Making children comfortable at the dentist is something that you can help to promote even when you aren’t at the dental office. Choosing words that have a more positive connotation can help to frame an engaging and fun dental visit for your little one. Here are some resources for you to share with you child at home to prepare for a fun experience.
To best prepare your child for a trip to the dentist, try to replace these buzz words!
Put your child on track for a lifetime of smiles with great home care! See the home care tips below for keeping your child cavity-free!
Even before teeth first erupt, take a warm washcloth and wipe/wash your child’s gums and tongue. As soon as you see teeth forming, take a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush the teeth you see with fluoridated toothpaste. Help your child brush their teeth until they have the dexterity to do so themselves. Around the time they can tie their shoes, they can probably start brushing their own teeth.
As soon as you see teeth touching, start flossing between your child’s teeth. Feel free to floss whenever and wherever your child is comfortable. This could be while he or she is watching TV or lying down on a couch. Don’t feel as though you always have to floss in the bathroom or in another awkward position.
Fluoride is very important to your child’s healthy smile. A naturally-occurring mineral, it is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay – especially in young patients. Fluoride combines with the enamel around your child’s teeth, making them more resistant to decay.
As soon as your child can spit, fluoride mouth rinses are another key component to home care and are especially important for patients who are at a high risk for dental caries (decay). At The Children’s Dental Center, our focus on prevention includes a Caries Risk Assessment. If your child is at a higher risk for dental caries and is old enough to spit, a fluoride mouth rinse can be an important tool to help fight decay.
Fluoride supplements are recommended at six months through 16 years of age, if you determine you are not living in a fluoridated area. Just like a regular multi-vitamin, supplements are an easy, effective way to fight tooth decay before it starts.
If your child has not yet learned to spit, there is still a safe way to brush their teeth. Use just a “smear” layer of fluoridated toothpaste by applying a small dab of toothpaste to the tip of your finger and literally smearing it across the toothbrush. Once your child has learned how to spit (usually at age two years or older), use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
As a parent, you likely already know that sweets and sugary drinks like soda are very unhealthy for your child’s teeth. However, many parents are not aware that other, seemingly healthy drinks and snacks can be equally damaging to your child’s smile.
Fruit snacks and fruit juice are “repeat offenders” when it comes to tooth decay and should be avoided. If you are looking for a healthy on-the-go snack and drink for your child, consider a cheese stick and bottled water. Kids also love learning that some of their favorite foods (like pizza) are great for their smile!
Check out these fun, informative videos to help your child get excited about the dentist, as well as some positive reinforcement ideas for how to best communicate with your child in preparation for their first visit.
Download one of our printable charts to help your child create a healthy routine!
