*** This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner: Commenter #13 – Rebecca!
The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is kicking off “Dentist by 1,” a statewide public service campaign to educate parents about the benefits of taking their children to the dentist by age 1 and to encourage them to schedule a visit.
Here’s what Dr. Katina Morelli, DDS, dental director for the Delta Dental of Illinois and a dentist a South Barrington Dental, has to say about taking your child to the dentist by age 1:
A visit by age 1 may seem young, but it lets you and your child develop a relationship with a dentist, which can help set a foundation for good oral health and detect potential dental problems before they progress. Your little one could have pain in one of his or her teeth, but may be too young to tell you.
The first dental visit is simple and really acts as a well-baby checkup for your child’s teeth and mouth. It typically includes an examination for normal growth and development, checking for cavities and educating parents on good oral health care. This may include information about brushing and flossing, diet and nutrition, the use of fluoride and prevention of cavity-causing bacteria passing from parent to child.
And, there’s an added bonus of getting your child to the dentist at age 1. Not only can early preventive dental care ease the pain and suffering from unchecked dental problems, but it can also save in future dental treatment costs. Studies have shown that dental costs for children who have their first dental visits before age one are 40 percent lower in the first five years than for those who do not see a dentist prior to their first birthday.
In conjunction with the campaign, the Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation is offering one of my readers an electric toothbrush ($160 value) to help promote good oral health! (Open to Illinois residents only).
To enter:
- Leave a comment about your child’s first trip to the dentist or something funny about their oral health care habits. Leave your email address in the comment so I can contact you if you win.
For an additional entry:
- Pledge to take your kids to the dentist by age 1 or to regular visits at www.dentistby1.com and leave a separate comments below. When you pledge, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation will donate an oral health kit to a local, underprivileged child and will also send you a kit! (Kits include a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste and a children’s oral health tip sheet.)
“Like” Delta Dental of Illinois on Facebook for more information about upcoming contests and tips on establishing good oral health habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
No purchase necessary. Open to Illinois residents 18 & older. Odds of winning determined by the number of eligible entries. Not responsible for technical or typographical errors. Void where prohibited by law.
I took my son right after his second birthday and he wanted no part of it!! But I was glad to have the dentist examine his mouth.
My seven year old son has now lost eight baby teeth. He named each of them. They were Buzz, Woody, Jessie, Ham, Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Bullseye and Slinky. He refused to put them under his pillow for the tooth fairy because he didn’t want one to get lonely. He said he would give them to the tooth fairy when they all came out and could be together. His younger brother happily got a dollar from the Tooth Fairy for his first tooth this week.
I took my oldest shortly after she turn three and have taken her every six months since (she is now 7 1/2). My youngest turns three next month so her first trip is fast approaching.
Thanks for the giveaway!
My kids went to the dentist at age 3, I never took them earlier than that! My personal dentist told me that was the age to start?? Go figure. My kids have loved the dentist from the beginning – never an issue.
tiarastantrums@gmail.com
my kiddos go every 6 months and off to the ortho once a month! Oy!
My kids just had their very first vistis. Age 20 months, 3 and 5. Two of them already had to have caps put on their teeth:(
shannonsweep at gmail dot com
Charlie LOVES brushing his teeth and Jack has picked up this habit, thankfully! 🙂
Both of my girls love brushing their teeth. They are very particular about their toothbrushes. My 5 year old has to have a Cinderella one and my two year old has to have her Dora one. They were both to the dentist by the time they were one year old. They love their dentist and he makes them feel so safe. His office is so kid friendly and his staff is so kind to the kids. He’s amazing!
My daughter loves to have her tongue brushed. We’re still working on getting her to love brushing her teeth like mommy does, but we’re getting there!
melissa.kelley-windisch@gmail.com
I made the pledge!
My twins first went to the dentist just after age 2 and although 1 was very scared they did great and love to have their teeth brushed. A patient dentist makes all the difference in kids long lasting dental health.
We took our daughter to the dentist at 2 years old. She did amazing! The hygienist was the best and so caring. She loves brushing her teeth:) this brush would be great!
My son’s first dental visit will be next week, he’s 3. He loves brushing and have been brushing since his first little baby tooth popped through! He even loves to have them counted and flossed! We can’t leave the house without brushing his teeth, even if it’s a “date” with grandma!
itsan81@hotmail.com