Dentist offers parents advice on caring for children's teeth

Most dentists agree that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure- especially when it comes to healthy teeth.

Regular dental checkups not only help prevent cavities, but are essential in helping patients avoid serious problems that can be both costly and painful.

And although parents understand the importance of bi-annual visits to the dentist's office, many are left wondering when their child should first be seen by a dentist.

Dr. Ilya Zak, a partner at the Sea Breeze Dental Care, recently sat down to answer a few common questions and concerns parents have about dentist visits in their child's first few years.

Q: When should children start going to the dentist?

Dr. Zak: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has stated that children should see a dentist once their first tooth has come through and no later than 1 year of age.

However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics unless a child is at high risk for having problems with their teeth, they do not need to see a dentist until their third birthday.

High risk children are those who sleep with a cup or bottle, have stained teeth or suck their thumb. In my opinion, I agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is no reason to bring the child for first visit to the dentist until their third birthday.

Q: How can I help my child overcome any fear of the dentist?

Dr. Zak: The number one reason children are afraid of visiting the dentist for the first time is because family members are quick to scare them of the dentist.

In addition, many children fear an unfamiliar environment with doctors, lab coats, assistants, other adults, and, of course, other children.

To prevent fear of the dentist, parents should discuss with their children the importance of visiting the dentist and make sure family members are not allowed to scare the child by mentioning needles, drills, or pain.

Q: Should parents wait until their children have their permanent teeth before taking them to the dentist?

Dr. Zak: No. Children should see the dentist at age 3 when there aren't any permanent teeth and come for regular checkups every six months.

Q: Are baby teeth at risk to cavities?

Dr. Zak: Yes. In fact, baby teeth are more prone than permanent teeth because the enamel is more porous. To help prevent cavities, children should be given fluoride at an early age.

Q: Should baby teeth with decay be removed?

Dr. Zak: No. Teeth should not be pulled even with decay. Baby teeth have many vital functions for a child. Children need these teeth for chewing.

Front baby teeth can last until the age of seven while molars can last until the age of 13. Baby teeth also establish pathways for permanent teeth to be guided into the correct position.

Q: Do children need to see the dentist as often as adults?

Dr. Zak: Yes. Children should see the dentist once every six months. However, every situation is different. Some children are more susceptible to health problems or congenital defects, which may mean more frequent visits.

Q: Is there a special type of toothbrush or toothpaste children should use?

Dr. Zak: The toothpaste should have fluoride and any children's toothbrush over the counter should have soft nylon bristles.

Q: When should a parent start flossing their children's teeth? Is there a special kind of floss?

Dr. Zak: Parents should start flossing their child's teeth as soon as they get some permanent teeth especially once molars have erupted.

Q: What is sealant and how effective is it?

Dr. Zak: A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the teeth in a liquid form; it then hardens, and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances that can create decay. Sealant is very effective, it protects the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the teeth which highest prone areas to develop decay.

Q: Do gums need to be cleaned before the eruption of teeth?

Dr. Zak: Yes, gums need to be kept cleaned by lightly massaging and rinsing the mouth. This will remove bacteria which if not removed can then be passed on to a newly erupted tooth and cause decay.

Q: Are X-rays harmful to my child? How often can they be done?

Dr. Zak: When taken too often they can be harmful but a regular set of X-rays (four to six films) once a year is normal. Furthermore, it has been shown that one day in the sun carries more exposure than a set of X-rays.

Zak, a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, has partnered with his father, Dr. Boris Zak, to open four Sea Breeze Dental Care locations in Ventura County and one in Valencia.

Sea Breeze Dental Care in Camarillo, 1727 E. Daily Dr., is now offering all children, under the age of 18 and accompanied by an adult, a complimentary exam and X-Rays.