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Promoting GoodDental Health

by Harry L. Habbel, DDS

Doctor, Howold should my daughter/son be when I first bring them in for a check-up? This is a question dentists are asked quite regularly. The answer can be difficult and is usually subjective in nature.

Traditionally,parents were instructed to bring the child in when most or all of the primaryteeth were present, usually around age 2.  However,in my practice we find emotionally most 2-year-olds are uncomfortable sitting ina dental chair.  So in the absenceof obvious oral disease I find the following to be a much better approach.

Bring the childalong with the parent when they visit for a routine cleaning and exam. The child should be present in the treatment room with the parent whilethe dentist or dental hygienist is performing the cleaning. Activities such as coloring books, handheld video games, and Mr. PotatoHead are provided in my office to occupy the child.  This allows the child to observe first-hand how easy a routine cleaningcan be.  Often, as well, we find thechild becomes very curious and wants to know exactly what is being done and mayeven want to look closelyinto mommy or daddys mouth.  Betweentheir natural curiosity and the receptiveness shown by my dental hygienist, itisnt long before the child asks when its going to be their turn. More reluctant children can be weaned into their first visit by havingthe hygienist count their teeth at one visit, gradually increase to polishingand fluoride treatment, and finally, to any needed x-rays. 

I have found this regimen to be awin-win situation for everyone and actually promotes a child excited tocome to the dentist every six months.

Tips to Get yourKids Brushing

Letyour child pick outher own toothbrush and toothpaste. There are many colorful child-sizetoothbrushes on the market, as well as toothpastes in flavors that appeal tokids. One requirement: the toothbrush must have soft, rounded bristles so theydont damage your childs gums.

Useonly a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Kids tend to swallow toothpaste, andits important that they not get too much fluoride. And if your childdoesnt like toothpaste, dont sweat it! Toothpaste isnt really necessaryto good dental hygiene!

Praisetheir brushing efforts AND the results theyre producing. Try your teethare so sparkley! or your breath smells minty fresh! Theyll bedelighted that you noticed, and the positive effects of brushing will bereinforced.

Trygetting some childrens books about toothbrushing. A few good ones: DragonTeeth and Parrot Beaks Even Creatures Brush Their Teeth, by Almute Grohmann,and Just Going to the Dentist, by Mercer Mayer.

Makeup silly toothbrushing songs set to familiar melodies; the songs should includeyour childs name. Easy melodies to try Row, Row, Row Your Boat,The ABC Song, or Mary Had a Little Lamb.

Finally,children learn by example. Be sure your child sees you brushing and flossingyour own teeth every single day. Its good for them, and its good for you.

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