How to get your children to take excellent care of their teeth!

Routine hygiene appointments are important for your preventative care, but when should you bring your child to their first dental visit? According to American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry  it is "recommend that you take your child to the dentist within six months after his first tooth erupts, or by his first birthday, whichever comes first."

Glacier Dental is willing to bet it's difficult to get your child to brush his or her teeth twice a day and floss at least once. In order to have your child's first dental visit to go smoothly, dental care at home is a must. To help get your children more engaged and excited to clean their teeth at home, here are a few tips.

You know when you buy a new pair of running shoes and you just can't wait to get to the gym to try them out? Buy your child(ren) a new toothbrush or toothpaste. This will make them want to brush their teeth.

Other ways to help make brushing twice a day more exciting include changing up the brushing routine. Challenge him or her to brush with his or her left hand or have them try flossing before brushing their teeth. You could also try setting  a goal. If your daughter brushes her teeth well for 10 days, maybe she can have an extra dessert one night after dinner. These new ideas may help your children become more excited about daily flossing and brushing.

Another issue that may arise is your child's first dental visit. It can be scary having a stranger peek inside your mouth for the first time. A great way to help your child overcome this fear is by bringing them to your dental visits. While at the dentist, you can help explain what is going on and even have them sit on your lap throughout your cleaning appointment. Getting your child in the chair and introducing them to Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter prior to their first visit on their own is a great way to help ease that first visit.

In addition to that, Glacier Dental has TVs in the continuing care rooms. The hygienist can easily flip to a cartoon for your child to watch at the initial check-up. Depending on how well your child does at this visit, Dr. Steckbauer or Dr. Carpenter will do a full mouth exam and look at each tooth. If there is any decay or cavities the Doctor will inform you and let you know what the next best step to take would be. It is crucial to have any cavities filled or teeth pulled, even on baby teeth, because if there is any is deep decay or infection, it well effect the permanent adult tooth.

To avoid cavities and tooth extractions at young ages, make sure you keep your children excited about brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. This will help ensure your child only has to visit two times a year for cleanings versu
s more visits for treatment.  Call today to schedule your child's first visit at 920-235-3251.