Livi Eaton was under 2 years old when she first visited the dentist. Her brother Caden was 3 1/2 before  they could get him in the chair.
It helps that their dad is a dentist, Dr. Scott Eaton, in Petoskey.
For the rest of the parents out there wondering how to get their children to cooperate at the dentist’s office, it can be an intimidating proposition.
Will they scream? Bite? Have the Tantrum To Top All Tantrums? Or will they sit there politely, allowing a stranger to probe their teeth and gums like the little angels that they are?
“Each kid is a little bit different,” said Dr. Eaton. “Some kids are fine with us polishing their teeth and giving them fluoride. Others kids don’t want to  open their mouths. It’s not something we force. We want to make it a positive experience. Sometimes we just give them a chair ride.”
 

Brush-a brush-a

Early experiences at the dentist’s office can shape children’s attitudes toward oral hygiene overall, since good habits should begin before a child’s first tooth even comes in.
The American Dental Association recommends that parents take their child to a dentist around his or her first birthday. Starting at a young age will also help the child become  more comfortable with the process.
Eaton said those early guidelines have some flexibility, and parents should use their judgment about when to take a youngster in for the first visit, such as if they suspect a problem or need guidance AND oral hygiene tips.
Wiping a baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings can be an early way of encouraging a child to open up, while preventing the buildup of bacteria.
Once teeth appear, start using a soft children’s toothbrush twice a day with non-flouride toothpaste (because of the likelihood they’ll swallow much of it). Once a child is preschool-age, it’s OK to start using fluoride toothpaste, but just use a pea-sized amount.
 

Cavity risks

Cavities are the most common disease in children, but proper teeth cleaning can prevent them, according to the ADA.
A child may be at risk for cavities if he or she eats lots of sugary foods (raisins, cookies, candy, etc.) and drinks a lot of sweet liquids (fruit juice, punch, soda, sweetened drinks). A child might also be at risk if born prematurely or with  a low birth weight; had ongoing special health care needs; has white spots or brown areas on any teeth; and does not go to the dentist very often. Family members with lots of cavities can also pass the cavity-causing bacteria to babies and children.
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day for at least two minutes, Eaton advised; he suggested setting a fun timer or hourglass so kids can keep track, too.
Avoiding sweets, sticky foods and between-meal snacks can also work to prevent cavities. Teeth-friendly snacks include fresh fruits and vegetables and cheese and crackers.
Never put a baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains plain water, because the fluid — juice or milk — will settle onto the teeth and can create cavities.
Eaton said sealants for molars are not something he particularly recommends, as they can create bigger problems when they begin to break down. He acknowledged that dentists have different opinions on their effectiveness.
“The problem is they work very well for a short period of time, but it’s not permanent,” Eaton said. “The sealant starts to chip away. I’ve seen kids who have sealants fail, and you go to take it off and there are big cavities underneath.”
Good ol’ brushing and flossing are still the best defense.
“The biggest benefits are from brushing and flossing regularly,” Eaton said. “And if you are on a well, you should have your water tested to determine the fluoride level. Some kids need a fluoride supplement.”
 

Smile file

Some parents may think that since children will lose their baby teeth eventually anyway that proper dental care isn’t urgent. But even cavities in baby teeth need to be filled, Eaton advised, for a lifelong exceptional smile.
“They can have their baby  teeth until they’re about 10 or 12, so their teeth are around for some time,” he said. Plus, the teeth are holding a place for the arrival of permanent teeth in the overall mouth structure.
“Teeth affect nutrition and speech,” Eaton said. “You need to take care of the baby teeth.”
One more tip: Parents who have some anxiety themselves about trips to the dentist shouldn’t assume their children will, too.
“Nine times out of 10, when the kids are in a different atmosphere, they are fine,” Eaton said. “(The parents) can’t believe how easy it was.”