Today we are continuing our discussion on oral health for young children. What age do you think you should start taking your child to the dentist? I was surprised and yet not surprised that the age to start visits to the dentist is when the first tooth erupts or at least when the baby is a year old.
You might say, “There’s no reason to go to the dentist at that age when the baby needs no work done on their teeth!” However, there are two great reasons to start those visits early in life. One reason is to have the baby associate a visit to the dentist with something that is routine and non-threatening. You can expect to sit in the dental chair, holding your infant. The dentist will play some little mouth games with your baby, such as counting her teeth. It will be fun for both of you! Having a number of pleasant visits before any dental work may need to happen is a great strategy.
The second reason to visit the dentist before the first year is to learn about how to care for your baby’s teeth. It will be a time to ask questions about when and how to brush her teeth and what kinds of foods are good (and bad) for her teeth. Your dentist will be able to address and concerns you have. You will learn about sippy cups, the proper use of a bottle, when to expect that other teeth will come in, and the importance of baby teeth.
All in all, you and your baby will have a great experience in the dental chair and you will know you are doing the very best you can to insure beautiful, healthy teeth for your beautiful child. It is a win-win situation.
In our economy, with many of us without dental insurance, you might be worried about paying for the visit. The clinic has a sliding fee schedule so you can be sure you can afford dental care for yourself and your child.
Five little valentines were having a race
The first little valentine was frilly with lace.
The second little valentine had a funny face.
The third little valentine said, “I love you.”
The fourth one said, “I do too!”
The fifth little valentine was sly as a fox.
He ran the fastest to your valentine box.
(Use props such as valentine stick puppets for children to act out the poem.)
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