Verbal instructions to parents concerning
their child’s homecare routine are good; a print version is even better. Reprinted with permission of the pediatric
dental office in which it is used, I share with you one of the best condensed
versions of instructions for parents/care givers I’ve seen in over 30 years as
a dental practice management consultant.
You are welcome to reproduce this handout, adding your practice name and
contact information.
Tooth decay is the #1 chronic infectious disease among children in the United States and it is preventable. Here are some quick tips to help your family stay cavity free.
Tooth decay is the #1 chronic infectious disease among children in the United States and it is preventable. Here are some quick tips to help your family stay cavity free.
Start
early!
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children be seen by a dentist when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Early visits help establish a “dental home”---an environment where oral health is delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, and family-centered environment.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children be seen by a dentist when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. Early visits help establish a “dental home”---an environment where oral health is delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, and family-centered environment.
Primary
or “baby” teeth are important! Development
of the jaw, proper chewing, clear speech,
and overall appearance are just a few reasons to take care of your child’s primary teeth.
Lead
by example!
Take care of your own
teeth. Studies show that babies and small children can “catch” cavity-causing
bacteria from their parents or care
givers.
Caution!
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is caused by frequent
exposure to liquids containing any
form of sugar. Do not let your child
fall asleep with a bottle filled with
anything other than water, or, if breast fed, nurse continually. We
recommend discontinuing use of a bottle by age 1. Make sure to clean
your baby’s mouth and gums after each feeding with a clean, soft cloth and plain water. Tenders Infant Pre-Toothbrushes are available from Practicon,
Inc.
Make brushing fun!
Children should spend 2-3 minutes after
breakfast and before bed brushing
their teeth. Buy your child a cute,
child-appealing toothbrush with soft
bristles, get a captivating sand or liquid tooth timer to encourge 2-minute brushing time, and try free apps like “Toothsavers Brushing Game” or “Brusheez---The
Little Monsters Toothbrush Timer” to make
the brushing routine more fun.
Help
needed!
Parents, your child needs
help brushing until around age 7 or 8. Begin flossing your child’s teeth as
soon as he/she has any teeth that touch.
Use
a fluoride toothpaste!
When your
child is old enough to spit out the paste after
brushing, usually age 2 and older, use a pea-size amount of paste. Buy
toothpaste with the ADA seal on the packaging.
Limit
snacking!
Limit between-meal snacks
to no more than 3 per day. Almost all foods and drinks other than water can cause
cavities, particularly if teeth are
not cleaned after eating.
Dental
visits, (check-ups) scheduled every 6 months!
Research has shown children
with healthy teeth generally have better attendance at school, are more attentive in class, and
participate more fully in school activities. By seeing your child every 6 months,
we can help assure his/her oral health.
In
case of a dental emergency, call our office immediately! We will help you determine what steps need to be taken to make sure your child
receives needed care.
Helpful
resources! www.eopd.org,
www.mychildrensteeth.org, www.2min2x.org,
and www.mouthhealthykids.org.
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