Tooth Sensitivity can be uncomfortable and affect children in different ways. Do you have a difficult time getting your child to brush their teeth? Your child may also refuse to eat certain foods or become moody or irritable. You may chalk it up to being strong-willed but it could be something else. Your child may have a teeth sensitivity issue. Understanding what causes sensitive teeth can help your child avoid these symptoms. COMMON CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY IN KIDS There are many reasons why your child may be experiencing sensitivity, but most of the reasons can be traced back to poor oral hygiene. This is why it is so important to encourage your child to develop healthy dental habits and keep regular pediatric dental visits at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry. HERE ARE SOME COMMON CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY IN KIDS POOR BRUSHING HABITS By brushing poorly, children may find their teeth and gums are more sensitive. Sensitivity can come due to not properly removing food particles from the teeth. Food can irritate the gums, cause bad breath and tooth decay, and even lead to infection. CAVITIES AND DECAY Tooth decay that starts on the enamel’s surface and makes its way into the tooth is called cavities. The larger the cavity becomes, the more likely it will have an impact on the tooth’s pulp. Once the decay reaches the pulp, the tooth’s nerve can become irritated and cause pain. ENAMEL EROSION Drinking too many acidic fruit juices and eating a lot of sugar-laden candy are common foods that erode the enamel of children’s teeth. Once this happens, the teeth may become more sensitive to outside stimulation, like drinking a cold glass of water or eating ice cream. LOOSE OR CRACKED FILLINGS Tooth fillings are designed to replace areas of decay on a tooth. Although tooth fillings are typically very durable, they do not always last forever. If a filling breaks or becomes loose, it can cause sensitivity when your child drinks something hot or cold or bites down on a hard piece of food. If you suspect your child has a loose or broken filling, it is important to see the dentist as soon as possible. HELPFUL TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE TEETH CHOOSE A TOOTHPASTE DESIGNED FOR SENSITIVE TEETH Some kinds of toothpaste are made for sensitive teeth issues.  These products work by desensitizing the nerve within the tooth, so sensations from the tooth’s surface do not reach the nerve. Consult with your dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry before allowing your child to use this type of toothpaste and ask for their recommendations. FLUORIDE TO STRENGTHEN TEETH Another option to help with tooth sensitivity is fluoride treatments. Fluoride strengthens the teeth’s enamel, which lowers the risk of tooth decay. If cavities are causing your child’s tooth sensitivity, and your Greater Houston Pediatric Dentist believes your child has a higher-than-average risk for tooth decay, he or she may recommend additional fluoride treatments. These may include prescription fluoride gel and foam. ENCOURAGING GOOD ORAL CARE HABITS To help your child prevent and treat sensitive teeth, make sure they are taking care of their teeth. Brushing and flossing once a day is very important. This will help keep teeth and gums healthy, lowering the risk for cavities, and leading to teeth sensitivity. Also, consider purchasing a toothbrush with soft bristles. This reduces the risk of irritating gums and teeth enamel that may occur by brushing teeth too vigorously. CONCLUSION Teeth sensitivity normally happens during young adulthood, but occasionally it can happen to children. It’s important to determine the underlying reason. These could include sensitivity to a toothpaste flavor, tooth decay, or sensitivity due to autism. Whatever the reason, don’t let this keep your child from good oral health habits. If tooth sensitivity continues, consult your pediatric dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry.

