• Brush teeth twice each day.
• Use a pea-sized drop of fluoride
  toothpaste after age 2.
• Visit the dentist for checkups twice each year.
• Have dental sealants placed as soon as permanent molar teeth come in.
• Eat healthy foods and limit sugary snacks.

• Make sure you have a ride.

• Be on time.

• Arrive clean and neat, with teeth brushed.

• Keep your dentist's name and phone number handy.

• If you must cancel, always call and let the dentist's office know.

• Bring only the child who has the appointment to the office (if possible).

• Control your other children in the dental office if you do bring them along.

Healthy teeth:

• Help your child chew food.
• Help your child speak clearly.
• Add to your child's health.
• Make a great smile!

Regular dental care can keep your child healthy and free of dental pain (toothache).

Do's Before the Visit

• Do keep from using the dentist as a threat.
• Do keep from using words such as "hurt, pain or brave" when talking about the visit to the dentist.
• Do keep from talking to your child about any bad dental visits you may have had.
• Do tell your child that the dentist is a friend who will help him take care of his teeth. Talk about the visit in a good light. Let the dentist do most of the explaining about what will be done.
• Do stay in the waiting room if requested to do so.
• Do tell the dentist about any bad dental visits and/or fears your child has had.
• Do keep your friends and older brothers and sisters from trying to scare your child about the dentist.
• Do set a good example by brushing your own teeth twice a day.

A visit to the dentist can be a pleasant experience for your child!

North Dakota Department of Health Divison of Maternal and Child Health Oral Health Program 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, N.D. 58505-0200 Toll Free: 800.472.2286