Dentist: Teach Your Children About Oral Care

Taking your children to the dentist can be a challenging task if your child appears to be afraid. Choose a friendly oral care provider who works well with children. A brightly colored waiting room with toys for children can help your child relax before the visit. Your child should view the trip as a fun adventure, and understand the importance of good oral care.

Most children are afraid of oral care providers, because they view the person as a stranger, and they are unsure of what will occur during the first trip. Talk to your child before the visit and tell your young child that you are going to a fun place to help him or her have beautiful teeth. Some children respond well to the thought of going to a grown-up place. Children like to feel grown-up and important.

Many oral care providers will offer children a toothbrush to care for their teeth. If possible, allow your child to have a choice of toothbrushes. The dentist will probably have various colors and give the child a choice. Children also love coloring books and books on certain themes or topics from their lives. You can probably find a children's book with a character who is going to an oral care provider for the first time. Reading this story to your child before the first visit will help your child have a better understanding of the trip and what may occur.

Of course, you should choose a positive book with easy words that your child will understand. If you can locate a coloring book related to dentists, your child can spend time coloring the images while you talk about the trip. Before you know it, your child will become excited about going to see the oral care provider.

A patient and friendly oral care provider who makes your child feel comfortable and happy will also go a long way towards helping your child develop an interest in oral care. Children who view you and oral care providers as role models, are more likely to develop good oral care habits. Your child's dentist can provide insight on how to make sure that your child brushes correctly. Inspect your child's teeth after she brushes and praise her for a job well done. Be sure to ask her to brush again or tell her that she missed some spots if she doesn't brush properly.

Your child should also see you brushing your teeth, because she will want to copy you and brush her teeth regularly. Ask your oral care provider about toothpastes that are appropriate for your child. Flavored toothpaste may encourage your child to brush more than harsh peppermint pastes, which may be too strong for your child's mouth.

Remember to take your child to her oral care provider regularly. Developing good oral care habits at a young age can help your child have healthier teeth as a teen and adult. Helping your child overcome fears of visiting an oral care provider is your first step.