Healthy
Teeth, Happy Smiles
By Tamara Walker,
R.N.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month so I asked Barbara Chappell, D.D.S., the following questions to help us keep our kid's smiles healthy and happy.
When should my child have her first dental check-up?
"Most children should begin seeing a dentist by the time they are 2 1/2 years old, if there are no injuries or problems before that time."
To help your child become comfortable with the dentist before his first check-up, Dr. Chappell recommends that younger children be allowed to watch when an older sibling has a check-up.
How can I protect my child's teeth from cavities, besides brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups?
"One way to protect baby teeth is to never put your baby to bed with milk or juice in a bottle because the sugar in these drinks will cause decay when left on the teeth for extended periods of time.
Another important step is to make sure that your water supply has enough fluoride to maintain healthy teeth. Your dentist should be able to tell you whether your water supply has an adequate amount. Most filtered water, bottled water, and rural water has very little or no fluoride at all, so your child may need a supplement if that is your main source of drinking water. Some dentists also sell kits to test your water supply.
Sealants are another great tool to prevent cavities. Ninety percent of all cavities occur in the pits and grooves of a tooth, where brushing and flossing can’t make a difference. The further back the tooth, the deeper the pits and grooves, which is why many dentists recommend sealing the back molars to prevent tooth decay."
If your family
needs a friendly, caring dentist in the
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2004-2009 Tamara Walker, R.N. All Rights Reserved. May be used only with
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