Thank you to ICTeeth for sponsoring this article.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. ICTeeth has been kind enough to answer some frequently asked questions surrounding a child’s first visit to the dentist, and they are sharing some of their top dentist, parent, and kid-approved tips for oral and dental health in early childhood and beyond.
Best Pediatric Oral Health Tips
What’s a pediatric dentist?
Glad you asked! We, like most dentists, did four years of dental school after college to become dentists, and followed that up with another two to three years of specialist training in pediatric dentistry. This means we know a lot more about performing dentistry on tiny mouths, and we also have special skills for working with kids to educate them and accommodate any special needs or fears they may have. At ICTeeth, we match all of that knowledge with the most up-to-date technology so we can give kids positive dental experiences, right from their very first visit.
When should that first visit be?
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentists) says to take your child to their first dental visit by 12 months of age. We agree, with one exception – if your child gets teeth before their first birthday, go ahead and call us and schedule their first appointment. By making sure your child has a “home” for dental care as early as possible, you can reduce their overall lifetime dental costs and ensure they have minimal pain or bad experiences at the dentist.
What happens at my child’s first dental visit?
A first visit is for everyone to get to know each other, and for us to find out as much as possible about your child’s oral health without causing them to be anxious or afraid. For some kids, that means just meeting the staff, touring our facility, and then getting their teeth “counted” while they get to sit in the special chair. If they are comfortable, we’ll do a quick brushing and flossing demonstration before the dentist checks the teeth and gums to assess their oral health, and we apply a fast, safe fluoride treatment. Depending on your child’s age and how many of their teeth have erupted, we may try to take a quick radiograph (x-ray). Finally, we’ll talk with you about your child’s at-home oral health routine, nutrition, and ways to safeguard their smile from trauma, and make sure your child gets a bag full of dental hygiene goodies and a prize on their way out the door. The goal is a positive experience from start to finish, so we strive to keeps things slow paced and low-key.
How can I help my little one avoid cavities?
The family that brushes together avoids cavities together! Make sure toothbrushing after meals and before bed (most important) is a routine in your home and help little ones to hit any missed spots after having them do a first round on their own. Use fluoride toothpaste and don’t forget flossing and rinsing. Encourage your child to drink water over sugary beverages like soda, juice, and milk, and limit overall sugar and starch intake, offering healthy fruits and veggies as part of a balanced diet. Make sure you schedule and keep their biannual dental visits!
What toothpaste and toothbrush should I buy for my child?
Basically, any kind of toothpaste and toothbrush you kid prefers is fine, as long as the toothpaste contains fluoride and is approved by the American Dental Association, and the toothbrush has a soft-bristle head and is the right size to fit in their mouth. We (and the AAPD) recommend only a smear or rice grain of toothpaste for ages 0-2 years and a pea size of toothpaste for ages 3-6 years. Your kid may like a toothbrush that lights up, an electric one, or one that features their favorite cartoon or Disney character. As for toothpaste, some kids don’t like mint, so try bubble-gum or tutti-frutti flavor instead.
My kid hates brushing his or her teeth, and every night turns into a battle. Help!
You’re tired. They’re tired. But they need to have clean teeth before bed! Here are some ways to make toothbrushing easier on both of you:
- Make it fun by putting on their favorite song or setting up a phone or tablet with a music video to watch that’s the right length for a good brush and floss session.
- Let them choose their own toothbrush, cup, and washcloth for wiping away drips down their chin, to make things special
- Try brushing and flossing right after dinner, and only allowing water before bed so they aren’t so tired during brushing and their teeth stay clean after.
- Let them brush their teeth in the tub at the very end of bath time. You can rinse away spit and foam before they get out.
- Have your child lie down with their head in your lap and tell them a story or sing a song while you brush their teeth (this method is great for the wiggliest worms in your home)
How can moms connect with you?
Moms can connect with us by visiting our website at www.icteeth.com, emailing us at [email protected] or calling us at 316-681-3228. For social media savvy moms, feel free to direct message us through our Facebook page or our Instagram page.
Small faces—BIG Smiles!
You will not find a better place to make sure your kids have fun and have a healthy smile! Our doctors and staff are passionate about providing the best quality dental services in town and making sure every child has a great time!
Also check ICTeeth out in our Guide to Dentists and Orthodontists and the following resources?
Moms’ 5 Most Common Questions Answered by a Dentist
Does Your Child Have a Lip or Tongue Tie? What to Look for & Why It’s Important
