In honor of Dental Health Month here are some tips about your child's dental health.
What should I use to clean my baby's teeth?
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay.
Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed
specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first
check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a
pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first
birthday.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family
dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A
pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental
school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric
dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children
through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
What should I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent
tooth?
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Then find the
tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and try to reinsert it in the
socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your
child and the glass immediately to the pediatric dentist.
How can parents help prevent tooth decay?
Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly,
beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend
a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to
supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to
regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime
of healthy habits.Thank you to Snodgrass-King for coming and putting on a wonderful dental presentation for our students. They even brought CHOMP the Dinosaur to visit! It was so much fun learning how to take care of our teeth.
