In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, take a moment to assess your child’s oral health habits and preventive care schedule. Have they been to the dentist in the last 6 months?
Columbia family dentist Dr. Tom Trinkner recommends children begin visiting the dentist around age 3, once all primary teeth have erupted. These visits should occur twice a year to ensure your child’s teeth are clean and healthy and to give Dr. Trinkner and his staff an opportunity to look for dental problems in the early stages- when they are much easier to address!
Teaching your child correct brushing and flossing is also important, and Dr. Trinkner and his experienced dental hygienists will take the time to show young patients the “right way” to brush! Done correctly, regular tooth brushing and flossing can greatly reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the two most common dental health problems today that can lead to bigger problems when left untreated.
Here is a fun video to share with your children to encourage good oral health habits:
Dr. Trinkner emphasizes the importance of preventive dental care for young patients and offers the range of dental services a growing family needs to keep everyone smiling. A trip to the dentist can often cause anxiety in a young patient and the opportunity to go to the family dentist alongside a parent or caregiver often helps to reduce these fears.
Children who see their parents and caregivers receiving dental care are also more likely to establish good dental care habits themselves later in life- they may not always do “what you say”, but will often “do as you do”!