Brace yourself for the bittersweet truth about sugar and its impact on dental health and braces. In this article, we’ll delve into the effects of sugar on your teeth, the specific challenges it presents for those wearing braces, and steps you can take to protect your smile. Read on to find out why sugar is always the bad guy in the story and why it is so important to cut down on sugar if you want healthy teeth, especially when wearing braces. And don’t miss the delicious tooth-friendly recipes at the end!

What is considered too much sugar?

We all know that too much sugar is not a good thing. But how much is too much?

• The US dietary guidelines advise people to limit their intake to less than 10% of their daily calorie intake. For a person eating 2,000 calories per day, this would equal 50 grams of sugar.
• Children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than 24g of free sugars a day.
• Children aged 4 to 6 should have no more than 19g of free sugars a day.

Now let’s look at an example of sugar a child might consume in one day:

1 serving of Fruit Loops = 12g, 8 oz glass of orange juice = 21g, 1 coke = 39g, 1 Gogurt = 10g, a Cliff bar = 22g, Dessert, 1 serving of ice cream = 20g or more.

Total grams of sugar consumed in one day – a whopping 124!

How sugar affects dental health

Sugar is a major culprit when it comes to tooth decay. When you consume sugary foods and drinks, the bacteria in your mouth break down the sugar into acid. The acid gradually erodes your enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

But it’s not just the amount of sugar you consume that matters, it’s also the frequency. Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day exposes your teeth to a constant acid attack, increasing the risk of tooth decay. It’s important to be mindful of your sugar intake and make efforts to reduce it for the sake of your dental health.

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can also lead to gum disease. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars, and when they multiply, they can cause inflammation and infection in your gums. This can lead to gum disease, which can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and other serious dental issues if left untreated.

The connection between eating sugar and braces

For individuals with braces, sugar becomes a bigger problem. The brackets and wires of braces create additional nooks and crannies where bacteria can thrive, making proper oral hygiene all the more crucial. When you have braces, it’s important to pay extra attention to your dental care routine and avoid foods and drinks that can harm your teeth and braces.

It’s also worth noting that excessive sugar consumption can lead to tooth staining, which can be particularly noticeable when you have braces. The brackets can make it more difficult to clean and remove stains, leading to discoloration and an unsightly smile. By reducing your sugar intake, you can minimize the risk of staining and maintain a brighter smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. It’s not a pretty picture, but see below an example of what can happen when someone with braces eats too much sugar and doesn’t do proper oral hygiene:

Tips for reducing sugar intake while wearing braces.

Reducing sugar intake is essential for maintaining good dental health, especially when wearing braces. Here are some tips to help you cut down on sugar and protect your teeth and braces:

1. Opt for water: As you can see from the above example, sugary drinks, including soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks, are major culprits when it comes to tooth decay. Instead, reach for water as your go-to beverage. Not only does it quench your thirst without any added sugars, but it also helps keep you hydrated and washes away food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
2. Be mindful of hidden sugars: Sugar can be found in surprising places, such as in processed foods, condiments, breakfast cereals, energy drinks, some yogurts, and even protein bars. Read food labels carefully and choose low-sugar alternatives whenever possible.
3. Reach for healthier snacks such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These options not only provide essential nutrients but also help stimulate saliva production, which helps protect your teeth against decay.

Foods and drinks to avoid for better dental health.

Certain foods and drinks can be harmful to your dental health, especially for those wearing braces. Here are some examples of what to avoid:

1. Sticky and chewy foods: These foods can get stuck in your teeth or braces and be difficult to remove. Examples include caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and sticky candies. Opt for softer alternatives that are easier to clean from your teeth, brackets and wires such as chocolate.
2. Hard and crunchy foods: These foods can potentially damage your braces or cause brackets to break. Examples include hard candies, popcorn, and ice. If you wear braces you want to avoid nuts. Eat nut butters instead.
3. Sugary beverages: Soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened teas can all contribute to tooth decay. Avoid these sugary drinks and opt for water, unsweetened, herbal tea, or milk instead.
4. Acidic foods and drinks: Acidic foods and drinks can erode your enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Examples include citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, carbonated drinks, and wine. While these can still be consumed in moderation, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water afterward to neutralize the acid.

