A new toothbrush might seem like a small thing. But to a young child, it can mean a new routine, a little responsibility, and the start of kids’ dental care habits that last for years.
Way to Grow families recently received a generous donation of toothbrushes and dental care supplies, coordinated by Dr. Sheila Riggs, DDS, Associate Professor of Dental Public Health at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, through Benco Dental. The donation reminds us that summer is a great time to schedule your child’s dental visit.
“We love to see and treat children at the School of Dentistry. Whenever I ride the elevator with them to our patient floors, I encourage them to become a dentist like me!” —Dr. Sheila Riggs, DDS, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Kids Dental Care Starts Early
Ideally, children should visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming in.
Starting early helps children get comfortable with the dentist while visits are still simple and routine. At home, caring for little teeth doesn’t have to be complicated.
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. You might be surprised to learn that children still need an adult to do most of the brushing until they’re around 6 or 7 years old.
For older children, brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and begin flossing once teeth touch.
Books About Visiting the Dentist
If your child feels nervous about the dentist, they’re not alone. Some fun and easy ideas that might help ease the worry include reading a book about visiting the dentist, talking through what will happen at the visit, or even playing pretend and “visit” the dentist at home. All these activities can help your little one feel more comfortable.
Check out these fun books about visiting the dentist and the why’s behind taking care of our teeth:
Just Going to the Dentist
by Mercer Mayer
Doctor DeSoto
by William Steig (Newbury Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist)
Did Dinosaurs Have Dentists?
by Patrick O’Donnell, illustrated by Erik Mehlen
Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets
by Magda Garguláková, illustrated by Marie Urbankova
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist
by Stan and Jan Berentstain
What Happens at a Child’s First Dental Visit?
A first visit is usually quick, gentle, and focused on helping your child learn what to expect. The dentist will check how their teeth are growing, look for early signs of cavities, and answer any questions you have about brushing, flossing, or healthy habits. For very young children, the exam may happen while they sit on your lap.
A few things are worth remembering:
First, your child doesn’t have to be perfectly cooperative. Pediatric dental teams work with wiggly, curious, and sometimes nervous children every day. And second, baby teeth matter! They help children eat, speak clearly, and hold space for the adult teeth that come later. Cavities are common. They aren’t a sign you’ve done something wrong. The important thing is to find them early in order to keep your child’s mouth healthy moving forward.
Summer Is a Great Time
Summer often brings a little more flexibility, making it easier to fit in appointments before the busy back-to-school season. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist or need help finding affordable dental care in the Twin Cities, your Family Educator can help connect you with community resources.
Thank you to Dr. Sheila Riggs, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and Benco Dental for helping Way to Grow families build healthy habits, one smile at a time!
