We got the scoop on proper dental hygiene for your children. Here is what Dr. Lori Goldenberg had to say!
When should a child have their first dental appointment?
The Academies of Pediatric Dentistry and Pediatrics recommend a first dental visit by age 1. I love seeing kids early! It gives us a great chance to get to know our families and it gives our little patients and their parents a chance to get comfortable with us. Any questions or concerns that parents may have are addressed, as are any oral hygiene or dietary issues. Some kids by this age are already starting to develop cavities or have intraoral abnormalities. If we catch these small cavities early, we can often slow or halt their progression. Many dental issues are preventable and parents won’t regret starting early.
When should you introduce fluoride. Is it dangerous?
Fluoride is a very beneficial compound that helps to make teeth stronger and more resistant to cavities. I take a personalized approach to my fluoride recommendations, taking each patient’s risk level for cavities into consideration as well as other sources of fluoride in the diet.
For most kids who are drinking fluoridated tap water and who are at low risk for cavities, I will usually recommend introducing fluoridated toothpaste once a child can spit- usually by 3 years old. For kids who are at moderate/high risk for cavities, I will recommend a small amount of fluoride toothpaste be introduced earlier, because the benefits of fluoride outweigh the risks.
Like anything else, in excess, fluoride can be detrimental. It can cause a condition called dental fluorosis in which teeth come in with a white spot, or in severe cases, yellow or brown discolouration. This generally only happens if kids are ingesting excessive amounts of fluoridated toothpaste. Toothpaste should always be dispensed by parents and should never exceed the size of a small pea.
What is the biggest concern you see that parents do or don’t do when they come to see you?
Brushing trouble is probably the most common concern that parents have when they message me or when they come to see me. Toddlers like to feel independent and often don’t want you “shoving” a toothbrush in their mouth when they have no idea what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. You have to do it anyway. I often tell parents that it’s like wiping your child’s nose or bum- even if they don’t like it, you have to do it. Positioning is key. This is something that I demonstrate during a first visit to all parents that are having trouble brushing. See the videos section of my facebook page for a demonstration of ideal position for toothbrushing.
What about daily routine? How often should they floss and brush?
Kids should have their teeth brushed twice a day – after breakfast and before bed. If children have teeth that are touching, flossing should be done once a day, preferably before bed.
X-rays- Lots of parents are worried about giving their kids x-rays and radiation, What is your take on it?
The radiation from dental xrays is extremely low; taking 4 dental xrays can be equated to the amount of radiation one would absorb simply being outside in the environment for 1 day. The most common reason that we take dental X-rays are to check for cavities in between the teeth. I’ll usually try to get a first set of xrays when a child is around 4 years old to check for cavities in between the teeth. We can’t see these types of cavities clinically until they get so big that they break through the surface. At that point they may require extensive treatment, like a crown and maybe a baby root canal to save them.
Is there a specific toothpaste you recommend to clients?
Once kids can spit, any toothpaste that has fluoride in it is great.
How important is it to you to be a ‘working mom’? ADDITIONALLY, how do you manage both work and home life?
I thrive when I’m balanced and busy. I love spending quality time with my kids and value every minute that I have with them, but I also love practicing dentistry, working with my hands, making a difference, helping my patients and their parents feel comfortable at the dentist. I’m blessed to have a very hands-on husband whom my kids are crazy about, so I know that when I’m away from them, they are always in good hands.
Speaking of balance, who do you turn to for parenting advice?
For parenting advice, I will usually talk to my friends or my parents – they raised 5 kids!
How did motherhood change your lifestyle?
In every way! It’s no longer all about me. It’s all about the kids. Although I spend as much time with them as possible, often running home during a quick lunch break, I do feel a little guilty when I run out in the morning to a work out class. Since I work a lot during the week, I want to spend every free minute on the weekends with my family. I do take time out for myself, for my workouts or whatever else I need to do because I know that I need it, for both my physical and mental well-bring, and I am an energized and refreshed mom when I’m back with my kids.
What have you learned from your kids? What do you hope they learn from you?
I have learned so much from my kids! I have learned how to love absolutely unconditionally, how to love someone else so much more than I love myself, how to appreciate the small things, how to listen and how to exercise patience. These lessons have translated seamlessly to work as well. I have learned how to relate to my young patients, how to make them feel comfortable, important and heard.
Their Mommy hopes that they learn to be independent, kind and considerate. I hope they learn to stand by their word and to live life with integrity, always. A strong work ethic is something that I hope that they adopt and that there is always a bright side.
What are some specific ideals that help manage your family?
1) Stand united with your partner as often as possible. Different parenting styles can make this challenging at times, but try. I think it’s so important.
2) Always tell the truth.
3) Treat others the way you want to be treated.
4) There is nothing more important than family and friends.
What works for you?
1) Making my kids feel loved and special
2) Recognizing their achievements and making them feel really good about them.
3) Pointing out things that can be improved upon in a constructive way.
4) Being as consistent as possible with rules and expectations.
5) Being as honest and straightforward as possible at all times.
What doesn’t work?
1) Fighting in front of the kids
2) Comparing the kids to each other or to other kids
3) Yelling
What would you like our readers to know?
I am a pediatric dentist practicing in North Toronto and Richmond Hill and I am gladly accepting new patients. If anyone has any questions, feel free to send me a message on my website www.drlorigoldenberg.com. I’m always happy to answer!