Dental hygiene tips for maintaining oral health with braces.

Proper dental hygiene is crucial as it helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. Here are some essential dental hygiene tips to follow:

1. Brush your teeth thoroughly: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you have braces, pay special attention to cleaning around each bracket and wire, using gentle circular motions. Brushing should take at least two minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
2. Floss daily: Gently slide the floss up and down between each tooth, making sure to reach the gumline. This helps remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone may not reach.
3. Use an interdental brush for braces: An interdental brush can be helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas around braces. Insert the brush between the wires and gently clean around each bracket, removing any trapped food or plaque.

Foods that promote healthy teeth.

There are plenty of alternatives to sugary treats that are satisfying. Here are some ideas:

1. Fresh fruits: Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, such as apples, pears, and berries. These provide natural sweetness and are packed with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your dental health. If you wear braces, slice your apple into bite-sized pieces to avoid damaging your braces.
2. Vegetables: Snack on vegetables like cut carrots, cucumbers, and celery. Not only are these low in sugar, but they also help stimulate saliva production, which helps protect your teeth against decay.
3. Cheese and yogurt: Dairy products like cheese and yogurt are not only delicious but also beneficial for your dental health. They contain calcium and phosphates that help strengthen your teeth and neutralize acids in your mouth. But remember, stay clear of yogurts high in sugar. Opt for yogurts with 10g or less sugar.
4. Nuts and seeds: Choose unsweetened nuts and seeds for a healthy snack. Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds or unsweetened nut butters are excellent choices that provide essential nutrients without the added sugars.
5. Water and herbal tea: Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas instead of sugary drinks. Add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint to your water for a refreshing twist.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth without Sugar!

Got a sweet tooth? Don’t fret. There are many delicious recipes for desserts you can make without adding sugar. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Frozen Banana Ice Cream from The Kitchen

Oat Bars & Cookies from Healthy Little Foodies

Frozen Fruit Kabobs from Super Healthy Kids

Best Chocolate Fudge from All Around the Table

Simple Strawberry Smoothie from Cookie and Kate

Chocolate Hazelnut Nice Cream from Dr. Fuhrman

Conclusion: The importance of making smart choices for dental health and braces.

The impact of sugar on dental health cannot be overstated, especially for those wearing braces. Sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, staining, and other dental issues. With braces, the risk is even higher due to the additional surfaces where bacteria can thrive.

By cutting down on sugary foods and drinks, practicing consistent oral hygiene, and visiting Embrace Family Smiles regularly, you can minimize the negative impact of sugar on your family’s dental health. Contact us today and schedule appointments for the whole family!

Happy New Year!

Embrace Family Smiles

A Healthy Smile for a Successful Year

Now that summer vacation has ended, it’s time for parents and children to gear up for the new school year. Amidst the hustle and bustle of getting school supplies and organizing schedules, dental health often gets overlooked. A healthy smile not only boosts confidence but also contributes to overall well-being. Embrace Family Smiles provides essential back-to-school dental tips to ensure your child starts the year with a radiant smile and maintains it throughout the academic journey.

# 1 Back to School Dental Tip:  Schedule Your Child for a Dental Checkup

Not only do untreated cavities cause pain and infections, but they can also lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning.   According to the CDC:

Cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Here are some eye-opening statistics:

• More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.
• Over half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.

To start the school year on the right foot, schedule a dental checkup for your child. A professional cleaning and examination can catch potential issues early on, preventing them from escalating into more significant problems. Plus, a clean and healthy mouth promotes better concentration and focus in the classroom.

