Dental Care for Your Child
Tips for Healthy Teeth
- Brush teeth twice each day.
- Use a pea-sized drop of fluoride toothpaste after age 2.
- Visit the dentist for checkups twice each year.
- Have dental sealants placed as soon as permanent molar teeth come in.
- Eat healthy foods and limit sugary snacks.
Helpful Hints for Your Child's First Dental Visit
- Make sure you have a ride.
- Be on time.
- Arrive clean and neat, with teeth brushed.
- Keep your dentist's name and phone number handy.
- If you must cancel, always call and let the dentist's office know.
- Bring only the child who has the appointment (if possible).
- Control your other children in the dental office.
Why is it Important to Take Care of My Child's Teeth?
Healthy teeth:
- Help your child chew food.
- Help your child speak clearly.
- Add to your child's health.
- Make a great smile!
Regular dental care can keep your child healthy and free of dental pain.
Do's Before the Visit
- Do keep from using the dentist as a threat.
- Do keep from using words such as "hurt, pain or brave" when talking about the visit to the dentist.
- Do keep from talking to your child about any bad dental visits you may have had.
- Do tell your child that the dentist is a friend who will help him take care of his teeth. Talk about the visit in a good light. Let the dentist do most of the explaining about what will be done.
- Do stay in the waiting room if requested to do so.
- Do tell the dentist about any bad dental visits and/or fears your child has had.
- Do keep your friends and older brothers and sisters from trying to scare your child about the dentist.
- Do set a good example by brushing your own teeth twice a day.
A visit to the dentist can be a pleasant experience for your child!
Source: North Dakota Department of Health
Thanks to the North Dakota Department of Health for providing this information. Contact Information:
North Dakota Department of Health
Division of Maternal and Child Health
Oral Health Program
600 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, N.D. 58505-0200
Toll Free: 800.472.2286
Last Updated: January 15, 2008 [link]
