth,” says Largent, past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

In fact, tooth decay — although largely preventable with good care — is one of the most common chronic diseases of children ages 6 to 11 and teens ages 12 to 19. Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. By kindergarten age, more than 40% of kids have tooth decay.

Neglecting baby teeth is not the only misstep parents can make when it comes to their child’s early oral health.

Here’s your 7-step game plan.

Start Oral Care Early

Your child should see a dentist by the time he or she is a year old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Getting preventive care early saves money in the long run, according to a report published by the CDC. The report found that costs for dental care were nearly 40% lower over a five-year period for children who got dental care by age one compared to those who didn’t go to the dentist until later.

Teach the Brush & Floss Habit

Dental visits are just part of the plan, of course. Tooth brushing is also crucial from the start.  ”A lot of people think they don’t have to brush baby teeth,” Largent says. If your baby has even one tooth, it’s time to start tooth brushing. “If there’s just one tooth, you can use gauze.”

Even before your baby has teeth, you can gently brush the gums, using water on a soft baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth.

Once there are additional teeth, Largent tells parents to buy infant toothbrushes that are very soft. Brushing should be done twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste.

Flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other. Ask your dentist to show you the right flossing techniques and schedules, Largent says.

Also ask for your dentist’s advice on when to start using mouthwash. “I advise parents to wait until the child can definitely spit the mouthwash out,” says Mary Hayes, DDS, a pediatric dentist in Chicago and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “Mouthwash is a rinse and not a beverage.”

So how long until Junior can be responsible for brushing his own teeth? “[Parents] have to clean the teeth until children are able to tie their shoes or write in cursive,” says Largent.

During dental visits, ask your dentist if your child’s teeth need fluoride protection or a dental sealant.

And remember, the most important time to brush and floss is just before bedtime. No food or drink, except water, should be permitted until the next morning. This allows clean teeth to re-mineralize during the night, from the minerals in the saliva and toothpaste.

Beware of Mouth-Unfriendly Medicines

Many medications that children take are flavored and sugary, says Hayes. If they stick on the teeth, the risk for tooth decay goes up.

Children on medications for chronic conditions such as asthma and heart problems often have a higher decay rate, she finds.

Antibiotics and some asthma medications can cause an overgrowth of candida (yeast), which can lead to a fungal infection called oral thrush. Suspect thrush if you see creamy, curd-like patches on the tongue or inside the mouth.

“If your child is on chronic medications, ask your child’s dentist how often you should brush,” Hayes says. You may be advised to help your child brush as often as four times a day.

Stand Firm on Oral Hygiene

Parents often tell Hayes that their children put up a fuss when it comes time to brush, floss, and rinse, so parents relent and don’t keep up with oral care at home as they should.

Hayes strongly advises these parents to let their children know they don’t have a choice about taking care of their teeth and gums.

“It has to be done,” Hayes says. But she understands that children can get cranky and difficult. She suggests these tips to coax reluctant brushers and flossers to get the job done — or if they are too young, to allow their parents to help them do it.

• Plan to help your children longer than you may think necessary. “Children don’t have the fine motor skills to brush their own teeth until about age 6,” says Hayes. Flossing skills don’t get good until later, probably age 10.
• Schedule the brushing and flossing and rinsing, if advised, at times when your child is not overly tired. You may get more cooperation from a child who isn’t fatigued.
• Get your child involved in a way that’s age-appropriate. For instance, you might let a child who is age 5 or older pick his own toothpaste at the store, from options you approve. You could buy two or three different kinds of toothpaste and let the child choose which one to use each time. You may offer him a choice of toothbrushes, including kid-friendly ones that are brightly colored or decorated.
• Figure out what motivates your child. A younger child may gladly brush for a sticker, for instance, or gold stars on a chart.
  

In addition, preventative routine dental checkups ensure your child has healthy teeth and gums. Don’t wait. Schedule your child’s next pediatric dental visit with New Dimension Dentistry at 212-750-4590 or visit our website at www.newdimensiondentistry.com.

New Dimension Dentistry also proudly serves Hoboken, Manhattan, Midtown, Brooklyn, Elmhurst and surrounding areas.