Does your child brush their teeth regularly and you are still surprised each dental visit by finding they have several cavities? You may be surprised to learn that whether or not a child will get cavities depends on much more than simply whether the child brushes frequently or eats lots of candy. Sweet treats like candy are one of the biggest causes of cavities, but they are not the only cavity-causing criminals out there! What Causes Cavities? A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. Cavities form when acids in your mouth wear down your tooth’s hard outer layer. Here’s how it works: Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugary, starchy foods and drinks (fruit, candy, bread, cereal, sodas, juice and milk). The bacteria convert these carbohydrates into acids. Bacteria, acid, food and saliva mix to form dental plaque. This sticky substance coats your teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing, acids in plaque dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities, or holes, in the enamel surface. Many Factors, Many Cavities There are many reasons why your child may be prone to develop dental cavities. Many factors work together to create the environment for bacteria to develop cavities. All that caries need to form are the right combination of factors and time. Here are a few of the most common factors that may be leading to your child’s cavities. Tooth Structure: Enamel Quality 1 in 6 children are affected with weaker enamel due to a thinner outer layer of the tooth. Many times this condition is discovered when the baby's teeth fall out. It can appear as white and yellow-brown spots on molars and incisors. The weaker material is more susceptible to tooth decay. Tooth Crowding When a person’s teeth are crowded or overlapping, they are naturally harder to clean and more likely to trap food in tough-to-reach spaces. This also creates perfect hiding spots and breeding grounds for bacterial colonies to flourish and cause caries. Bacterial Transmission Bacterial imbalance is a leading cause of caries in child’s teeth. Sharing drinks or utensils could be passing bacteria from one person to another and this can cause bacterial imbalance. Saliva Quality & Quantity Naturally, saliva becomes more fluid and increases when you are hungry or eating, and decreases and becomes thicker while we are asleep. That is one of the reasons why dental professionals discourage bedtime feedings, and strongly encourage regular brushing and flossing before going to bed. Dietary Habits - Watch Their Diet! It’s not just sugary candy to watch out for. Bacteria use not only sugars but basically any fermentable carbohydrates and break it down into acids that can damage tooth surfaces. This includes juices, chocolate milk, chips, crackers, cereals, granola bars, raisins, and, of course, candy. Children's Medication This is also a contributing factor. Many children’s mediations are loaded with sugar to give them an appealing taste. When these medications are taken multiple times throughout the day, they become a steady source of sugar to feed bacteria. Gummy vitamins are particularly bad for children’s teeth as the sticky substance can hold on to the teeth longer. Oral Hygiene Habits Dental plaque is a harbor for bacteria. As we brush and floss our teeth we disturb that biofilm and decrease the number of bacteria adhering to the teeth surface—ultimately creating an inhospitable environment for bacterial colonies and reducing the damage their byproducts can inflict on tooth surfaces. Good News The good news is that cavity problems can be addressed and fixed. Trust the professionals at Greater Houton Pediatric Dentistry to help access your child’s dental health and help reach your healthy smile goals. Dr. Luu and her team are ready to serve you, schedule an appointment today.

When you talk to children about going to the dentist and what to expect, you might find that it's better to talk about this issue in terms that are easy for your child to understand. You don't want to use terms that are for adults because your child likely won't understand everything you say or might become frightened if you talk about needles in the mouth or fillings. You can talk about visiting your Greater Houston pediatric dentist with words and explanations that are positive and that will gently explain what they will see, hear and experience. NO BIG WORDS Instead of using big words that might sound like they come from an encyclopedia, talk to your child about the dentist using words that are simple. Before you visit a pediatric dentist, talk about the office and the procedures using basic words, like toothbrush, toothpaste, and lights. Your child will probably understand when you talk about the dentist looking at and counting the teeth instead of talking about the dentist taking an X-ray or looking for cavities. If your child is getting a filling or needs additional treatment, don't use words that are frightening. Explain how the dentist is trying to make the teeth healthy and pretty so that they will last for a long time. DON'T HIDE INFORMATION There are few people who like going to the dentist. However, you need to talk to your children about keeping the teeth healthy and how important it is to brush them and keep them clean. A part of keeping them clean and healthy is going to the dentist. Explain that the dentist is a friend who is only trying to help. Be honest about how something might taste or feel without scaring your child. PAINT A PICTURE Terms should be explained in a way that makes sense for your child. Show your child that toothpaste and other products are brushed or painted on the teeth to keep them white and healthy. A way to teach your child about X-rays is to explain that they are like a picture that is taken of the mouth. You can also talk about floss being a string that will help remove germs between the teeth.