Sep 4, 2024
You can feel it in the air – September has arrived! That means it is back to school time! As you get your child ready for another year of learning and growing, it’s a great time to make sure they have their next check-up with Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos scheduled. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we believe good dental habits start early and we love helping our youngest patients learn more about their oral health. Books are a great way to prepare your kids for what they can expect during a dental appointment and encourage healthy habits. In the spirit of the back to school season, we put together a list of some of our favorite books about visiting the dentist!
Tooth by Leslie Patricelli
It’s an exciting time when your baby gets their first tooth! Your kids will love this colorful and fun board book that will introduce your child to the wonderful world of teeth and how to keep them healthy!
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain
This book is a classic! Your kids can tag along as the whole Bear Family goes to the dentist to get their teeth cleaned and learn about oral health care. It’s also a great introduction to the tooth fairy!
The Tooth Book by Dr. Suess
Another classic to add to your bookshelves! When it comes to writing that is silly and clever, nobody beats Dr. Suess, and this book teaches kids all about why it’s important to take care of their teeth.
Sesame Street: Ready, Set, Brush
Even monsters need to brush their teeth! This pop-up book features all your favorite Sesame Street monsters as they learn how to brush their teeth and visit the dentist.
The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing
This rhyming story follows a boy on his journey to the dentist for a check up. Filled with helpful details so your child will know what to expect, this is a great book for kids who feel a little nervous about coming in for an appointment.
The list could go on and on…there are so many great books for kids that will help them feel more comfortable about coming in for check ups with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos and more confident about taking good care of their teeth at home. Reading books together is a great way to talk about the importance of good oral health habits! What are your favorite books about visiting the dentist? Let us know on our Facebook page! If you have questions or need to schedule your child’s next dental appointment, please call us at 207.781.5900. We love helping our patients smile!
Feb 16, 2016
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Children have specific dental care needs that differ from adults that are important for parents to know. Even though young infants have no visible teeth, they are there under the surface and it’s important to keep your baby’s gums healthy from the beginning. After meals, gently wipe the gums with a washcloth. Once the first baby teeth come in, brush them twice daily with water and a soft-bristle toothbrush. And remember, your baby’s first trip to the dentist should be before their first birthday!
At age 3, your child should start using toothpaste. Use just a small amount and always have them spit it out. And of course, have them avoid sugary foods and drinks like candy, juice, and soda as much as possible. Appointments should be every 6 months. Around age 6, you might see gaps between the teeth start to diminish—time to floss! And don’t let them be surprised by their first tooth falling out. Let them know this is a natural part of growing up.
How old is your child? If they’re due for a checkup, call to make your appointment today at 207-781-5900.
children’s dental health
Mar 26, 2010
Here are two of the most frequent questions we are asked at Falmouth Dental Arts:
The first one is “Do you see children here?” and the answer is a resounding “YES! We love kids!”
The second is “When should I schedule my child’s first dental visit?” and the answer to that one is: “As soon as their insurance kicks in!”
Actually – that’s not true. We like to see kids usually by their 3rd birthday. Many times a child’s first dental visit involves just a quick peek at their teeth, wiping the teeth and gums with a piece of gauze and giving them a ride up and down in the dental chair. Of course everyone will tell them how good they are and how much fun it is to see the dentist – and that may be the most important part of the visit!
Studies have shown that many people avoid visiting the dentist purely out of fear – and we want to make sure that for the up and coming generation that is a thing of the past. With so many modern ways to make dentistry more comfortable, there simply is no reason to be afraid! But unfortunately, television shows and movies continue to depict things in a negative light. At Falmouth Dental Arts, it is our goal to let children (and adults!) know that dental health is a comfortable, important and even fun part of our overall well being.
Here are a few more easy and important tips to pass along to those with infants or older children:
• Never nurse a baby to sleep or allow them to go to sleep with a bottle. This can cause a very harmful and serious form of cavities. If a baby must go to sleep with a bottle, only water should be used.
• Use a small-headed soft bristle toothbrush with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth. Do it twice a day, and always before bedtime.
• Even though they will eventually be lost, “baby teeth” are very important. Not only do they help children to speak and chew, they also set a straight path for the permanent teeth to erupt. If they are lost prematurely, the adult teeth can be compromised.
• Sealants are a fast, easy and effective way to prevent cavities. Be sure to ask us if your child is ready for them.
At Falmouth Dental Arts, we strive to provide the best and most comfortable treatment possible for patients of all ages. Should you have any questions about children’s dental care – or anything else – feel free to give us a call at 207-781-5900.
