Dental Care

Oral Health – Dental care for children (CDA) Oral health for children (HC)

• Teething: Discomfort can be managed by providing gum massage with a cold facecloth/teething ring and appropriate use of oral analgesics. E.g. acetaminophen (all ages), or ibuprofen if ≥ 6 mos. Anaesthetics/numbing gels and teething necklaces are contraindicated. Benzocaine and MetHb (HC) Homeopathic teething products (FDA)
• Dental Cleaning: As excessive swallowing of toothpaste by young children may result in dental fluorosis, children under 3 years of age should have their teeth and gums brushed twice daily by an adult using either water (if low risk for tooth decay) or a rice grain sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste (if at caries risk). Children 3–6 years of age should be assisted during brushing and only use a small amount (e.g. pea-sized portion) of fluoridated toothpaste twice daily. Caregiver should brush child’s teeth until they develop the manual dexterity to do this alone, and should continue to intermittently supervise brushing after children assume independence. Begin flossing daily when teeth touch. Cleaning teeth (CDA)
• Caries risk factors include: child has caries or enamel defects, hygiene or diet is concerning, parent has caries, premature or LBW infant, or no water fluoridation. Canadian Caries Risk Assessment Tool Preventing dental caries in kids < 5 yrs (USPSTF)
  Early Childhood Caries in Indigenous Communities (CPS)
• To prevent early childhood caries: avoid juices/sweetened liquids and constant sipping of milk or natural juices in both bottle and cup.
• Fluoride varnish should be used for those at caries risk. Consider dietary fluoride supplements only for high risk children who do not have access to systemic community water fluoridation. Fluoride & your child (CDA)
• Consider the first dentist visit by 6 months after eruption of 1st tooth or at age 1 year.