As a children’s dentist we believe that child’s dental health issues are preventable. Parents and kids can save a lot of time, money, and discomfort by being proactive and following these 5 tips to help your child’s teeth stay healthy and cavity-free! 1. Help your child brush 2 times per day Let your child try to brush their own teeth, but the parent should then perform a more thorough brushing to help get the hard to reach places. 2. Help your child floss once a day Dr. Dutta can help explain the important places to floss to prevent cavities from forming in between your child’s teeth. 3. Prepare healthy snacks and drinks Cheese, fresh apples, and whole wheat bread are great examples of healthy snacks. Beware of juices, fruit snacks, and even flavored water – these are filled with cavity-causing sugars! 4. Visit the dentist at age 1 The first dental visit by age one is a fairly new recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Your friends and even your pediatrician may not be aware of the age one dental visit. Starting dental visits at age one has proven to help prevent dental problems in young children. Call World Pediatric Dental today to set up your child’s visit. 5. Get regular check-ups Regular dental cleanings and exams help us identify and treat any minor issues before they become major problems. Even if your child’s teeth look fine or they aren’t complaining of any pain, we can spot any problem areas and give you a plan to address them. Most dental insurances cover these...
Toddlers are naturally leery about strangers, but their first dental visit should not be cause for fear and tears. These few tips will make your toddler’s trip to see us at World Pediatric Dental in Stone Oak fun and stress free. 1. Before you make a dental appointment for your child, come for a visit and take a tour of our office. Let your son or daughter experience the office and get the lay of the land. Toddlers don’t like surprises, but if your little one is already familiar with the big chair that goes up and down, the next time he or she will have no problem taking a seat. 2. About the big dental chair … well, it’s really an amusement park ride. See how it goes up and down? Toddlers love games, and turning the trip to the dentist into a game is among the oldest (and most successful) tricks in the parent playbook. 3. Positive reinforcement is a good thing. That’s why Dr. Dutta and our staff hand out cool toothbrushes or stickers to children after their appointment. Picking a prize from our huge toy wall and a goodie bag are good incentives to come back for another cleaning. 4. Timing is everything. Don’t take your child to the dentist an hour before the daily nap. Make the appointment with your child’s schedule in mind. This increases the chances of success. 5. A few days before the scheduled appointment, start reading your toddler bedtimes stories about what happens at the dentist. Dora the Explorer’s Show Me Your Smile, written by Christine Ricci, is a popular dental story...
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