First Visit Tips
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
- Read books with them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences
Tips for cavity prevention
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
- Watch what your child drinks.
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
Factors affecting the health of your gums:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medication
- Poor nutrition
- Harmones
- Genetics
How to Prevent Dental Decay
Cavities are caused by certain types of bacteria that live in your mouth and stick to plaque that builds up on your teeth. The bacteria feed on the food you eat, producing acid that can cause cavities. We are not born with these bacteria in our mouths, so there are ways to prevent the dental decay they cause. To reduce your chances of dental decay you should:
- Avoid sharing utensils and straws
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Eat a balanced diet
- Limit snacking on sugary or starchy foods
- Regularly visit your dentist for professional teeth cleanings
