How To Improve Your Child's Oral Hygiene Habits

Taking kids to the dentist can be a daunting task. It can sometimes involve kicking, screaming, begging, and pleading. Kids can develop a fear of dentists that carry on in to adulthood. Which then leads to major health issues when avoiding dentists. Early on, children should learn that dentists are there to help and not to hurt. Life without a dentist is an exceedingly scarier scenario than a biannual visit.

Teaching children the value of dental maintenance at an early age is the key to a life of good dental health. Start by being unafraid as a parent. A parent who is afraid of the dentist surely has bestowed this fear on their child. Why not? "If Mom and Dad are afraid of Dentists, I should be terrified!" -- That's the message one would be sending. "Do as I do" is the key to making oral hygiene a positive daily practice.

Brush and floss twice daily. Rinsing after a meal is best, along with chewing sugar free gum for 20 minutes. Studies show sugar free gum can help reduce tooth decay and aid in digestion. However, gum isn't a replacement for brushing and flossing.

At home, make a fun game of brushing. Sing a song and brush along. It's time spent together that simultaneously promotes good health.

Get new tooth brushes often. Kids love anything that's packaged and new. Instead of buying bubble gum at the grocery store, why not a new toothbrush? For the younger ones, something with a colorful, cool handle. Spiderman and Hello Kitty make brushing more fun for all.

Be mindful with your kids about procedures they are facing. Assure them that the end result will greatly benefit them. Also understand that Pediatric Dentists are well versed in a vernacular that will explain procedures to children without scaring them. In short, they "speak kid." Cleaning cooties off of your teeth is a procedure any kid would want done. A root canal? Not so much.

Start the game today. Get excited about it and your kids will follow suit. The result? A family with a healthy and bright smile. Contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert Jacobson today at 410-665-5205 for more information on how to improve your child's oral hygiene habits.

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

People between the ages of 16 and 19 should have their wisdom teeth evaluated. If they need to be removed, it should be considered before age 20 when generally fewer complications occur. At a younger age, tooth roots are not fully developed, the surrounding bone is softer, and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. There is also less surgical risk and healing is generally faster.


Extractions of wisdom teeth may be performed by a general dentist. If your dentist anticipates any special care will be needed, he or she may refer you to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgery and the removal of wisdom teeth.

What Should One Expect?

Before surgery, your dentist will explain what to expect, and give you personalized instructions to follow. Keep in mind these general items in order to help your surgery go smoothly.


Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrange to have someone be with you after surgery. Extraction can be performed under local conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Following surgery, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort, which is part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling and medication prescribed by your dentist can help decrease the pain. You may be instructed to drink only clear liquids following surgery and later progress to soft foods.


Some patients experience numbness or tingling following surgery. Normal sensation usually returns in a short period of time. Occasionally, a dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks down earlier than normal. A dressing placed in the socket protects it until the socket heals.


If you have a child between the ages of 16 and 19 and have yet to have their wisdom teeth evaluated, encourage them do so now. If you have exceeded that age and have not had them examined, do so now as well. The temporary pain will save you a lifetime of teeth shifting and pain. Contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert Jacobson today at 410-665-5205 for more information on wisdom tooth removal.