My son just turned four, and apart from two dental screenings, he’s yet to visit a dentist. I honestly wasn’t sure when he was supposed to have his first dental visit (perhaps a question I should have asked at his last annual check-up), but from visual inspection of his teeth during our daily brushing, I knew a visit was needed soon.
Last week, we stopped by our *somewhat* local Walmart for a free dental screening. Walmart and Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures have partnered to provide the community with free oral health education and dental screenings to help combat rising cavity rates and promote the development of healthy smiles. Throughout the year, Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures mobile dental vans will travel to Walmart locations across the country as part of the Building Smiles Together initiative. The vans are staffed by volunteer dental professionals who provide a non-invasive, tool-free exam, recommendations, and learning tools to build a lifetime of healthy oral health habits.
Both of my children, particularly my 18 month old daughter, were initially apprehensive. The mobile dental van we frequented was bright, colorful, and appealing. The dental professional who examined them was cheerful and patient.
After filling out a brief questionnaire, my son sat down for his screening. The examination consisted of counting my son’s teeth and visual inspection for cavities. We talked about my son’s oral care routine and how he’s at this age where he wants to do everything (including brushing his teeth) by himself. It’s a balance between allowing him to exercise his independence and still ensuring he is brushing his teeth properly. The report card we received stated that my son needs to clean his teeth better through brushing and regular flossing. No cavities could be seen but it was recommended that make an appointment with a pediatric dentist within the next month.
Children as young as one can be seen for a screening, so I sat with my daughter in my lap while she received her examination. No cavities were seen and it was recommended that we take her for her first dental visit within the next 6 months. At present, my husband and I don’t brush her teeth but this is a habit we are starting this week. Any child who is on solid foods should receive daily brushing and flossing.
After both of my children received their free dental screenings, they were given a little bag with information, a brushing chart, coupons, a toothbrush and a sample of toothpaste. The packet included informative tips and recommendations for proper oral care including how to brush and floss teeth. There seven steps to a bright smile include the following:
- Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Floss teeth daily
- Use fluoride rinse for strong, healthy teeth and gums
- Limit the number of snacks each day
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Ask a dental professional about dental sealants.
I’ve been fortunate to never have a cavity in my 30+ years of life and I mostly attribute that to a healthy diet, a rigorous brushing/flossing routine, and regular visits to the dentist. I’m hoping that my children understand the importance of taking care of their teeth, as oral care is a reflection of overall health and wellness.
For families who aren’t sure how to promote a healthy smile with their children or families who simply need a reminder, this program is an invaluable free resource. For information on where a Building Smiles Together van will be available within your community, just visit the website.
Disclosure: This post has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for #CollectiveBias.
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Wow, Kudos to you for never having a cavity! I am glad that you and your children has a good time at the #BuildingSmiles tour, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Sara!!! : ) To good oral care! : )
Thanks for sharing good piece of information. Yes, it’s true we always neglect to care about our teeth in our daily lives and the result is tooth decay. But with clean diet and some preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of cavities to a great extent.