How Do I Prevent My Child From Being Afraid of The Dentist?

A child's primary teeth, sometimes called "baby teeth", are as important as the permanent adult teeth. Primary teeth begin to appear when children are about 6 months old. These teeth help them chew and speak in addition to holding space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three. The primary teeth generally begin to fall out between ages five and six when the permanent or adult teeth begin to erupt.

You should begin brushing your child's teeth with water as soon as the first tooth appears. Using toothpaste is not recommended for children under the age of two, however, when toothpaste is introduced; only a pea-size amount should be used. Children should always be supervised while brushing to ensure they are doing a good job. Brushing your own teeth alongside your child is a good way to instill this healthy habit.

A child's first dental visit should be between the ages of three and five years of age. For a child not familiar with the dentist, the first visit can be very scary. Their first dental appointment should be a positive experience and the preparation for this visit can begin at home. There are many publications available to help you explain to your child what to expect at the dentist. One such publication is "Show Me Your Smile", book number 11 in the Dora the Explorer series. It provides a thorough, non-scary, explanation of everything to expect at the first dental visit.

As a parent, you can help your child maintain a lifelong healthy smile by providing them with a well-balanced diet, limiting sugary snacks, ensuring that they brush twice per day, and floss once per day. It is also very important to schedule regular dental checkups every six months.

Dr. Rogers is the owner of Fairlington Dental, located in Arlington, VA. Fairlington Dental strives for excellence in dentistry and in customer service. We actively listen to our patients needs prior to planning treatment, value their time, deliver highest quality dentistry in a comfortable environment and provide excellent value that exceeds expectations. We invest in continuing education for our entire team to ensure we can offer the best possible options for our patients.

www.FairlingtonDental.com

(703)671-1001