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TeethFirst!

Community Organizations

Announcing Our New Web Page: Nutrition for Healthy Teeth

Did you know that even though you can't see them yet, a baby's teeth are almost completely formed at birth? Even a baby's permanent teeth are starting to form at the same time! This means that even though you might not be able to see them yet, it is very important to feed your child healthy foods that will help keep teeth growing strong.  And even though your young child will lose her baby teeth, it is still very important to take good care of them like you would care for her permanent adult teeth.

What to Expect During Your Baby's First Dental Visit: A TeethFirst! Video

At TeethFirst!, we understand that parents and caregivers might be a little unsure about taking their very young child to the dentist for the first time.

To help you feel more comfortable, we made a video to show you that the first dental visit is quick and that the dentist's office is a safe place with friendly people who want your baby to have a healthy smile.

Watch the video to learn more about what to expect at your baby's first visit to the dentist! 

 

A TeethFirst! Video: Why Early Dental Visits Matter

Doctors, dentists, and other health care providers suggest that babies see a dentist by age one.

To help families understand why they make this recommendation, TeethFirst! asked some Rhode Island dentists and dental hygienists to explain why they think it is important for very young children to see a dentist.

Watch the video and learn why very early dental visits are a great idea. 

What to do if Dental Trauma Happens at Home: Baby Teeth

Escrito por: Avani Khera, DMD

Accidents happen!

From playing sports, to roughhousing with their siblings, many children suffer trauma to their teeth. Many dental injuries are sports-related, most commonly due to basketball or baseball. Making sure your child wears a mouth guard, helmet, and face guard during sports activities is an important way of preventing dental trauma from happening in the first place! Custom mouth guards are recommended and available through your dentist. Generic mouthguards are available over the counter at most drug stores.

TeethFirst! Turns 1 - Thank You for Your Support!

Can you believe it? TeethFirst! launched a year ago!

As part of TeethFirst!, free educational materials (brochures, posters, and PDFs) are available on our website. Anyone can access these materials, and order free hard copies. Thank you to the following practices and organizations that have shared our materials with their staff, patients, and clients over the past year!

Are Pacifiers Good For Baby's Mouth?

Paci, Binky, Nukie. Whatever cute name you and your child may have for it, chances are that a pacifier will be a part of every child's life at some point. Many parents and caregivers wonder if pacifiers can cause problems for baby's developing teeth and mouth. Today, TeethFirst! weighs in on this topic.

Why do babies use pacifiers?

Free Dental Care for Rhode Islanders - Rhode Island Mission of Mercy to Be Held on May 31-June 1, 2014

Escrito por: Deborah Fuller, DMD, MS

Regular dental visits provide a chance for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases for people of all ages. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to see a dentist, whether it’s because of a lack of dental insurance, the ability to time off from work, or simply not understanding that a healthy mouth is important to a healthy body. 

Creating Healthy Brushing Habits: Advice From a Dental Hygienist

Escrito por: Cynthia Johnson CDA,RDH,BS,MA

 
“It‘s time to brush your teeth!”  This daily routine can be fun, yet challenging at the same time. 
 
Many parents and caregivers know how hard it can be to get kids to brush their teeth. Here are some ways that you can make daily brushing and flossing an easy and fun habit!
 

Great Books for Young Brushers!

Reading to your child about teeth, brushing habits and visiting the dentist is a great way to help your child learn about having a healthy smile. Here are some of our favorite books that will help you inspire your child to take care of those little teeth.

Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron (Ages 1 and up)

Making Rhode Island’s Children Healthier: Addressing Oral Health in Primary Care

Escrito por: Peter Pogacar, MD, FAAP

When I was a pediatric resident training to become a pediatrician, we received very little instruction regarding children's teeth and oral health in general. We spent the majority of our time in the hospital taking care of the very sick. Most of the oral health problems we encountered were due to the advanced treatments or medications the children were enduring. We were involved with specialists treating every organ system in the human body, but I don't remember even once consulting with the pediatric dentists.

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