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This year’s theme is "Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles" Healthy Habits are important to instill into our children at a young age. Teaching and modeling healthy habits to your children early in life helps to raise children who will continue to maintain healthy habits into adulthood. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends achieving healthy habits in four simple steps: Brush your teeth 2x a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make tooth brushing a family activity and incorporate brushing together as part of your daily routine. You can help make this healthy habit fun by creating a toothbrushing game and challenging your child to choose their favorite song and brush until the end. Choose a fluoride toothpaste that tastes good to your child. Sometimes mint toothpaste is strong and children describe them as spicy. Choose a flavor that is appealing to your child to make the healthy habit and easier sell. Floss and clean between your teeth Children can develop healthy flossing habits early. Many child fun flossers are available for purchase which can make flossing fun and easier to learn for small hands. Children should floss 1x a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Eat Healthy Foods and Eliminate Sugary Beverages Helping your child maintain a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is best to maintain a healthy smile.  A few of the best foods and drinks for healthy teeth and gums are cheese, milk and yogurt. Water, celery, carrots and other crunchy veggies as well as fruits and nuts are healthy choices. Make sure to only eat sugary and sticky foods sparingly and to teach your children to brush their teeth right away after enjoying a treat. See your Dentist at least twice a year Visiting a Pediatric dentist at least twice a year will help to maintain healthy teeth. Seeing your dentist at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry on a regular basis will help to identify any decay as quickly as possible to avoid cavities and more expensive procedures. Avoiding these procedures will also help your child to avoid discomfort and associate that with visiting the dentist. This will help to make your child more comfortable with visiting the dentist. Your team at Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry is here to help your family develop healthy habits for healthy smiles. Let us know if you have any questions as you work with your child to develop healthy habits that will last. Free Printable Coloring Sheet (PDF)

Everyone handles stress differently, and toddlers have their own way of coping with this issue. It might seem like toddlers would have no cares in the world, but the truth is that life can be hectic, even for children. Think about how your child gets frustrated when he or she cannot get his or her point across. Think of all the times you denied your child a piece of candy or a toy. Your child does not understand why a treat was denied. All children know is that their parents are providers, but they decided to stop providing. This can stress out toddlers and encourage them to suck their thumbs. This little habit causes concern for pediatric dentists as well, and you will find out why. Why Do Children Resort to Thumb Sucking? You should know that thumb-sucking is not irrational or abnormal; in fact, it is a natural habit that most children develop. The habit is associated with the rooting reflex. Human beings are born with certain natural desires or requirements. Your child is simply doing what he or she is supposed to be doing, which is sticking things into the mouth to feed on. Of course, the thumb is not food, but it is a worthy substitute when the breast is not around. Sucking the thumb helps the toddler relax and think of nourishment, which is the reason why your toddler uses it to relax. Your Greater Houston Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Linh Luu wants you to know that even though this habit is natural, it can also hurt your child's overall dental health. Aggressive thumb-sucking or sucking past a certain age might lead to misalignment or even tooth protrusion. The issue could distort your child's palate due to the pressure caused by the movement. Of course, most children let go of this habit by the time they are four years of age, but this is not always the case. Transitioning Away From Thumb Sucking At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some of these issues can scare parents, and there are a few things that you can do to help your toddler transition away from this habit. One trick is to avoid mentioning the issue to your child for about a month. This might help children forget that they resort to thumb-sucking and may naturally begin to phase it out of their lives. Another tip is to try to reward your child every time he or she does not suck his or her thumb. You can keep a visual chart and have a prize waiting for your child at the end of the day or week. This does not have to be expensive, a simple treat would be perfect. You might also want to try to engage your child and let him or her become part of the solution. Let your child work with you in dealing with this issue, and it might end up being a family project. Of course, we can be helpful during this transition. We can explain everything that might happen if your child does not get thumb-sucking under control. It is not uncommon that there may be power issues between the parent and child, which is where we can be of some assistance. Please, do not resort to scolding or using techniques like placing vinegar on the finger nail to stop your child from sucking the thumb. These techniques are troublesome and may end up causing the child more stress. If you sense that your child may need specific help or encouragement to move away from thumb-sucking, please feel free to mention it during your visit.  We are here to help guide you through your options.

At Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Luu and her staff understand that many kids are nervous, even scared to visit the dentist. At each visit, we strive to make everything as pleasant as can be for your child as each positive step builds trust and puts your child at ease for future visits. Taking your child to the dentist is an important party in helping them maintain a healthy smile while promoting good oral hygiene habits. Here are some tips to try so that your child can overcome their anxiety: Start Young The sooner your child visits the dentist, the better. Children should first visit a pediatric dentist when their first tooth appears, between ages of 6 to 12 months and no later than age one. Kids who visit the dentist at an early age become more familiar with the experience to help put them at ease. Be Positive When speaking to your child about going to the dentist, be positive and keep it simple. Don’t provide your child with too many details as this will start more questions. Meanwhile, avoid saying that nothing much will happen, because in the event they might need some type of treatment, they will lose trust in both you and the dentist.  Also, do not use words that will scare your child like 'shot', 'drill' or 'pain'. Allow our staff to use our own vocabulary to helps kids feel at ease. Remind your friends and relatives not to talk negatively about seeing a dentist in front of your child as that type of talk is scary and alarming. Don't Use Bribery Avoid telling your child things like you'll give them a sweet treat for not fussing while at the dentist. This can send a negative message telling your child that's there is something to be upset about and it tells your child that eating sweets is OK when kids really should learn early on that sweets can cause cavities. Instead, once the visit is over, praise your child for their good behavior and maybe reward them with something non-edible like a small toy. Feel Free to Contact Us These tips can help ease your child's fear about visiting their Greater Houston Pediatric Dentist. We're always available to speak with you, so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

The type of food that you feed your child can have an effect on their oral health.  Diet actually plays a huge role on whether a child develops tooth decay and cavities, which can also lead to potential tooth loss. Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry offers pointers to ensure that your child has a healthy smile. Foods to Avoid Children will take interest in various foods, but the majority of these foods are filled with sugar and other unhealthy things.  As good as these foods may taste, they can have negative effects on your child’s teeth.  This doesn’t mean that your child should never have sweets again, it just should be eaten with moderation. Even some healthy foods can present the threat of tooth decay as well. For example peanut butter, granola bars, and raisins can all stick to teeth after you eat them.  If you are serving these types of foods to your child make sure to have them brush their teeth right after they eat. Beverages There are so many drinks marketed for children that have a ridiculous amount of sugar servings.  The National Health Organization suggest that children should have no more than 3-4 teaspoons of added sugar a day. You should get your child in the habit of drinking water with their meals.  You can give them milk or juice but also in small serving sizes.  One of the most important things is to never let your child fall asleep with a full cup of milk or juice, because this can cause rapid tooth decay. A Healthy and Balanced Diet As long as your child is properly brushing their teeth regularly and maintaining a healthy balanced diet with fruits, whole grains, vegetables and lean proteins then tooth decay should be no problem.  For more questions on this or any other dental related issue reach out to us!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children should visit the dentist at least two times a year. They should be checked for cavities or any other dental issues that may occur, because if left untreated these problems can eventually become more serious in the long term. While it can be beneficial to follow the guidline recommended above, one thing you should keep in mind is that every child is unique and may have different dental needs.  If your child shows signs of dental problems, we may recommend more visits to treat these problems accordingly. Another way to help your child keep good oral health is to monitor oral care habits, especially if your child is still young. Children around the age of 2-5 usually require some sort of monitoring during their dental care routine. Checkup Visit Throughout your child’s dental care visits, our doctor will evaluate your child’s state of oral health and will be able to find any issues.  These twice a year checkups are usually when most problems like cavities, tooth decay, and irregular growth patterns.  This is why coming in twice a year is so important, so we can keep track on how your child is doing. Learning and Maintaining Good Oral Health Our Doctor and Staff, are always here to help when it comes to your child’s health.  No matter how young your child is, it is always important to show them how to properly brush their teeth and teach them good oral health care. We will help teach your child on how to care for their teeth in the most effective way, which you can then follow at home for maximum oral health.

