Ask MomRN Show - Tamara Walker, R.N.  

(The following is a reprint of an article I wrote for a parenting magazine a few years ago. Today's guest, Barbara Chappell, DDS, was also interviewed for this article. For more information on children's dental health, be sure to listen to today's show, Children's Dental Health, in the archives. And if you live in or near Oklahoma City and need a wonderful family dentist, Dr. Chappell's contact info is included in the article. She has been my family's dentist for the past 13 years and we are very happy with the care provided by her and her staff.)

Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles

By Tamara Walker, R.N.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month so I asked Barbara Chappell, D.D.S., the following questions to help us keep our kid’s smiles healthy and happy.

When should my child have her first dental check-up?

“Most children should begin seeing a dentist by the time they are 2 ½ years old, if there are no injuries or problems before that time.”

 To help your child become comfortable with the dentist before his first check-up, Dr. Chappell recommends that younger children be allowed to watch when an older sibling has a check-up.

How can I protect my child’s teeth from cavities, besides brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups?

“One way to protect baby teeth is to never put your baby to bed with milk or juice in a bottle because the sugar in these drinks will cause decay when left on the teeth for extended periods of time.

“Another important step is to make sure that your water supply has enough fluoride to maintain healthy teeth. Your dentist should be able to tell you whether your water supply has an adequate amount. Most filtered water, bottled water, and rural water has very little or no fluoride at all, so your child may need a supplement if that is your main source of drinking water. Some dentists also sell kits to test your water supply.

“Sealants are another great tool to prevent cavities. Ninety percent of all cavities occur in the pits and grooves of a tooth, where brushing and flossing can’t make a difference. The further back the tooth, the deeper the pits and grooves, which is why many dentists recommend sealing the back molars to prevent tooth decay.”

If your family needs a friendly, caring dentist in the Oklahoma City area, call Dr. Barbara Chappell’s office at # 405-767-0333 .

(Written October 2004. May be reprinted only by permission of author.)