Tips for Parents

Kids

As a parent, how can I best prepare my child for his or her first dental visit and stress the importance of good dental health?

Be positive. Dentistry has changed a lot in the past 20 years. It is a more pleasant environment than when you were younger.
If you have anxiety about going to the dentist, try not to share it with your children. Don’t discuss any previous bad experiences.
Talk to your kids about good oral hygiene. We want them to have happy teeth and gums. Explain that going to the dentist is something we do for our overall health.
Set a good example by brushing and flossing with your kids. Kids like to imitate! Kids that start flossing at a young age are more likely to continue this good behavior as they grow up. Brush to music! Play their favorite song and have them brush for the appropriate length of time, which is two minutes.
If it is a struggle to get your kids to brush and floss, please don’t threaten them about “getting a shot” or needing to have a tooth pulled. Instead, teach them why a healthy mouth is important for their overall health. Tell them they want to have healthy teeth to chew food which provides the rest of their body with the nutrition they need.
Don’t make the dental visit a big deal. Keep it simple. Maybe mention that they will get their teeth counted and cleaned. They will sit in a comfortable chair with a massage pad and music. At the end of the appointment they will get a prize, new toothbrush and floss!
The dental staff is trained to make your child comfortable. Let them do the talking. They use special words, pictures or videos to help explain procedures.
Visit your local library. Check out books to help teach your kids about importance of brushing, flossing and seeing their dentist regularly.

Taking care of children’s teeth and gums is vital to their long-term dental health.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to your child’s dental care:

Baby teeth are important. You should begin brushing and flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in.
Let your child brush with your supervision until he or she can brush alone -- usually around age seven.
Use a fluoride toothpaste, and buy a new child-size toothbrush every few months.
Schedule the first visit to the dentist when your child has a tooth, as early as one year old.
Talk to your child’s dentist about fluoride treatment.
When your child’s permanent molars come in, ask the dentist about applying sealants to protect the biting surfaces from decay.
Allow your child to chew only sugarless gum – and avoid lollipops and other sticky candy.
If your child plays contact sports, make sure he or she wears a mouthguard.