Going to the dentist can be scary. There’s a possibility of pain and your appearance can change forever after a single appointment. Dentists try to make patients feel better with treats and prizes but nothing seems to cure the nervousness. Perhaps some fun dental facts will make it easier for your kiddos to say “ah.”
8 fun dental facts for your kids
FACT: Dentists aren’t all that bad. They can help kids feel better and look healthier by using different tools and techniques. Their intentions are pure and their knowledge is vast. Some of them even have a sense of humor.
If you’ve ever wondered why your dentist is so adamant about certain things, it’s probably because they know all about these 8 facts:
- The buds of your teeth form while you’re still in your mother’s womb. That gives the term “baby teeth” a whole new meaning.
- Half of the American population was toothless 100 years ago. We’re talking about a time when dentistry was an extremely rare profession.
- Your mouth produces enough spit to fill an Olympic size swimming pool over the course of your lifetime. That’s why your dentist has to use a suction straw (or saliva ejector) when he’s working on your teeth.
- Toothaches will always hurt more when you lay down because blood rushes to your head and makes your heartbeat more intense. Sit up if you’re in pain.
- You’re supposed to replace your toothbrush after you get sick. That’s one of the best ways to prevent getting ill again.
- Back in the day, the cure for toothaches was kissing a donkey. We’re not even joking. Isn’t seeing the dentist better?
- Kids can have nightmares about poor oral health and nearly 13% of them wake up from a deep sleep because of it.
- The first professional to ever use anesthesia was a dentist. Do you feel better about having that tooth pulled now?
BONUS FACT: About 3/4 of all the schoolchildren in the world have at least one dental cavity.
Using fun dental facts to encourage your kids
Let your kids know about the facts of life so they can make responsible decisions for themselves. It’s a fact that children who feel independent are more confident and capable. Give the information, let them make a choice, and then guide them through the consequences.
Tell your kids that taking care of their teeth is more important than taking care of their toys. They will grow out of their toys but they’ll have their teeth forever. If all else fails, show them some pictures of gum disease. If that’s not enough to motivate them, ask your dentist to help you explain.
The last bite
Don’t be scared of going to the dentist. That’s a professional in your face and he or she has countless fun dentistry facts to share with you when you get there. The object is to make you (or your kids) more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
Worried about the pain? No problem. Dentists can administer anesthesia to some children with their parent’s permission. You have nothing fear but a faded smile.