2. Establish a Morning Routine:

When children go back to school, mornings can be chaotic. Carving out time for oral hygiene is crucial. Please encourage your child to brush their teeth using fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes before they go to school. Incorporate this into their morning routine, along with washing their face and getting dressed. Consistency is key! And of course, ensure they brush at nighttime too!

3. Pack Healthy Lunches:

If your child takes their lunch to school, you can ensure they get a healthy meal. When packing school lunches, opt for teeth-friendly options. Include crunchy fruits like apples and carrots that naturally clean teeth as they chew. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can contribute to cavities. Instead, offer sugar-free flavored water as the beverage to keep your child hydrated and minimize the impact of sugars on their teeth.

4. Limit Sugary Snacking:

Kids usually come home from school hungry. So, after-school snacks are inevitable but try to limit sugary options. If your child does indulge now and then, encourage them to brush their teeth afterward or at least rinse their mouth with water to minimize the sugar’s effects on their teeth.

5. Choose the Right Backpack

Believe it or not, your child’s choice of backpack can impact their dental health. Heavy backpacks can strain neck and shoulder muscles, leading to poor posture. Proper posture is essential for jaw alignment and can prevent jaw pain and dental issues. Ensure your child wears their backpack correctly, and consider a backpack with padded shoulder straps.

6. Protect Children’s Teeth During Sports

If your child is involved in sports, ensure they wear a mouthguard, especially during contact sports (football, soccer, baseball, wrestling). A well-fitting mouthguard can protect teeth from impact and prevent dental injuries.

7. Encourage Hydration

Drinking water throughout the day not only supports overall health but also helps maintain oral hygiene. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities and bad breath.

However, as a parent, you may already know that Virginia has scored poorly on removing lead from school drinking water. If not, you can read about it from Environment Virginia in their article:  Virginia Scores a D on Lead in School Drinking Water Report. This article also provides actions you can take to improve the situation.  You can also check with your child’s school district, as some districts, such as Fairfax, have been taking action to minimize lead in their school’s drinking water. If you want to play it safe, we recommend providing your child with a water bottle to take to school. Another solution is the Berkey Sports Bottle. It’s a bit pricey but it is lightweight and comes with a small purifier inside it. Its filter element removes up to 99% of element contamination, such as aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, and other dangerous heavy metals. With its own filtration system built in, your child can refill their bottle as much as they need while they are at school. These Sports Bottles can be purchased direct from Berkey, Amazon, Walmart, etc.

8. Be Mindful of Teeth Grinding:

School-related stress can sometimes lead to teeth grinding, known as bruxism. If you notice signs like your child complaining of headaches, jaw pain, or you see worn-down teeth, schedule an appointment with us for a consultation. We may recommend a nightguard to protect your child’s teeth from the effects of grinding.

9. Set a Positive Example

Children learn best through imitation. By demonstrating good oral hygiene habits, you’re setting a positive example for them to follow. Even better, brush and floss together as a family to make oral care a fun and shared experience.

10. Stay Consistent

As the school year progresses, don’t let busy schedules deter you from maintaining a solid oral care routine in your family. Consistency is critical to ensuring your child’s dental health remains a priority throughout the year.

Conclusion

A successful school year goes hand-in-hand with a healthy smile. Following these back-to-school dental tips from Embrace Family Smiles gives your child the tools they need to maintain excellent oral hygiene, focus better at school, and enjoy the year ahead with a radiant smile. Remember, a little effort now can lead to a lifetime of confident smiles and overall well-being. Please contact us to schedule your child’s next dental checkup.

Wishing parents and children the best school year!

Your Friendly Team
Embrace Family Smiles

Halloween is just around the corner; for many, it’s a time of spooky costumes, haunted houses, and candy. You might think that as a dental office, we would be inclined to say “Boo!” to the sugary treats that flood the streets during this holiday, but fear not! We’re here to help you navigate Halloween candy stashes while keeping your and your family’s teeth healthy with our guide to Halloween Candy tips.

