Entry bubble Children's Dental Health Month

By: Joanne | February 24, 2009 | Category: Health

young boy brushing his teethAt my daughter’s first dentist visit, the hygienist remarked, “She doesn’t drink much soda, does she?” My first reaction was shock, and I wondered if the average 3 year old drinks so much soda that the dental hygienist can see it on their teeth? For the record: they can.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a friendly reminder to help your kids learn the importance of taking care of their teeth. The American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to promote the importance of good oral health beginning at a young age.

As a parent, it’s my job to make sure my kids are brushing, flossing, have regular checkups and are eating healthy snacks. Regular visits with the dentist can help you prevent problems in the future. Treatments like fluoride, sealants or even braces can help keep your kid’s teeth healthy and strong. Would you believe that my daughter got braces on when she was 7? I was so surprised I almost fell out of my chair when the dentist told me it was time.

My kids are comfortable at the dentist. A lot of credit goes to our dentist and his staff, who are always gentle and concerned about our comfort, but I do what I can to put them at ease too. The equipment and bright lights and strangers with face masks can be frightening. I schedule our appointments together and then I go first so they can see exactly what happens and how comfortable I am. I think it also helps that there’s a basket of little toys for the kids when we finish the appointment. What are your good ideas to help kids love taking care of their teeth?

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Entry bubble Every 6 months... Visit the Dentist!

By: Colleen | May 14, 2008 | Category: Health

Friday morning I have an appointment with the dentist. I'm psyched! dentist 2 No, seriously—I love going to the dentist.

As a kid, my parents took me to a pediatric dentist who offered free games of Pac-Man while you waited; thus, I've always equated the dentist with fun.

While I've been very diligent about getting a cleaning every six months, there are many people, especially my age, that do not. My best friend's rationale for this is, "My teeth don't hurt, so why should I get them checked?"

Not having your teeth cleaned professionally allows plaque to build up that regular brushing and flossing can't remove. The excess plaque leads to tooth decay, which causes cavities. Cavities, which don't always hurt at first, must be treated before they become more serious. If let go, they can require a root canal or other more advanced dental work.

Not sure how to start looking for a dentist? Check out this site: http://www.ada.org/public/directory/index.asp. You want to be sure the dentist is board certified, and check to see if they have an area of specialization. Free Pac-Man doesn't hurt, either.

Does anybody have a dental horror story? Any great experiences?

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