One of the most important parts of visiting the dentist is receiving a professional cleaning. Proper dental health for children can start as soon as a baby’s teeth first appear. Many parents find their children’s teeth start appearing at about four months. It’s imperative to keep children’s teeth lightly cleaned during these early stages. Eventually, it will be time for a child to receive their first professional teeth cleaning through a dentist for kids. Here are four tips to help prepare children for their first dental cleaning.
- Ensure Child Receives Healthy Foods
You’ll find that children are more likely to enjoy a dentist visit if it goes smoothly. It’s wise to ensure your children receive foods that are low in sugar. There are many snacks and foods available for children that are healthy. Replacing candies and sweets with fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure your children’s teeth remain healthy. - Instill Good Oral Health Habits Early
Statistics from the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools report that 51 million school hours are lost annually due to students experiencing dental illnesses. No parent wants to see their child fall behind due to problems that can be preventable. Many parents brush their teeth with their children to show them how it is properly done. It’s important to encourage children to keep their teeth clean. - Talk to Child About Dentist
You’ll want your child to think of the dentist office as a positive place. It’s important that your child visits a dental pediatrician. These professionals typically have offices that are inviting and fun to children. No child is going to feel excited about childrens dentistry while visiting a boring environment. You’ll want to let your child know that the dentist that is there to help. Talking to a child about their next visit can greatly reduce nerves about a dental pediatrician. - Never Mention Dentist in a Negative Manner
Unfortunately, some people will have had bad dental visits in the past. It’s important to never share this type of information with your child. A child needs to always view a dental pediatrician in a positive light. It’s not wise to invite a child with you to go to the dentist. You don’t want a visit to become slightly painful in plain view of your child. However, you’re encouraged to sit with a nervous child for their first visit.
In closing, it is imperative that children receive proper dental care. Statistics show that children with poor dental health are three times as likely to miss school compared to children with fewer dental problems. It’s important that children receive a diet filled with healthy foods that are low in sugar. Every parent should teach children proper brushing and flossing habits. Instilling these habits in your children will help ensure they regularly keep their teeth clean. You’ll want to seek out a dental pediatrician for your child. These environments typically provide children with a fun and inviting environment.
