Dentistry for Kids in Hamden can be fun!

posted in: General Dentist, General Dentistry | 0

Dentistry for Kids in Hamden can be fun!

A trip to the Dentist for Kids doesn’t have to be a bad experience! If your kid is learning the song, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”, they have hopefully been for their first check-up in Hamden.

Dentists recommend that you start your kids on an oral hygiene schedule as soon as they lose their first tooth. In preparation of that first fun visit to the dentist, let your kids know how important their oral hygiene is and always will be. The dentist will examine your child’s mouth to make sure that their gums, teeth, and jaw are in good shape on that first visit. It’s the foundation for their future dental health.

You can share some fun facts with them, like letting them know that Hesy-Ra was the first reported dentist in the days of the pyramids. Back then, toothbrushes weren’t shaped like SpiderMan™, Crayons™, or Dinosaurs. They were usually twigs. And their toothpaste didn’t taste like bubblegum. It was talc, or even rust.

Speaking of Gum, you can let them know that Santa Anna brought chewing gum into the United States after Sam Houston captured him and brought him back after the attack at the Alamo. Santa Anna chewed gum to soothe his nerves, and now over 100,000 tons of it is consumed every year.

Let them know that their  tongue is as unique as a fingerprint. No two tongue prints are alike. Just like the snowflakes they catch when they open their mouth in winter.

And tooth enamel, well, it’s stronger than steel. It’s the hardest substance in the human body. Even harder than bone.

Most kids get cavities. It’s just a fact. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and our dentists make sure that your child knows how to keep those down to a minimum. 

At home, start with regular brushing and flossing. Sounds easy, but kids will push the limits and it can be hard to keep them on track.

 

In the 80’s movie “Uncle Buck” there’s a great scene where Buck keeps his niece and nephew on track:

Buck: Did you brush your teeth?

Miles: Yeah. You can even feel my toothbrush.

Buck: You know, I have a friend who works at the crime lab at the police station. I could give him your toothbrush and he could run a test on it… to see if you actually brushed your teeth… or just ran your toothbrush under the faucet.

[Buck leaves, as Miles gawks]

Maizy: If that’s true, we’re gonna REALLY have to start brushing our teeth.

 

While our dentists won’t run their toothbrushes through the lab, we can apply sealants and fluoride to help keep their teeth healthy between check ups. And you can help them by getting the right tools so they want to keep their teeth in good condition. 

We want our kids to learn the skills to make their teeth and gums healthy and keep their smiles happy. And the best way is to take the fear out of going to the dentist. In Hamden, dentistry can be fun!