The dental experiences your child has when they’re young can stick with them for years! You want to make these early experiences the best they can be so your child continues to seek dental care as they get older. Here are answers to frequently asked questions we get about caring for your child’s oral health when they are young:
- When Can Kids Start Brushing Their Own Teeth?
- How Do I Handle a Dental Emergency?
- How Do I Help My Child Be Less Afraid of the Dentist?
- How Often Should My Child See the Dentist?
- Where Can My Child Get Dental Care in Tyler, TX?
Parents should start cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as their first baby tooth emerges. However, it will be a while before kids can brush on their own. Most kids need help until they’re around 6 years old. Even around this age they should be supervised to make sure they brush well enough and don’t swallow their toothpaste.
Even if the injury only affects a baby tooth, your child will still need treatment. Stay calm! Call an emergency dentist, such as Dr. Patrick at Storybook Smiles, for guidance and to make an emergency appointment.
Many kids experience dental anxiety. You can help put them at ease by speaking positively and truthfully about the dentist, reading fun books about going to the dentist, and making preparations that encourage them to feel comfortable and safe at the dentist’s office (such as notifying their dental team and having your child wear comfy clothes, bring a comfort object, get enough sleep and food beforehand, and utilize dental sedation if appropriate).
Kids should see the dentist at least once every six months for professional cleanings and exams. Even if your child has excellent oral health at home, they will greatly benefit from a thorough cleaning and their dentist checking their oral development and examining their teeth and gums to catch and treat any issues as early as possible.
At Storybook Smiles, we love helping kids achieve the best oral health possible with our comprehensive pediatric dental services, including preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and more!
While many general dentists provide care for children, pediatric dentists have special training. At our office, Dr. Patrick completed two years of advanced training in pediatric dentistry at one of the country’s top children’s hospitals and has limited his practice to treating the specific dental needs of children and teens. So if you have more questions for Dr. Patrick or want to book an appointment, please contact us today!
