As parents, it is important to ask the dentist questions about your child’s dental health and oral hygiene. It is essential to make sure that your child has a beautiful smile and healthy teeth. In this article, we will review some of the common questions that parents ask their child’s dentist, as well answers that can offer some valuable guidance. We hope that this information will help you make informed decisions when it comes to your children’s dental health.
Q: When should I first take my child to the dentist?
A: According to the American Dental Association, children should have their first dental visit by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in— whichever comes first. Based on their age, their first check-up could include a full exam of their teeth, bite, oral tissues, and jaws. This is also a great time for Q&A between parents and their child’s dentist.
Q: How often should my child visit the dentist?
A: Same as adults, children should have a routine dental check-up every 6-months, which should include a teeth cleaning. Some dentists may recommend more frequent visits, such as every 3 months, which helps young children become more comfortable at the dentist from an early age. This sets them up to have minimal anxiety and apprehension surrounding dental visits for the rest of their lives.
Q: What kind of toothpaste and floss should my child use?
A: Many dentists will recommend brushing your child’s teeth twice per day using a soft, small toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. By the ages of 3-6 years, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste will suffice. Also, be sure to teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste. As for flossing, begin flossing when your child’s teeth start to touch one another. There are several plastic flossing tools made especially for children that will help them acclimate to the process of brushing and then flossing afterwards.
One of our favorite types of floss for pre-teens, teens, and adults is Glide by Oral-B. Dentek Kids makes a “fun floss” that is made for children. But whatever you choose, make sure there is enough physical string between their teeth to scrape off any plaque build-up between their teeth.
Becoming comfortable with going to the dentist can be a gradual process for any child. But with the right at-home routine, your child will have a foundation of dental health education that will benefit them for their entire lives!
[Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to support and not replace the relationship between the patient and their own healthcare provider. Any information or advice provided should be used for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental care. The information provided should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any dental condition or disease without consulting a qualified dental professional. Any reliance on the information provided is solely at the parents and patient’s own risk.]
