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Preparing Children for Oral Checkups

With a little preparation, getting children ready for their first visit to an oral health care provider need not be an apprehensive experience, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA).

There are a number of specific actions parents can take to help a child enjoy a first visit to the dental hygienist and dentist.

First of all, talk about the appointment in a positive way. This starts at home with parents setting a good example by brushing and flossing together with their children every day. Parents who may have had negative oral health care experiences should not communicate those feelings or any anxiety to children, as that will make them fearful.

Using a toothbrush, parents can demonstrate to a child how teeth might be cleaned by a dental hygienist. They can also explain that there will be some noise involved and that the oral health care providers will be wearing masks and gloves to protect themselves and the child from germs. In addition, dental hygienists recommend that parents let their children watch them get their own teeth cleaned. They will realize that if it doesn’t hurt their parents, it will not hurt them.

The ADHA says that most children should visit an oral health care provider for the first time at about age one and reminds parents that oral hygiene at home for children should begin at birth. This ritual should include thorough cleaning of the child’s mouth and gums with either a gauze pad or infant washcloth after feedings and before bedtime.

Once the baby’s primary teeth appear, parents can use a small, soft-bristled infant toothbrush dampened with water to clean them gently. Later, by the age of two or three, parents can teach their children how to brush with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Parents should continue to help their children care for their teeth until age seven or eight, when they have enough dexterity to brush and floss alone.By helping children learn oral hygiene early, parents can help to prevent cavities and other oral health problems.

Additional Tips To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy:

1. The biggest oral health problem for infants is early tooth decay, known as baby- bottle tooth decay. This results when babies routinely fall asleep with bottles filled with sugary liquids such as milk, formula, and juice--anything other than plain water.

2. Snacking on celery, carrots, or apples helps clear away loose food and debris.

3. Chewing gum can help eliminate food particles caught between teeth after a meal and also helps prevent plaque build up by stimulating saliva production.

Courtesy of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, www.adha.org.