In honor of February being children’s dental health month, here are some interesting tid- bits when it comes to kids and canines.
Children should first visit the dentist around 3-4 years of age, so they can become familiar and comfortable with a routine visit in the chair. Like adults, children should see a dentist every 6 months for exams.
About 20% of kids say that they fear going to the dentist. Much of this fear can be assuaged by watching parents brave the dentist chair and hearing adults talk positively about personal experiences. Communication is key with children. Parents should emphasize the benefits of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Sometimes it helps to refer to the dentist as a nice doctor who wants to help take good care of them and their oral health.
Kids do better when they know what to expect, so walk them through a normal visit and standard procedures before entering the office. It may also help to define some simple terms that they may hear a dentist use such as: cavity, hygienist, flossing, fluoride, plaque, pick, and x rays.
And what’s a nod to kids without a good joke?
Q: What did the judge say to the dentist?
A: Do you swear to pull the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth!?
We’d love to be your family dentist…and perhaps your child will even enjoy some magic tricks on their next visit!