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Your kids are your whole world. You’ll do anything you can to keep them happy and healthy. Regular visits to your pediatrician are one way to safeguard your children. Don’t forget to make bi-annual visits to the dentist a priority. Take the following tips to make each dental appointment with your kids a success story.
Start Young
If you ask the experts, they’ll tell you to schedule your first visit for your child at about the age of one. The dentist will make sure your child’s gums and baby teeth look healthy. It’s also a good time to give you advice about proper oral hygiene for children. You’ll be advised to make sure your baby doesn’t go to sleep with a bottle in his or her mouth. Snacking before bed is not advised either. As a rule of thumb, babies should switch to a cup by their first birthday. You should always clean your baby’s gums and early teeth with a moist, clean cloth or piece of gauze to prevent early tooth decay. Two visits a year to the dentist are the best way to keep tabs on your child’s oral health.
Say Good Things About the Dentist
Children will mirror their parents. If you set the stage for a positive experience with the dentist, your child will be more likely to have a good feeling when it is time for an appointment. All too often, adults have had negative experiences that hold them back from making medical or dental appointments. Get started on the right foot when it comes to dental visits for your children.
Bring a Special Buddy to the Dentist
It always helps to bring a friend when it’s time to see the dentist. Pick out a special stuffed animal or doll that will be your child’s partner when it’s time for an exam. Ask the dentist to play along, checking out the toy’s mouth as well. Think about someplace special you can go after the appointments if over. This is the perfect time to have some fun at the park to celebrate good oral health.
Be a Good Role Model
If you want your little ones to have a healthy relationship with the dentist, you need to lead by example. Make annual appointments with your Little Rock family dentist. Tell your children when you are going. Show off your new toothbrush and toothpaste when you come home. You can also schedule visits for yourself, your spouse, and your kids on the same day. Turn into a family outing. When you all band together in the name of healthy teeth and gums, it will pay off.
Practice Healthy Habits at Home
Your child needs to learn good oral hygiene from a young age. As soon as that first baby tooth appears, you can use a soft toothbrush to clean it with water after bottle feedings and eating. Once your child is two, teach your little one how to brush. A pea-sized amount of children’s toothpaste can be used. Make sure your child rinses well and doesn’t swallow the toothpaste. Once more teeth have grown in, it will be time to start using floss or a floss threader to get to those hard-to-reach places.
Choose Wisely
You need a happy place to give your children a successful experience at the dentist’s office. Be selective as you choose your provider. Set the bar high. Pay attention to the atmosphere when you walk in. Every member of your dentist’s staff should come together to put all patients at ease, going the extra mile for children. Ask friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues about their top picks before you make your final decision.
Conclusion
Once you find the right dentist for your children, the rest is up to you. Be attentive to good oral health at home. Encourage regular brushing every morning and night. Keep all your appointments. If you ever have a concern about your child’s dental health, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your dentist will be your partner in good oral health. When you promote the right habits from a young age, you will help your children to have strong, healthy teeth for the rest of their lives.
