How to talk to children about visiting a pediatric dentist
How do you explain a filling to a child?
Watch your words. Choose your words wisely when talking about dental fillings with your child. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be honest; it simply means that you should explain the procedure using kid-friendly terms. For example, instead of saying “needle”, you might speak of a little poke in the mouth.
How do I prepare my child for first dentist visit?
How to prepare for the first visit. Have your child practise opening his or her mouth wide so that you can count your child’s teeth. Using a small spoon to pull back the cheek can help children anticipate what the mouth mirror will feel like. Read books about visiting an oral health professional with your child.
How do I prepare my child for dentist?
Preparing the child for a dental appointment
Should a 5 year old get cavities filled?
When the dentist tells you that your child has a cavity, ask about the types of treatment options they recommend. If the cavity is shallow and just starting to form, they may be able to treat it with fluoride. But if it’s progressed, a filling could be the best option.
Can a 3 year old go to the dentist?
When should your child first see a dentist? You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months at the latest.
How often should a 3 year old go to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children start seeing a dentist every six months, by their first birthday or once their first tooth emerges.
Is it common for 3 year olds to have cavities?
Toddler Cavities: How to Treat Cavities in Baby Teeth. Cavities in toddlers are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42% of children aged 2 to 11 will develop at least one cavity.
At what age should child see dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Primary teeth typically begin growing in around 6 months of age.
How often should a child see the dentist?
In general, kids should visit the dentist at least once every 6 months. This allows for regular dental care to be performed by the pediatric dentist, including a dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and x-ray.
How often should you brush your 2 year old’s teeth?
Toddler teeth need cleaning twice a day – in the morning and before bed. Use a small, soft toothbrush designed for children under two years. Just use water on the toothbrush until your child is 18 months old, unless a dentist tells you otherwise.
How do I clean my 2 year old’s teeth?
Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush, and a small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Until your child is 3 years old or can spit on command rather than swallowing toothpaste, you should avoid fluoridated toothpaste. Brush your child’s teeth thoroughly for at least 2 minutes, twice per day.
What kind of toothbrush should a 2 year old use?
No matter how old your child is, you want their toothbrush to fit comfortably in their mouth and be easy to hold and manipulate. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles made of a round-ended or “polished” — these bristles clean kids’ teeth well without being rough on their gums.
Why does my 2 year old have yellow teeth?
Baby teeth can become discolored for many reasons, including: Inadequate brushing. If baby teeth aren’t brushed properly, bacteria (plaque) might form on the teeth — which can lead to tooth discoloration.
Should a 2 year old use fluoride toothpaste?
From ages 2-5, a pea-sized amount of fluoride-free, kid-safe toothpaste is recommended. Your child will need help brushing and you should remind them to spit out the toothpaste. Guide your child on proper brushing techniques to prevent cavities at a young age.
Can a 2 year old use toothpaste?
Fluoride Toothpaste is Recommended! Prior to 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that parents should avoid fluoride toothpaste until age 2. But the current recommendation is to start brushing your child’s teeth with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth start to erupt.
Is it OK for toddler to swallow toothpaste?
If your baby or toddler does swallow some of this small amount of toothpaste, it’s okay. As long as you’re using the recommended amount of toothpaste, swallowing a little bit shouldn’t cause any problems. If you use a larger amount and your baby or toddler swallows it, they may develop an upset stomach.
Why can’t toddlers have fluoride toothpaste?
While the American Dental Association has long-recognized fluoride as “safe and effective in preventing tooth decay for both children and adults,” the mineral can pose a threat of toxicity if too much is ingested. This is why pediatric dentists are often cautious about young children and fluoride consumption.
Why should toddlers have fluoride free toothpaste?
When teeth break through the gums, these natural sources of fluoride help rebuild any weakened enamel as they grow in. And it’s not just for kids! Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay in adults as well. The fluoride found in toothpaste and mouthwash, known as topical fluoride, works on people of any age.
