Early Learning Project
Strong baby teeth are essential to a child’s health. Some dentists may want to see a child when the first tooth erupts. Others may want to wait until the child’s first birthday. Between visits, you can help your child learn about good dental habits—learning with lasting benefits!
About thisTip Sheet
Model good dental hygiene for your child.
Dentists suggest that you model choosing water instead of sweet drinks when you are thirsty. Let your child see you brush and floss regularly. Explain what you are doing. Let him watch you clean a pet’s teeth. If your dentist agrees, let your toddler observe your dental checkup or an older sibling’s (if the sibling is not afraid of the dentist).Start good habits early.
Your child can learn good dental habits long before she can clean her own teeth. Dentists suggest that parents carefully wipe a baby’s gums, tongue, and teeth gently every day with a clean, soft, damp cloth, piece of gauze, or baby toothbrush. (Use only water until the dentist says you can switch to toothpaste.) A toddler can brush teeth with adult help when he is able to spit out toothpaste. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto a soft child-size toothbrush for him. You may need to gently guide the toothbrush to reach all the parts of his mouth.Make dental health fun.
Share picture books about teeth and dentists. Look at animal teeth in zoos and museums. Visit dental association Web sites, which may have videos and other activities for children about dental health. You can help your child get used to opening his mouth for the dentist by playing “How Many Teeth?” and other “open mouth” games. A toddler or preschooler may want to pretend play “dentist’s office.”Ask other parents or your health care provider to recommend a dentist.
Many family dentists and pediatric dentists specialize in working with babies and children. Dental office staff should be willing to answer your questions over the phone. You might visit the office first by yourself to see what the office and staff are like. Some dentists will allow a “pre-visit”—a special time to meet the child and show her around the office. NOTE: Dentists and their staff have special words for what they do. They also know words to avoid, like pull, hurt, shot, needle, and drill! So they may want to explain equipment and procedures to a child, rather than having you do so.Take it easy at the dentist’s office.
Bring along books and comfort toys. Arrive a bit early so you and your child can look around and meet the staff. Expect to stay with your child during the checkup.
For more information about young children's dental health, try these resources:
- Tips on Finding Preventive Care for Children's Oral Health
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=297&aid=1194 - Children's Oral Health
http://www.mndental.org/public_home/your_oral_health/childrens_oral_health - Mouth and Teeth: Teacher's Guide
http://classroom.kidshealth.org/prekto2/body/parts/teeth.pdf - Head Start Dental Health Curriculum
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED395680.pdf - National Children's Dental Health Month
http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx - Visit the Dentist with Marty
http://www.ada.org/379.aspx - Brushing Up on Tooth Brushing
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/nibbles/health-toothbrush.html - Children's Dental Visits: Parents, Prepare Yourselves
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=296&aid=1170 - Cavity Prevention Tips for Preschoolers
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=296&aid=1169 - Does My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=d&iid=296&aid=3808 - How to Find a Kid-friendly Dentist
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=h&iid=296&aid=1174
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.