Prepare for the Dental Visit

Visit the twice a year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will decide how often your child will need to be seen. Ask the dentist for dental sealants and fluoride treatment to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.

___ Talk to your child about going to the dentist. Use words your child will understand. Avoid using terms like “shot” and “ drill”. Pictures or books may help to explain what will happen.

___ Make the dental appointment for a time of day that is best for your child, if possible.

___ Bring the list of all medicines your child takes, and questions you may have about your child’s teeth.

___ If your child is in a wheelchair, ask the dental office if your child can be treated in the wheelchair. Tips to help your child ___ If your child is anxious about dental visits, inform the dental staff of the most successful way to talk with your child. with their oral health

___ Tell the dentist you would like to talk about any treatment before it is done.

___ Ask your dentist about the benefits of using Xylitol.

The more information you have the better you can assist your child. Children’s Oral Health Program Supported by funds received from the California (925) 313-6280 Department of Public Health, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division. September 2016 Oral Health Care is Important Proper oral health is part of a healthy body. Regular home Other Useful Products care helps prevent painful dental cavities and loss. To establish a daily routine and get your child more comfortable with this, start at a young age.  Medications can often cause dry mouth. This is  Brush twice a day not only uncomfortable,  Floss once a day but may lead to more  Use with fluoride dental cavities. Some mouth rinses are designed There are many products that can make it to help increase saliva flow. easier to brush and floss. Try these simple ways to increase the toothbrush handle size to make brushing easier. This can be done by inserting a toothbrush handle into a bicycle grip, tennis ball or foam roll. An may also be a good option.

 Fluoride rinses and work to strengthen weak areas of enamel to help prevent cavities.

Foam Roll Tennis Ball  If your child doesn’t like a toothpaste flavor or foam, it may be helpful to try different toothpastes until you find one your child likes. If your child does not like foam from toothpaste, choose toothpaste that does not contain “Sodium Laurel Sulfate.” Consider a toothpaste that is known for its sensitive properties. Hand Towel Electric Toothbrush Steps to Brushing Your Flossing Aids Child’s Teeth

When helping your child brush and floss, it is most important to consider their comfort first. Some children may not like anything near their mouth, but encourage your child to brush and floss daily.

 A water pick is a device that aims a stream of water at your  Work from behind the teeth. It can help remove food child. This gives you the particles from your teeth. best access to the mouth Water picks do not take the and is the most comfortable place of brushing and flossing. for them.  Turn your child’s head to the side.  Place a towel under their chin to help stabilize the head.  Never place fingers between molars. If needed, a rolled cloth can be used to help keep mouth open.  Start on front surfaces of teeth, using gentle pressure and moving slowly to back teeth.  Try to keep toothbrush on the sides of the mouth and close to the teeth to avoid choking or gaging.  A holder, or pre-threaded flosser, is a device  Take a break as often as that makes it easier to floss your teeth. It can be useful for your child needs. people with limited dexterity, those who are just learning to floss, and caregivers who need to floss someone else's teeth. How to Brush Flossing

You should brush at least twice a day to remove Flossing removes bacteria and food build up between and food buildup. teeth, where your toothbrush cannot .

 Use a toothbrush with soft bristles  Floss at least once a day  Use a pea sized amount of toothpaste that contains  It is common to see bleeding when are fluoride inflamed. Flossing may be uncomfortable, and must  Make sure to brush for 2 minutes be done for gums to return to health.

Step 1 Step 1 Place toothbrush at a 45 degree Wrap an arms length of floss around angle. your fingers as shown.

Step 2 Step 2 Apply gentle pressure and brush in Use your thumbs and forefingers to circles. guide about 1 inch between the teeth.

Step 3 Step 3 Brush the outer, inner, and chewing Holding the floss tightly, gently insert surfaces of each tooth. the floss between the teeth. Then curve the floss in a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath Step 4 the gums. Use the tip of the brush for the inner surface of your front teeth and end Step 4 by brushing the in a Slide the floss up and down, downward motion. repeating for each tooth. Make sure to floss on both sides of every tooth.