How to Help Your Child With Dentistry Fear

Taking your child to the dentist can be stressful, especially if your child is afraid of the dentist. Going to the dentist is a crucial part of maintaining optimal oral health, so it's important for your child to attend their appointments on a regular basis.

There are ways to decrease the amount of stress and anxiety your child feels at the dentist. The more comfortable they feel with the office and people who work there, the better! If they look forward to getting a toy or prize at the end of their appointment they are more likely to jump in the car to go to the dentist.

Familiarize your child with the office and the dentist prior to their first appointment. Allow the child to see the atmosphere, meet their future dentist, and maybe learn a few things about oral care! If you can, schedule your child's appointments to be with the same hygienist and dentist every time. This allows your child to form relationships with the people doing their check ups, and creates trust.

Choose a pediatric dentist for your child. A practitioner whose main focus is children has extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to making your child calm and comfortable. Consider pediatric dentists to be experts when it comes to fearful young patients.

Reward your child with a small toy for behaving at the dentist. They may be more likely to sit still and allow the dentist to examine their mouths if they're thinking about what action figure or my little pony they're going to get afterwards.

The Truth About Baby Teeth

Many people believe that since baby teeth fall out that they're not important. However, this is very inaccurate. Baby teeth create a strong basis for healthy permanent teeth. When you help to teach your child how important oral health is, they will carry on that mentality for the rest of their lives.

When your child is teething they may experience sore gums. This is completely normal. Your baby may become irritated which can contribute to problems sleeping and digestion. There are plenty of remedies you can try to sooth your child's pain. Teething rings that are made of soft material and can be cooled in the fridge are a great choice. A gentle pain reliever may be used as well to help decrease the pain. 

The front teeth start to appear around 6-12 months of age. Throughout the next two years the rest of the baby teeth will grow in. When your child turns three all of their baby teeth will be showing. This is twenty teeth in total.

As we all know sugar is your mouth's worst enemy. For strong oral health monitor the amount of sugar your child is ingesting. Provide foods for your child that will contribute positively to their overall development and growth.

Avoid bottle feeding your child sweet or sugary drinks. If you're going to give your baby fruit juice dilute it with water first.

Remember to have your child see a dentist by their first birthday. To book an appointment at Woodbridge Kids Dentistry click here!

Pacifiers & Thumb Sucking

Your child may use a pacifier or their thumb as a coping mechanism. They may even use one of these methods to help them fall asleep each night. As your child grows it's important to know that thumb sucking and pacifiers can deter the growth of their mouth and proper alignment of their teeth. The sooner your can break these habits, the better for your child's mouth.

Your toddler's use of a pacifier can be limited. However, when it comes to thumb sucking the removal process can be more difficult. Do not sweeten your toddler's soother. In the past parents have put honey or other sweet liquids on the soother to make it more appealing to their child. This will only make it harder as they will perceive their soother also as a treat. This can provoke early decay. Also do not clean your child's soother by putting it in your mouth as this shares bacteria instead of removing it.

Your child is less likely to experience negative side effects of thumb sucking and pacifier usage if they stop prior to their permanent teeth growing in. This occurs around the age of five. Children use their soother or thumb to calm themselves down, they find it comforting. Offer them snuggles or gently remind them not to participate in that habit. The earlier you can deter your child from thumb sucking and pacifier usage, the better.

Healthy School Lunches

Getting your child to eat healthy can be difficult. Since your child most likely indulged in tons of sweets over the holidays it can be a difficult transition for them to understand that every lunch will not be accompanied with a candy cane.

You want to ensure your child is eating foods that won't harm their dental and overall health. Snacks like gushers, and fruit-to-go may become lodged in the back of your child's mouth. This can increase your child's risk of forming a cavity. Include water or milk with your child's lunch to help wash away any food that may have gotten caught in their teeth.

Try to make their lunches fun. Allow your child to help in the process of packing their lunch. Try to include their favourite fruits and vegetables to ensure it all gets eaten! Provide them with colourful vegetables, fun shaped fruit, and cheese strings. Choose whole grain bread for your child's sandwich. Send them with a healthy snack like whole grain pretzels or cheerios.

To ensure your child's oral health is in tact, ensure they are brushing and flossing regularly. Allow them to choose their tooth brush with their favourite Disney character or super hero on it. Small things can help to make eating healthy and maintaining good oral health fun!

To make an appointment for your child at Woodbridge Kids Dentistry click here!