Pediatric and Pea-Sized Toothpaste Tips
Being the parent of a young child is filled with ups, downs and all over the place. Add in pea-sized amounts of toothpaste on a daily basis…and life is guaranteed to get messier. To restore some peace of mind (sorry this only applies to children’s oral health) Raynor Dental has compiled a list of helpful dental care tips for the parents of our youngest patients.
Instilling good habits early in life is essential to help your child maintain proper oral hygiene, along with a healthy, beautiful smile long after the tooth fairy has come and gone. It’s our job at Raynor Dental to support you in this endeavor.
Baby Teeth FAQ
RD: Yes. Many toddlers actually prefer to stay in their parent’s lap during their visit. But if they’d like to sit in the dentist chair – and take a trip up, down and back again – rides are always available (and encouraged).
As they graduate to professional cleanings, preschool and early elementary children actually do much better in the chair when mom or dad isn’t in the room. Parents may, of course, choose to stay close by, but we’d recommend just outside the door, out of eyesight.
RD: Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for all ages. The AAP recommends using a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used.
Once they’ve chomped and brushed a bit, gently explain it’s mom or dad’s turn. Compliment, smile and give extra praise while you brush their teeth. Don’t hesitate to introduce books, songs or a favorite teddy into the mix. Be patient, stay positive and most of all, keep it fun!
If it’s a permanent tooth: pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) not the root. Rinse it gently in water. Never scrub or dry it (this may remove important tissue fragments and roots). If possible insert it back in your child’s tooth socket and hold it there. Then call us immediately at 352-0006 to schedule an emergency appointment. If you can’t get the tooth back in your child’s mouth, put it in milk and take it with you.
Not sure if it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth? Proceed as if it’s a permanent tooth, and call us just to be on the safe side.
Please don’t hesitate to call 603-352-0006 with any additional questions, or to inquire about our full-range of pediatric dental services.
Appointments & General Inquiries
For questions regarding Raynor Dental services, an upcoming appointment, previous visit, services or billing please feel free to call or use our contact form. We’ll respond as soon as possible.
Locations
Keene, NH
650 Court Street, Suites #4 + #7
Keene, NH 03431
Tel: (603) 352-0006
Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Peterborough, NH
60 Hancock Rd.
Peterborough, NH 03458
Tel: (603) 924-3350
Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm