Your child’s doctor is also looking out for their teeth

You might be surprised to hear that your child’s healthcare provider offers some dental care in a wellness visit. The pediatrician isn’t filling cavities or taking x-rays, but they will give your child’s oral health a look, talk to you about care, and apply a fluoride varnish to teeth.

“Our health overall is affected by so many different things,” said Anna Milz, MD, a pediatrician at M Health Fairview Clinics – Tamarack. “Oral health certainly impacts overall health. Cavities are one of the more common infections that people can get, so if we're not appropriately taking care of our oral health or cavities as they arise, we know there can be downstream impacts for young kids, and also into adulthood.”

Tooth decay – also known as dental caries – is a preventable infectious disease that can affect a child’s eating, sleeping, and learning. To help prevent tooth decay, healthcare providers generally check in about oral health starting when a child turns 1.

“We recommend that kids go to the dentist by age 3,” Milz said. But we start those discussions with families to try to get them connected with a dentist at age 1.”

Here’s what families need to know about caring for little ones’ teeth.

Start brushing when the first tooth is in.

When your child's first tooth erupts, it’s time to start brushing. This is usually around 6 months of age.

“I recommend you start brushing even just with water and a little toothbrush to practice and get in the habit,” Milz said.

You can add a tiny amount of toothpaste. Little kids only need an amount about the size of a grain of rice. “They don’t reliably spit until they get closer to 8 or 9 years old, so having just a small amount keeps them safe if they do swallow it,” Milz said.

Don’t let the toothpaste ads fool you. Older kids and adults only need a pea-size amount of toothpaste.

Fluoride is protective – in the right amount.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that has significant oral health benefits when it’s given in the right amounts. Large doses of fluoride, which exceed the World Health Organization Guidelines for drinking-water quality of 1.5 mg/L of fluoride have been linked to lower cognitive health in specific populations.

Children might get large doses of fluoride in countries with high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the soil. But that’s not the case in the United States. Here, fluoride is added to municipal water supplies in small amounts that are known to be safe.

In addition, it’s safe to use the small amount of fluoride in a serving of toothpaste and mouthwash. Keep the tube of toothpaste and container of mouthwash out of reach of very young children, so they don’t swallow an excessive amount. Don’t use mouthwash until kids are old enough to swish and spit.

Children should also get a fluoride varnish on their teeth one to four times per year, depending on their personal risk of dental cavities. Your child’s doctor or dentist can apply the varnish.

Whole-person care for your child.

M Health Fairview Pediatrics primary care providers take a whole-person and whole-family approach to care, which includes your child’s mental and physical wellbeing. Find a provider in clinics across the Twin Cities area.