February is devoted to children's teeth

"The Dental Rap" is a few years old, but the message is still important. Starring our staff and patients. Warning: Turn your speakers down.

February may be known for being Black History Month and American Heart Month (Valentine’s Day anyone?) but did you know it’s also National Grapefruit Month, National Embroidery Month and National Hot Breakfast Month? It’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month.

That’s right, a whole month devoted to the littlest teeth. That’s because it’s important that children be taken to the dentist regularly from an early age. Experts say the first trip to the dentist should be shortly after their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.

We love seeing children at Huszti Dental Care. It means their parents understand the importance of their children’s oral health. But sometimes we hear from parents that their children are afraid to come visit us. We know fear of the dentist is a subject of jokes in television shows and cartoons, and kids can pick up fears from other children. So getting children into the office sometimes takes some work.

That’s why Drs. Huszti and Chong-Huszti have for years volunteered to talk to young kids in their classrooms, where they feel comfortable and are surrounded by friends. The doctors dispell rumors, answer questions, pass out toothbrushes, and show children how to brush properly. The video below was created by a group of young students after one of these visits.

Here are some other tips to allay any fears:

Watch your words: You may think your kids aren’t listening but they are, and if they hear you talking about not wanting to go to the dentist, they will feel the same way. Don’t talk about shots or pain or cavities, say instead that the dentist just wants to help keep their teeth strong.

Play dentist at home: Give your child a brush and a mirror and let them pretend to be a dentist on a favorite stuffed animal or doll. They will remember the care they showed for their “patient” and associate that feeling with the dentist.

Come by for a quick visit: If your child is showing anxiety, bring them by our Milford Road office to look around. Once they see our friendly staff and the comfortable waiting room, they will be at ease.

Remember that we are trained to deal with anxiety: We have been practicing in the Milford and Highland area for more than 25 years. Maybe we haven’t seen it all, but we’ve seen enough to know how to connect with your child so they can begin a lifetime of good oral hygiene.