The Scary Truth About Sugar

Before we dive into our Halloween candy guide, let’s quickly discuss why sugar can be a real fright for your teeth. Sugar provides the perfect food source for harmful bacteria in your mouth, producing acid. This acid erodes your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other dental problems.

Halloween Candy that is More Tooth-friendly

Not all Halloween candy is equally harmful to teeth. Some are more tooth-friendly than others. Some sweets are more notorious for causing fillings to fall out or cracked teeth. Here are some candies you can indulge in for Halloween:

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is lower in sugar than milk chocolate, making it a better choice. It also contains compounds that may benefit oral health. Many candy companies are now offering dark chocolate options such as:

• Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Bars
• Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses
• Reese’s Dark Miniatures
• Reese’s Dark Peanut Butter Thins
• Reese’s Organic Dark Peanut Butter Cups
• Dark Chocolate M&M’s
• Milky Way’s Minis Size Midnight Dark Chocolate Candy Bars

Sugar-Free Candies and Gum:   Sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize acids and clean your teeth.

Candies to Avoid

While you can enjoy some candies, there are others to avoid when it comes to causing cavities or damaging teeth:

• Sticky and Gummy Candies: Candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears can cling to teeth, providing a feast for bacteria. Avoid these if possible.
• Sour Candies:Sour candies are often acidic, which can weaken enamel. Additionally, they are typically high in sugar. It’s best to limit your intake of sour candies.
• Hard Candies:While hard candies are okay in moderation, excessive consumption can lead to tooth damage, especially if you crunch on them.

Tips for a Tooth-Healthy Halloween

Now that you know which candies to choose and avoid, here are some additional tips to ensure your family’s Halloween is both fun and tooth-friendly:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the evening can help rinse away sugar and acids from your teeth.
2. Brush and Floss: After indulging in Halloween treats, ensure everyone flosses to remove any lingering candy particles and brushes their teeth for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
3. Limit Candy Time: Encourage your children (and yourself) to enjoy Halloween candy as part of a meal or snack rather than grazing on it throughout the day.
4. Visit Your Dentist: Schedule a dental checkup at Embrace Family Smiles after Halloween to catch and address any potential issues early.

Conclusion

Halloween candy doesn’t have to be a nightmare for you or your family’s teeth. By making good choices and practicing good oral hygiene, you can enjoy the season’s treats while keeping your family’s smiles healthy and bright. Remember, moderation is key. Contact us now to schedule your family’s checkups to ensure everyone’s oral health remains tip top. So go ahead, indulge a little, and have a spooktacular Halloween!

Happy Haunting!

Your Embrace Family Smiles Team

Oral health is important at all stages of life. However, many people are unaware that oral hygiene should begin at a young age. Teeth begin to develop after the first six months of a child’s life, making it easier for the dentist to make essential repairs before it becomes more difficult. Children’s dental needs differ significantly from those of adults. Pediatric dentists not only have the necessary training and qualifications to treat children, but they also have years of additional training to suit the specific requirements of those youngsters.

Helping youngsters treat their dental hygiene problems is not only a wise health move, but it can also save money for parents.

What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Dentists?

Getting Over the Fear of Going to the Dentist

A majority of people develop a fear of going to the dentist as they get older, not because of terrible experiences but of public perception. This is owing to the fact that many people do not see a dentist until they are well into their adult years.

Pediatric dentists have specialized training to care for a child’s well-being by knowing their psychology. This helps them overcome their dread of visiting the dentist later in life.

Knowledge of kid’s changes and development

A child’s body changes dramatically from birth until the age of 18. In terms of oral health, when a child grows into an adult, the entire jaw moves and changes shape. Working with pediatric dentists ensures that your child receives the finest care possible throughout their childhood and teen years, as so many things change so fast in younger children. Pediatric dentists know all of a child’s developmental stages as they progress toward adulthood. They can also assist in maintaining a healthy smile throughout the process.

Fun oral hygiene

Brushing and flossing are not fun for anyone, especially children. Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, can educate your kids’ excellent habits through pleasant teachings.

