Time to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Visit!

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and we would like to bring your awareness to your children’s teeth and the importance of keeping them strong and healthy. Family dentists, including Dr. Prendergast and Dr. Shepherd, recommend that children begin routine dental visits around the age of 3- this is approximately when all “baby” or primary teeth have erupted.

Good oral hygiene can be instilled in children at an early age with the help of parents and care givers.

• Brushing and flossing daily is important to maintain both tooth and gum health for the long run. Children should be supervised until they demonstrate the ability to brush well on their own.
• Teach your children by example by practicing good oral hygiene. Taking your child along with you to the dentist at an early age will increase their level of comfort.
• To ensure your child is brushing for the recommended 2 minutes two times a day, keep a sand timer or clock handy and put them in charge of timing.
• Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast so they are less likely to eat sugary snacks throughout the day. Try snacks like fruit cheese and crackers instead of sugary ones to aid in reducing tooth decay.
• Early visits to the dentist can also enable your dentists to spot cavities in their early phases. Left untreated, tooth decay in a young patient may eventually lead to the loss of a primary tooth.

Preventive care visits are important for your child’s physical health and well being when they are growing and establishing routines to last a lifetime!

Contact Fox Lake dentists Dr. Prendergast and Dr. Shepherd, and celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month by scheduling a visit for your child!