It is hard enough getting children to sit still for many parents.
It is no wonder parents may be frightened by their child’s first visit to the dentist, with its tools and loud noises.
So when should a baby get their first dental visit? How can parents keep those baby teeth healthy at home?
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Gary Liu, a pediatric dentist, “It’s never too early to establish a dental home for our young ones who work with Smile Generation.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should see the dentist before age one when they get their first tooth.”
Liu recommends visiting the dentist once every six months after the first visit. However, this can vary from patient to patient.
Introducing children to dentistry is welcomed by many pediatric dentists, not only to ease anxiety among children but to motivate them to take care of their teeth.
Liu says, “Every kid has a different personality, and it’s my job to figure out what makes them comfortable.”
Still, it’s not easy getting children interested in their dental health.
Here are some dentist and parent-approved tips to make your child’s next dental visit a positive experience.
Make Your Child’s Dental Experience Positive
It depends on the media and the words they hear that shape their fear of the dentist.
Liu says, “A child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist will be fun, warm, and engaging. It should be portrayed as something fun and not as a punishment.”
Brush With Your Kids
Dr. Susie Lloyd, a dentist, says parents are ultimately responsible for modeling healthy habits. One of those includes brushing their teeth.
Lloyd says, “You are the best role model for showing your children how to look after their smiles.”
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Get The Right Toothbrush And Toothpaste
You’re more likely to motivate your child to brush their teeth if they have a light-up dinosaur or an excellent toothbrush.
Brush For Two Minutes Twice A Day
The best way is to brush twice daily for at least two minutes: Most people know how to brush their teeth. Lloyd believes it’s science how you touch during that time.