Sarah Asks Northeast Dental Partners About Kids’ Dental Needs

School has started and Halloween is around the corner. I have three kids at my busy house, so that means trick-or-treating and lots of candy.

That started me thinking about how often I should take my kids to the dentist and what are the best ways to keep their teeth healthy. I knew just who to ask.

Drs. Stephanie Pouzol and Michael Cabral at Northeast Dental Partners in Brewer have been just that -- partners -- in my family's dental health plan. Here are some of my questions, and the helpful answers from Northeast Dental Partners:

When and how often should I take my kid to the dentist?

If your child has any teeth, they should come to the dentist! We will probably have them return every six months for exams and cleanings. A visit to the dentist is beneficial even for an infant to establish a "dental home." When the infant is older, he or she feels more comfortable in the dental chair and will be more likely to tolerate a full exam, X-rays and a cleaning. If there is an issue that needs to be addressed, we will have spotted it early.

Any tips for trick-or-treating related to what kind of candy they should avoid?

Starbursts, Milk Duds, taffy, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish and anything that sticks to the teeth are more likely to cause cavities. Try to consolidate consuming candy to once per day -- preferably as a dessert immediately following dinner (your mouth will stay acidic for 30 minutes after eating most foods, so if you don't wait too long after dinner you won't have added acidity.) Brush afterwards!

I've heard a lot about sealants for kids. Are they a good idea?

Yes, our teeth have pits and fissures, which help us chew, but the downside is they trap food. The trapped food is also food to bacteria which release acid when they dine and this is how cavities form. A sealant makes the surface of your tooth smooth so nothing gets stuck in them.

What's the deal with fluoride for kids? Is it a good idea?

Yes, fluoride prevents cavities. One study showed that children receiving routine fluoride applications spend about half as much on their dental treatment throughout their lives as compared to someone without fluoride.

What's the best thing a parent can do to prepare a child for a visit to the dentist?

Tell them if they are good, we have some Halloween prizes we are giving away to well-behaved patients!