At Children 1st Dental & Surgery Center, one of our priorities is to make dentistry fun and educational. The more parents and their children know about what it takes to keep teeth healthy, the happier everyone can be! Take our Children’s Oral Health Quiz to test your knowledge.
True or False
- A child doesn’t need to see the dentist until about the age of 5.
False. Early dental care achieves some goals. First, it can familiarize a child with the dental office before any restorative care is needed. Hopefully, this early care will prevent decay and make every visit a pleasant one.
- Oral care is important for infants.
True. In fact, oral care should start even before there are any teeth to clean. Bacteria are present regardless of how many teeth a child has, and these microorganisms can affect teeth that are developing beneath the gums. Clean your baby’s teeth with a soft cloth moistened with warm water. This should be done every time your infant eats or nurses.
- Fluoride supplement is necessary for children older than 6 months.
False. Every child has different needs, and too much fluoride could be detrimental, causing white spots on teeth. Take your child to the dentist when his or her first teeth come in, and talk with your dentist about the value of fluoride in your situation.
- A child who wants to brush their teeth should be allowed to.
This is so tricky! The answer is True – and False. A child who wants to take an active role in oral care should be encouraged. After all, this will become their responsibility soon enough. However, parents will need to also provide a helping hand. Children lack the dexterity to achieve optimal results from brushing and flossing. This does not develop until they are about 8 years old. Until then, those twice-a-day brushing sessions will need oversight by a parent.
Schedule a consultation
Children 1st Dental & Surgery Center has offices in Houston and the Dallas – Fort Worth area. Call (713) 270-0700 us to learn more about our practice and services.