Teaching Your Children About the Dentist
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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.

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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

Six Dental Health Mistakes Teenage Patients Should Avoid

Alfred Kelley

The teenage years can be a time of rebellion for many patients. However, making dental health care mistakes during the teenage years is likely to come back to haunt a patient down the road.

The teenage years are the best time in life to start developing healthy adult dental care habits. The following are six dental health mistakes teenage patients need to avoid so that they don't experience dental problems later in life:

Forgoing the opportunity to take advantage of orthodontic treatment

It's important for patients entering adolescence to undergo a consultation regarding possible orthodontic care. 

When orthodontic treatment is provided during the teenage years, patients can enjoy having straight teeth throughout their entire adult lives. Undergoing orthodontic treatment as an adult can be cumbersome and embarrassing, but as a teenager it's consider a right of passage. 

Neglecting dental hygiene tasks

For many, the teenage years are one of the busiest times in life. However, that's no excuse to neglect proper dental care. 

Getting in the habit of brushing and flossing daily as a teenager will make it easier to maintain healthy dental habits throughout life.

Participating in sports without a mouth guard

A lot of teenagers participate in athletic events while in school. A dental injury during the teenage years can have drastically negative effects on the health of a growing teenager.

Simply wearing a mouth guard during sports competitions can allow teenage patients to avoid painful and costly procedures that result from impact damage to the teeth and jaw.

Getting piercings anywhere in the mouth

While oral piercings may enjoy considerable popularity among young patients, they are not good for oral health. Patients with oral piercings are significantly more likely to experience dental issues like chipped teeth than patients without them.

Drinking excessive amounts of soda or sugary sports drinks

Teenage students tend to be highly susceptible to developing bad habits when it comes to consuming sugary beverages. The teenage years are a good time to grow accustomed to hydrating with water rather than sugary sodas and sports drinks that are full of artificial flavorings.

Failing to eat a healthy diet

The teenage years are a time when the entire body is developing. Staying properly nourished as a teenager ensures healthy development of not only the teeth, but the rest of the body as well.

Nutrients such as calcium, folic acid, and Vitamin D are of essential importance for strengthening the teeth and gums. A well balanced diet during the teenage years will promote oral health. Talk to a pediatric dentist for more help.


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