Because children are more likely to listen to commanding adults than their parents, it’s important that you find a pediatric dentist that you think they will respect. If you choose a professional who is the best fit for your loved ones, you will be astonished at how eager the children are to follow dental hygiene regimens on a daily basis.

The office and waiting room are both kid-friendly

Pediatric dentists are aware that kids frequently have additional energy to burn. What’s more, young children are naturally curious and like exploring. A dentist’s office that feels like a museum, full of stuff that a child could break or damage, is one of the last things a parent would like to see during their child’s visit. Pediatric dentistry offices are kid-friendly, with toys and activities to keep kids entertained while waiting for their appointment.

These professionals strive to make their patients as comfortable as possible during their appointments. This means your children will be happier and calmer before, during, and after their visit. Plus, they will be less anxious about going to the dentist for their next dental clean-up!

A preventative approach

In addition to being a dentist, pediatric dentists see themselves as educators. They aim to teach parents and kids how to develop healthier eating habits. Kids learn quicker at a young age, making it easier to instill positive behaviors.

Specialized training

Pediatric dentists have additional expertise in working with children’s teeth and jaws that general dentists lack. Due to their specialty, they are more qualified to give more comfortable, more effective, and safer treatments for any dental issues that a young child may encounter. You may rest assured as a parent that your kid’s dentist is watching out for them and their future adult smile!

Taking care of your child’s primary teeth

Primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) might appear unimportant; after all, they will fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. However, primary teeth do not all fall out!

If your child’s primary teeth develop issues, your pediatric dentist will know how to treat them without causing further harm. Regular dentists might not be able to handle problems as successfully as pediatric dentists. Those baby teeth have a different composition than adult teeth (thinner enamel).

Conclusion

Because your oral health is the doorway to your entire health, you must instill good dental hygiene in your kids at an early age. It will be easier for children to maintain excellent habits as they get older if they start early.

By bringing your children to their checkups as soon as possible, they will understand what pediatric dentists are and become familiar with them. This will help children overcome any dental anxieties they may have as they get older and urge them to take better care of their teeth. Begin in childhood to create great memories!

As a parent, it is essential to take your child for regular dental checkups. This way, you protect your little one from dental decay, among other oral health problems. But when should you start taking your child to the pediatric dentist? If you are unsure when you should start taking your child to the dentist, this article is for you.

When should you first visit a pediatric dentist?

Immediately your child starts growing teeth, consider taking them for a dental checkup. According to the American Dental Association, you need to start taking your child to the dentist as soon as they get to six months. At this age, these professionals are able to notice any abnormalities in your child’s mouth. Dental problems can manifest when your child is still young. So, consider examining your child’s teeth from time to time to see if there are any issues.

More often than not, pediatric dentists administer mild treatment on small babies if they diagnose them with dental issues. They are likely to postpone serious treatment like surgery and orthodontic procedures. This is because babies are too young to handle certain dental procedures. Most professionals may even recommend treatment after several years.

Why should you start visiting your pediatric dentist so early?

Based on recent statistics, 1 in 5 children has dental decay. Children love candy and have little experience brushing and flossing their teeth thoroughly. Therefore, they are more susceptible to dental problems. Taking your child to the dentist enables you to diagnose and treat any dental problems early enough. In turn, your child is likely to experience good oral health. During dental checkups, your pediatric dentist checks for orthodontic problems, cavities, gingivitis, and injuries. Also, these professionals conduct a professional tooth cleaning procedure during checkups. This helps in minimizing the occurrence of dental decay.

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

Before taking your child for a dental checkup, you need to choose a reliable pediatric dentist. It would be best to settle for a pediatric dentist over a family dentist. This is because they have more specialty and experience dealing with children. Conduct thorough research on the best professionals available in the area. From there, choose one that caters to your requirements.

