Sugar Bugs Are Bad

A visit to the dentist can be filled with fear and wrought with drama (and we’re not talking about the kids if you know what we mean).

Pediatric visits to the dentist, on the other hand, can be a lot more fun than mom’s biannual checkup. Treasure chests, video games, and bubblegum-flavored polish all help mask the true intent of their visit…healthy teeth.

A good pediatric dentist is required to be a scientist, entrepreneur and children’s entertainer rolled into one (and the extra training on children’s dental health doesn’t hurt either we figure). Get one you like and you’ll prevent a lifetime of dental phobia, and ‘brush up’ on good dental hygiene practices to ensure your kids keep their pearly whites for life.

Our Calgary savvy expert in this department is pediatric dentist, Dr. Robert Barsky (no referral required). Here’s what we learned:

First Visit
Babies should see the dentist prior to B-day #1 to prevent early decay from pre-existing genetic conditions or suckling to sleep.

Follow Up
Follow up appointments ideally happen every 6–12 months. Your insurance company may disagree and insist on paying only every 9 or 12 months. This is acceptable for most children without special needs but be sure to discuss with your dentist.

Tools
Children under the age of 3 should brush with a small, soft-bristled brush. Skip the toothpaste at this age. From 4–6, you can add non-fluoridated toothpaste. Despite what you may have witnessed, kids at this age can’t spit properly and will swallow some toothpaste. At age 6, move to fluoridated toothpaste. A yummy flavoured kids’ toothpaste is just as effective as the adult version.

Electric toothbrushes are fun but the good old-fashioned variety is just as effective. Truly, the tool is only as good as the operator. Kids and adults alike should brush for approximately 2 minutes. Get an egg timer or sing a song to help focus your child longer.

Start flossing as soon as you’re comfortable sticking your fingers in their mouth (no biting). Kids’ flossers are available at any drugstore and make the job much easier.

Diet
Plaque (better known as sugar bugs) starts developing within two minutes of consuming sugar. If you think candy when you think sugar, you should also think juice. Limit access to juice or water down their fave sweet bevy. If your kids like gum, go sugar free.

Independence
Oral health is a long term parental commitment. Children should be able to brush independently by age 9 (wow) and floss by age 11 (around the same time they can blow dry their own hair). Prior to that, parents need to supervise and help kids reach those tricky back teeth.

Final Words
Take Dr Barsky’s advice when he says, “Don’t let your children tell you what they need”.

Brushing their teeth is like wearing a seatbelt—non-negotiable.

Dr. Robert L Barsky
(403) 247-3166
507-4600 Crowchild Trail NW

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