duPONTcast Interview #25: News you can use about children’s dental care

If you’re a parent of small children, or even just a person with teeth, you’re going to learn a lot from this week’s duPONTcast interview, in which dR publisher Tom DuPont talks to two representatives from Tampa’s Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Ashley Tate and office administrator Shana Kligerman.

Smile Builders Pediatric Dentistry duPONTcast – Audio

There’s so much great info here — especially for those of us who haven’t taken a kid to the dentist lately (or who haven’t been a kid at the dentist lately). Mr. D. (aka Tom) kicks off the conversation with a key question: “When we’re a parent, and we’ve got a newborn, when do we come see a pediatric dentist?”

Tate, a UCF and UF grad, answers, “Kids should be seen by their first birthday or six months after their first tooth is out.” (That’s also the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.) It’s about establishing a comfort level with the child and the parents as early as possible, and spotting early signs of trouble. For instance, did you know that before a cavity shows up as a black spot, it’s visible as a white spot?

Fun? At the dentist’s office?

The Smile Builders duo also shares advice about the potential risks of sippy cups and baby bottles; techniques for getting kids to brush for two minutes; and new tricks of the pediatric dentistry trade (raspberry-flavored numbing jelly, anyone?).

Both women have the kind of calm, friendly presence that no doubt helps soothe anxiety for young patients. Dr. Tate went on two mission trips during dental school to treat underserved areas of the Dominican Republic and Honduras, so she’s accustomed to staying calm in stressful conditions.

Watch this episode of duPONTcast and you might just wish you were a kid again. Who knew going to the dentist could be fun?