Why settle for a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists have child-friendly dental equipment compared to general dentists. General dentists have large equipment that may hurt your child when inserted into their little mouth. Also, the seats at a general dentist’s office are too big to accommodate a little child. On the other hand, pediatric dentists have child-friendly equipment that makes your child more comfortable. Moreover, a pediatrics dentist’s office environment is colorful and entertaining for kids. Subsequently, your child is less likely to throw tantrums out of fear and anxiety when you take them to a pediatric dentist.

Pediatric dentists handle children better compared to general dentists. This is because they have undergone years of training in child dentistry. Thus, most of them know how to handle your child’s tantrums and make them feel at ease. Also, they are likely to establish a strong rapport with your child. This way, back-to-school dental checkups won’t be a nightmare for your kids.

What should you do before your first child’s dental visit?

Before taking your child for their first dental checkup, ensure they observe proper oral hygiene, start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they start growing teeth. In particular, always wipe your child’s teeth after breastfeeding them. Use a clean damp cloth for this. Avoid using fluoride toothpaste when they are this young since it might be harmful to their health. You can start using fluoride toothpaste on your child when they get to two years.

What to expect when you take your baby to the dentist

Upon your first consultation with a pediatric dentist, you’ll need to go with your child. More often than not, the professional will examine your child’s mouth while they’re sitting on your lap to ensure they are comfortable. If they identify anything abnormal with your child’s teeth, they might require them to sit on the dental chair for further examination. Note that your pediatric dentist will brief you on everything that will happen during the session. After examining your child’s teeth, they will carefully clean them. Then, they’ll give you the freedom to ask any questions you may have concerning your child’s oral health.

Golden Pediatric Dentistry is the best!

Every parent should take good care of their children’s teeth. Thus, they should schedule dental checkups with a reliable pediatric dentist. If you are looking for a dependable and experienced dentist, Golden Pediatric Dentistry got you covered. We have the best dentists who improve your child’s dental health. So, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us.

Parents in Dale City Want To Know… Where Can I Find The Best Dentist For My Child?

If you’ve been trying to find a top rated kids dentist in the Dale City area you need look no further than your favorite web browser. If you Google Top Rated Kids Dentist in you’ll find that our dental practice dominates the entire first page of Google.

Read Actual Patient Reviews

Nearly every single credible review source from Yelp, to US News, to Angies List give our dental practice high marks. Our patient reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook speak volumes about how patients feel about the level of care they receive at our dental practice.

Dale City Pediatric Dental Care Services We Provide:

Our office provides outstanding dental care for children and adults alike. We pride ourselves for being one of the leading dental offices in the Virginia area. Here are some of the dental services our office provides:

• Dental Examinations
• Dental Sealants
• X-Rays/li>
• Orthodontics / Braces / Retainers
• Oral Hygiene Instruction
• Root Canals / Fillings
• Emergency Dental Care for Children & Adults
• Sedation Dentistry

Schedule a Dental Exam With a Top Rated Childrens Dentist in Dale City

Our Pediatric dentists are specially trained to put kids at ease. It’s normal for young children to feel anxious and uncertain when they see the dentist. Our dentists are great with children of all ages and will do their very best to make your child comfortable during their exam.

If you’re looking to schedule an emergency dental visit or this is your first dental visit to our office, please take advantage of our online patient forms to streamline the process.

Each and every day your baby is hitting new milestones, and your child’s first dental visit is definitely another one to add to the scrapbook! We recommend that your babies first dental visit take place as soon as their first tooth appears, but not any later than their first birthday. Why should you take your child to the dentist before their first birthday? The answer, is as soon as your baby begins to form teeth, they can begin to form cavities. It’s about being as proactive as you possible can about your child’s dental health. What you do for them today can help them keep their smile healthy for the rest of their life.

Need a dentist for your child? Our Burke Pediatric Dentistry office is close by at 5200 Lyngate Ct, Burke, VA 22015. Our Pediatric Dentists are certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Dental Association and qualified in all phases of Pedodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. We’ll put your child at ease during their first dental visit!