It's not easy to get kids to brush their teeth. While there are a lot of tips and tricks that encourage teeth brushing, even the most savvy parents can have difficulty making it in everyday habit for their children. It's one of the reasons why electric toothbrushes were created for kids. In addition to promoting good dental hygiene, they can sometimes make the process of brushing teeth a bit more fun. This is especially true if the toothbrush is decorated with vibrant colors and cartoon characters. In fact, some electric toothbrushes for kids light up and play music. It's clear that there are reasons why buying an electric toothbrush for your kid might be a good idea, but are there any reasons why you shouldn't? Let’s look at both the advantages and disadvantages. ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES When considering the advantages of an electric toothbrush for kids, the priority is dental hygiene. The fact that this type of toothbrush can get your kid excited about brushing their teeth is reason enough to make the investment. There's a good chance that your kid will want to brush his teeth even before you mention it. This is because the way they’re designed appeals to kids. There are very few things with in life with flashing lights, cartoon characters and music that don't appeal to kids. Quite frankly, it's a brilliant idea that has helped many families. It has made the job of teaching kids how to develop good dental habits a lot easier than it would be otherwise. There is also a more practical reason why using an electric toothbrush for kids is a good idea. It's because they have a tendency to make kids feel more comfortable when going to the dentist. As you either know or can probably imagine, the dentist office tends to be a place where most people don't like to go, whether young or old. This is partly because of dental equipment that looks and sounds frightening. It's something that can start to feel overwhelming, especially to a kid that cannot process everything they’re seeing. What's interesting about a kid using an electric toothbrush is that it prepares them to experience similar sounds when going to the dentist. As a result, the experience won't feel so overwhelming and in some ways it will seem normal. DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES While there are clearly a lot of benefits associated with using an electric toothbrush, it's worth noting that there are some areas that might be considered a disadvantage. Generally, a regular toothbrush is likely to provide a more thorough cleaning than an electric toothbrush. This is especially the case with kids that don’t know how to properly manipulate an electric toothbrush. In some cases, it can be more difficult for their little hands to handle and follow proper teeth brushing technique. On the other hand, there are some instances when this type of toothbrush might be too aggressive for kids. It's worth noting that some kids might not like the feeling of an electric toothbrush. All of the vibrating and buzzing sounds might be too much for them to handle and cause a little bit of fear. In some instances, they really are not afraid of an electric toothbrush, they simply don't want to brush their teeth, regardless of the toothbrush. Whether or not an electric toothbrush is right for your kid is a personal decision that will need to be made. Either way, you'll need to find a method for promoting good dental hygiene because it will make a difference in the long run. If you have questions, we will be happy to offer guidance.

Tooth decay is one of the most dangerous tooth problems that may be affecting your toddler's developing teeth. Tooth decay is the process by which the structure of the teeth is damaged due to breaking down of sugars by bacteria in the mouth. It results in softened tooth enamel that results in cavities. Tooth decay usually begins when plaque bacteria feast on the leftover sugar in your baby's teeth. This leads to increased production of oral acids that dissolve the tooth's enamel slowly. With time, the acid creates holes in the teeth and cavities. The softened enamel also acts as a doorway to other infections of the tooth. If left untreated, the cycle does not stop her. More acid is produced as the bacteria continue feasting on the sugars in the teeth. Luckily, you can terminate this devastating cycle through regular dental checkups and maintaining oral hygiene. However, the essential precaution you can take is depriving the existing bacteria the sugar it breaks down. This can be done by limiting the amount of sugars your baby takes daily. Before limiting the sugar consumption, you need to identify the sources of the sugars to your toddler. It is easy to miss sugar intakes in your baby, which can lead to tooth decay. THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE SUGAR SOURCES THAT ARE NOT OBVIOUS IN A TODDLER. WHEN FEEDING As you breastfeed your baby, you do not think it causes any sugar problems to the toddler. This is entirely true as breast milk does not solely cause decay. However, if combined with other food products, it can cause decay something known as early childhood caries. If breast milk is combined with sugar-rich liquids and foods, it increases the sugar content in the teeth, which contributes to decay. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding, it is essential to limit the sugar intake in other foods. This way the sugar intake will be significantly reduced. BOTTLES AND PACIFIERS USED 24/7 Infants can become restless at times, and adults use pacifiers and bottles to calm them down. These pacifiers and bottles are usually supplemented with sugars and sweet liquids to calm the child more. This practice may not be harmful if done once in a while. Unfortunately, constant use of the practice leads to increased sugar content in your infant, which contributes to decay. Avoiding the use of pacifiers and bottles with sweeteners is crucial. You can find other ways to calm the child to sleep other than using pacifiers 24/7. MEDICATIONS Some medications are known to affect a baby's tooth development. These medications contain small amounts of sugars that provide bacteria with food to breakdown to acids. Some medicines are also known to affect the production of saliva that is essential in neutralizing acids after meals. Always ask your healthcare provider if the medication provided have any dental effects. It is better if you can find any sugar free alternatives for medicine. If not, you will need to keep regular flossing and brushing routine with your infant. Also, include regular checkups to monitor the development of your child's teeth. It is important to limit the sugar intake of your infant to allow proper growth and development of their teeth. You can follow the above guidelines if you want to maintain the dental health of your infant. You can also contact Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry if you have any questions regarding tooth decay. You can also book an appointment with us for a consultation and checkup with your infant.

