Getting Oral Health Treatment Is Important!

If your child’s dentist finds tooth decay and recommends a follow-up dental visit for treatment, it’s important for your child to get care. Receiving follow-up treatment is key to keeping your child healthy.

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Why it’s important to take your child for a follow-up dental visit for treatment:

• The dental team can treat tooth decay and prevent it from getting worse and causing an infection.
• Treating tooth decay can prevent pain, trouble sleeping, behavior problems, and difficulty concentrating.
• Treating tooth decay can stop it from spreading to other teeth in your child’s mouth.

Tips to prepare your child for a follow-up dental visit for treatment:

• Be positive. For example, say, “The dentist will help keep your teeth healthy.”
• Keep it short and simple. If your child asks what will happen at the visit, you can say “The dentist will fix your tooth.”
• Don't talk about shots or possible pain.
• If you fear visiting the dentist, don’t share your feelings with your child. This could scare them.
• Read books or watch videos together with your child about dental visits. Look for books or videos that show dental visits in a positive way. Don’t read books or show videos that use words like hurt, pain, shot, or drill. Ask a children’s librarian, dentist, dental hygienist, child care provider, or teacher for recommendations.
• Let your child bring their favorite toy or blanket to the dental clinic.
• Ask one of the dental team members if your child will receive a small toy or new toothbrush at the end of their visit. Share this with your child.

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Last Updated: November 9, 2022