Your Child Can Enjoy a Dental Visit!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, so today I'm sharing an article written by a friend of mine. Safca Frost is a mother to four, and the sweetest lady you'll ever know. Here, she shares a few tips and tricks about taking your little one to the dentist. Colin had his first dental check-up this year, and he did so well! 

Your Child can Enjoy a Dental Visit! Here's how...

Your child's dental health is extremely important and the recommended dental visits start earlier than most parents realize. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling your child's first appointment by her first birthday or within six months of her first tooth erupting. As parents, we also know that this is the age when children start to exhibit stranger and separation anxiety. In order to ease that anxiety and build a positive relationship between your child and her dentist, follow these simple suggestions; they can help your young child enjoy her dental appointments.

-Brush your young child's teeth twice a day with fluoride-free gel if he is under 2 years of age or a dot of fluoride toothpaste for children 2-5 years of age. While brushing, talk about going to the dentist, count your child's teeth, and let your child take a turn flossing and brushing on his own.

-Take a trip to your library and check out books and movies about going to the dentist.

-Encourage your child to pretend to be the dentist: count her toys' teeth, brush her toys' teeth, and even 'take pictures' of her toys' teeth if X-rays are a part of your child's next appointment.

-When scheduling your child's appointment, pick the time of day when he is at his best. The mornings, after a good night's sleep, are usually the best time. Try to avoid scheduling the appointment during your child's nap time or lunch time.

-On the day of your appointment, have your child pack a small bag of toys and books to play with in the waiting room. While waiting, engage your child. Talk with her, play with her, and put her at ease.

-Introduce your child to the staff and to the dentist.

-Have your young child sit on your lap during the examination; this will ease the feeling of separation.

-Praise your child for sitting well and showing the dentist a big smile.

Starting with your child's first birthday and bringing him in every six months for a visit, combined with regular care at home, your child will feel at ease and enjoy his dental appointments.


Remember the importance of taking care of your little one's teeth! Happy February!