How to Prepare Your Child For Their First Dental Visit

The best advice is to start early! In order to better prepare your child for their first dental visit, talk to them about what will happen at the Dentist’s office and remember to be positive. Try to prepare your child for when the Dentist will check their teeth by having them practice opening their mouth and say “Ahhhhh”. Watching videos or going to the library and finding a good book to read about a child’s first dental visits might also help alleviate fears and make your child more confident during their first visit with a pediatric dentist.

Did You Know?

Most American children don’t see their family dentist until they are well over 2 years old, far later than is recommended by both dental and medical professionals according to key findings from a recent study conducted on American children’s oral health by Delta Dental. The average age they reported was 2.6 years old which is much older than recommended. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.

Parents can prepare themselves as well. When you set your child’s first dental appointment, it helps to fill out the necessary patient forms ahead of time. It will save you time during your visit and allow you more time to put your child at ease during your visit with the Dentist. You may want to make a list of questions to ask your Pediatric Dentist, as well. If your child is teething, using their pacifier too much, or sucking their thumb- your dentist can offer some advice to help.

What to Expect During Your First Visit With Your Pediatric Dentist

Your Pediatric Dentist will perform a complete examination of your child’s mouth in order to make sure that their teeth and jaw are developing in the proper method that they should be. It’s usually a short visit and involves very little treatment. During your child’s first dental visit, if your child isn’t able to sit in the dental chair alone, you may sit in the dental chair holding them in your lap. The dentist will check your child’s mouth for any cavities, injuries or any other dental issues. During the final part of the examination, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and provide you with helpful hints that you can use for your child’s daily oral care.

Don’t feel anxious or upset if your child is restless and cries during the exam. It’s completely normal, so don’t worry! We all understand that this is a new experience for your child and will make every effort to put them at ease during their visit.

4 Tips for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

1. Try not to schedule their first appointment during their typical naptime. It’s advised that you pick a time of day for their visit when your child is normally well-rested and most likely to be cooperative.
2. Make sure to feed your child a light meal and then help them brush their teeth before their first dental visit. This way they won’t be hungry during their visit and less fidgety.
3. It’s advised that you save snacks until after your child completes their visit so that bits of food aren’t on your child’s teeth during their dental exam.
4. Think of your child’s first dental appointment as a happy and fun experience and a milestone to enjoy and remember. If your child begins to get upset during the visit, remember it’s normal and try to work with your dentist to calm down your child. We’re all on the same team and want them to have the best care and best experience possible!

Recently one of our patient’s said “I was searching for a Pediatric Dentist near me and am so glad I found Golden Pediatric Dentistry”. When we hear comments like that it warm’s our hearts and let’s us know that our patient’s are happy with the level of dental care they receive in our local Burke, VA dental office.

Our Pediatric Dentists in Burke, VA Works With Children Of All Ages

It prides us to say that we offer the best Pediatric Dental Care in Burke, Virginia and that the level of care our patients receive is unmatched in the local area. Our staff of compassionate Dentists work with children of all ages. We’re ready to be your family dentist for years to come. Stop by and visit our Burke, Virginia office located at 5200 Lyngate Ct, Burke, VA 22015.

Servicing the local area of Burke, West Springfield, North Springfield, Springfield, Kings Park, Fairfax, Annandale, Falls Church, Merrifield, Vienna, Fairfax Station, Oakton, Clifton, Centreville, Ft. Belvoir, and Lorton Franconia.

Pediatric Dental Services We Provide

Recent Patient Reviews from Pediatric Dental in Burke, VA:

We had the best orthodontic experience with Dr Hennigh. He and his staff made us feel welcome after a cross country move. They were knowledgeable of our sons rare situation and walked us through what would be next with confidence and professionalism. Highly recommend Dr Hennigh!

Great dentist, great dental assistants. They are always happy and professional. We have been going here for many years. Lonnie is the best!