Ask the Expert: Tooth Truths
Your pediatric dental questions answered
by Dr. Caitlin Barnes, Aurora Children’s Dentistry
QUESTION: At what age should we schedule our child’s first dental visit?
Dr. Barnes: This is the most common question new parents ask! I follow guidelines put forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which recommends scheduling your child’s first visit by age 1 to establish their “dental home.” At the first visit, you can expect information like home care tips for brushing, recommendations for bottles and pacifiers, safe use of fluoride for cavity prevention, and babyproofing at home for oral trauma prevention. My goal is always to make your child’s first visit a “happy” visit, with lots of education, tips and resources!
QUESTION: My child is anxious about visiting the dentist. What can I do to help ease that?
Dr. Barnes: Anxiety about the dentist is very common! Start by explaining why your child needs to go to the dentist, and what to expect. Most children are visual learners, so reading dental-related books to introduce new concepts and ideas can be helpful. Imaginative play with dental mirrors, mouth models, or just playing pretend can help your child “act out” what is going to happen at the dentist. It’s always a good idea to avoid scary or fear-provoking language like “hurt” or “shots.” When parents have a positive attitude about going to the dentist, they set their child up for success!
QUESTION: Should we be concerned about our child’s "baby teeth"? Since these teeth will fall out anyway, do they require the same care and attention as permanent teeth?
Dr. Barnes: Baby teeth are important for so many reasons. Not only do they help children smile, speak and chew naturally, they help guide the permanent teeth into the mouth properly when the time comes for them to grow in. Taking good care of the baby teeth can also lower the risk of cavities and long-lasting problems with the permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth can set your child up for success with their adult teeth, and their overall health!
QUESTION: If you could give parents one piece of advice regarding their child’s dental health, what would it be?
Dr. Barnes: It’s never too early to start taking care of your child’s teeth! Oral health is the gateway to your child’s overall health. The pediatric dentist can be an integral part of your child’s healthcare team along with their pediatrician, nutritionist, and other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Caitlin Barnes, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, opened Aurora Children’s Dentistry in 2016. She is proud to provide high-quality dental care for children and those with special needs, is passionate about community involvement and dental outreach, and enjoys spending time with her family and two golden retrievers. Learn more about Dr. Barnes and Aurora Children’s Dentistry at www.aurorachildren.com.
