Building a Strong Dental Support System for Kids in Columbus, OH

The sooner your child starts having regular dental checkups, the more likely they are to make a lifetime commitment to practicing good oral health.

Why Are Dental Checkups for Children Important?

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease children in the United States experience. The CDC states that by the time 52% of children in the U.S. turn 8, they’ve already had a cavity. Regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups can help prevent tooth decay.

Since decay causes cavities, preventing decay from developing is crucial to your child’s oral health. Furthermore, if your Columbus pediatric dentist does find decay during your child’s checkup, they can address it early on before the cavity develops.

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Checkup?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents and caregivers take their children to the dentist within six months of the appearance of the child's first tooth. However, if your child turns one, and their first tooth has yet to erupt, the AAPD recommends going ahead and scheduling your child’s dental checkup.

What To Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Our dentist for children gently examines your child’s mouth. In addition, you’ll learn about things you can do to help prevent tooth decay.

Prevention Is the Key To Good Dental Health

Parents and caregivers should teach their children how to prevent tooth decay. Establishing a dental home may help your child feel more comfortable visiting the dentist.

How parents can promote good oral hygiene:

Regular brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral health. Each brushing session should last for two minutes. In addition, your child should floss at least once a day.
You should make it a habit to brush and floss with your children at the same time every day. Eventually, your children will consider dental care as natural as eating and sleeping.
To help prevent tooth decay, manage your child’s sugar intake and encourage healthy alternatives to sugary snacks. You can increase your child’s excitement about eating healthier by letting them choose which bag of apples or oranges you’ll buy.

4 Ways To Make Oral Health Fun and Rewarding

1. Use Stories To Teach Your Child About Good Oral Health

Since one of the easiest ways to teach a child is through narratives, use videos and stories to help your child understand the importance of good oral hygiene.

2. Take Advantage of Fun Tools

For a child, two minutes can seem like an eternity. Therefore, use fun tools to keep your child engaged as they brush their teeth. Some of these tools include light-up toothbrushes, toothpaste that tastes like their favorite fruit, and toothbrushes that play music. These tools can help your child look forward to brushing their teeth.

3. Rewards for Brushing and Flossing Work

Rewarding good behavior can be very effective. Consider creating a reward chart for your child.

You could offer your child a reward when they follow their oral health routine for seven days in a row.

For example:

After a week, they get to pick a sticker.
After two weeks, they choose a movie to watch over the weekend.
After three weeks, they pick a board game for everyone to play (e.g., Candyland).
After four weeks, they receive a present (e.g., a stuffed animal).

Younger children usually enjoy placing stickers on a calendar or chart.

4. Talk About Your Child’s Fears and Anxiety

Dental anxiety is quite common in children. If your child mentions they're afraid of the dentist, discuss these issues openly. Always validate their feelings, slowly introducing them to dental hygiene activities at home. When your child feels ready, we’d love to welcome them for a gentle, caring visit at Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Columbus

Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Is Different

Each of our dentists believes that helping your child build an oral hygiene regimen early on creates a continuous dental care foundation they will follow for the rest of their lives.

We Know How Busy Life Can Be

Whether your child already has several cavities or needs to visit the dentist for the first time, at Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry you don’t have to worry about being judged. Since we specialize in pediatric dentistry, we know how to make your child feel safe and comfortable during their visit.

Our dental professionals and staff treat each patient and their families with the kindness and respect they deserve.

At Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide friendly, compassionate, and gentle care to children of all ages. Please call (614) 475-5439 or use our online form to request an appointment.

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