When children are very anxious, they may lack the cooperative nature that a dentist requires to complete a treatment on them. In this case, sedation may be required to relax the child. As well, sedation dentistry may be beneficial for special needs patients in order to create a safe dental environment to complete the oral procedure. What is Laughing Gas? Nitrous oxide, which is commonly called “laughing gas,” is a type of sedation that a dentist for children may use. It is a conscious sedative, meaning it does not put the child to sleep; it is mild in form and very safe. It helps a little patient to relax during their dental treatment so that their safety is not compromised while the pediatric dentist performs a procedure on their teeth. A pediatric dentist administers the nitrous oxide to a child with a mixture of oxygen. It has a calming effect. Once the treatment is completed, the laughing gas is turned off and the child breathes in oxygen for at least five minutes to help remove any remaining nitrous oxide. A pediatric dentist is well-equipped to complete this procedure and provides both pre- and post-sedation guidelines. Other Types of Sedation Besides laughing gas, there are other kinds of sedation that a pediatric dentist may use when treating children’s teeth. These types include IV sedation and general anesthetic. While laughing gas is a type of mild sedation, the other types are moderate and deep in their level of sedation. Under general anesthesia patients are completely unconscious and it is done in a hospital setting where Dr Luu can go together with a patient. At each of our 4 greater Houston offices we offer IV sedation which is a conscious type of deep sedation.  IV sedation is most useful for relaxing a child who is extremely anxious, has an intense gag reflex, low pain threshold, lengthy procedure ahead, has had traumatic dental experiences, or who has special needs. The child will stay conscious, will be able to respond to requests from the dentist but may not be able to remember much about what was happening and may describe as he/she was asleep.  Once the little patient is in a state of deep relaxation, a pediatric dentist can safely carry out the oral treatment without risks to the child. The American Dental Association endorses the use of sedation, and a pediatric dentist has the special training to understand how to administer sedatives to children and special needs patients in the safest ways. It is important that you tell your pediatric dentist what medications or medical treatments your child is taking before they receive a sedative. If you have questions about sedation, our dentists will answer them prior to its administration. As well, we encourage you to contact us if you have new inquiries after the dental treatment.

The new year is finally here. It is now the time when most parents lay emphasis on healthy habits for those close to them. Make sure that finding a dental home for your family is at the top of your resolutions this year. This is so especially if you have a kid over 1-year-old. This is the time when kids start to realize that candy is really sweet and want it all the time. Make the first visit to a pediatrician's office memorable for your kid with the checklist below. Research shows that how you take care of the milk teeth affects how the permanent teeth will end up. Tooth decay in kids affects how they sleep, eat, speak, and concentrate at school. This shows how important it is to start dental visits for your kids at a very young age. With the checklist below, you can rest assured that your kids will love their first visit to a pediatrician's office: If your kid has never visited a pediatric dentist before, visit him or her occasionally so that the kid gets acquainted with him or her. This way, your kid will get used to the office and the dentist and feel at ease. Let your kid make some decisions regarding the dental visit. For example, you can let them choose the type and color of the toothbrush. Make the move to establish your kids' dental home before they turn 1 year old. This is where you will be taking them for all their dental needs. Even if your kids are older than one year, schedule their first visit to the dental clinic, for it is better to be late than never. Read your kid stories about characters whose first dental visit had a good ending. You can even ask the pediatrician for references. You should have positive answers to your kid's questions. In addition, be very careful when using scary words in relation to a pediatrician. For example, the words hurt or injured should never come out of your mouth because a first visit and most check-ups don't involve any pain at all. Let the dentist talk more during the visit. By so doing, he or she will be establishing a connection with your kids and make them feel at ease. You will have time to speak to the dentist once the examination is over.