Your Child’s First Dental Visit New York, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How often should children brush and floss their teeth?

A. Just as with adults, children should brush their teeth a minimum of twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once. Children should begin flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. However, a child will most likely not be able to brush and floss completely on their own until around age 6 or 7.

Q. How can parents make sure their child gets the right amount of fluoride?

A. Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Fluoride is especially important for children from infancy to the late teens while their primary and adult teeth are developing. Many communities already have fluoride in their public water supply. Parents should check with their particular county. Children should drink plenty of water and use an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride. If your county does not have fluoride in the water, a pediatric dentist can recommend other ways to ensure your child gets enough fluoride.

Q. How can I get my child excited about dental hygiene?

A. Choosing a pediatric dentist that your child likes is a great first step in establishing enthusiasm around dental health. A pediatric dentist will also have advice for you on what might work for your particular child. You can help make brushing fun by allowing your child to pick out their own toothbrush and choose a flavored toothpaste as long as both are ADA-approved. Offering positive reinforcement like simple prizes for good oral health habits and modeling good oral health habits to your children are two powerful ways to get kids excited about taking care of their teeth.

Q. What should parents look for in a pediatric dentist?

A. Perhaps the most important thing is that your child likes the dentist and will be excited to see them. Your child will be working with this dentist for a long time, and they will have a great influence on your child's lifelong oral health. Beyond making sure they have the proper training and experience, they and their staff must be kid-friendly from the reception area to the dentist's chair. Beyond having an environment that is fun for kids, the dentist should be truly dedicated to strengthening children's oral health.

Q. What are some common bad oral habits I should watch for in my child?

A. Children love putting everything in their mouths, and this tendency should be avoided for more than just the dental hazards it poses. Parents should avoid rewarding their children with hard sugary candy that is very hard on their teeth. Parents should report any teeth grinding or thumb and finger sucking they notice to the dentist. Catching these habits early makes them easier to treat. One habit that is prevalent in both children and adults is brushing too hard. Make sure both you and your child use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle circular motions.