Your back to school checklist may need to include a dental checkup.
In our School Smart Report, Keith Kaiser asked Ann Greenwell, DMD, MSD, the Director of Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Louisville, how parents can keep their kid's teeth healthy.
Dr. Greenwell says you should clean baby's gums with a warm washcloth. As soon as teeth break through the gums, parents should start brushing their children's teeth. Parents should use a toothpaste made for children.
Parents should brush their children's teeth until kids are 7 or 8 years old because the act brushing takes fine motor skill that aren't fully developed.
As soon as children start brushing their own teeth, parents should make sure that all part of the mouth are clean and follow up with regular checkups.
The UofL School of Dentistry is
offering free dental screenings for first time patients through the end of December 2012.
They will
also fill out the form required by schools which states children
entering Kindergarten must have a dental
screening.
Parents may call 502-852-5642 to schedule an appointment. The clinic is located
on the 3rd Floor of the UofL School of Dentistry at 501 South Preston
Street.
Click here for complete
information.
