Children and Dental Care

Doing the right thing for our children is the duty of any responsible parent. Many parents, however, are confused about when to start routine dental check ups for a child. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that prophylactic (preventative) dental visits begin at age 12 Months (1 year old). Cleanings and exams should occur every 6 months after your child’s first birthday. This strategy is very important because it allows your child to build a relationship with the dental hygienist, the dental staff and the dentist. The child also has the opportunity to become acquainted with the dental office under pleasant, stress- free conditions. He/ she can be desensitized to the delivery of dental care at their own pace without having to be pressured into treatment of a problem when they are afraid.

Over time your child will develop a certain comfort at the dental office.

To do the right thing, bring your child to routine dental visits every 6 months starting immediately after their first birthday. Your child will maintain good dental health and in time, will enjoy being the center of attention.

For a dental appointment, please contact: mwindon@boyetthealth.com or call 205-921-0893

Tips to help your children avoid fear of dental care

• Start brushing your child’s gums and tongue early in infancy (before teeth are erupted) to condition them to the sensation of brushing and working in the mouth.
• Don’t allow adults or older children to tease your child and build fear by talking about scary aspects of dental treatment. (“Shots, drills” and other potential unpleasantries)
• Don’t bribe your child with promises of rewards, if they cooperate at the dentist. Children are often smarter that we realize. A bribe may be a signal to the child that the dental office must be a bad place if mother feels that she needs to make a deal with me.
• Start getting your child acquainted with the dental office and staff before treatment is needed. It will save everyone a great deal of stress, especially your child.

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