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Choosing Dr. Willis | |
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Tips for Parents | |
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Choosing Dr. Willis
Moms and dads from all over Fort Smith, Northwest Arkansas and Eastern
Oklahoma are finding that their kids
look forward to seeing the dentist,
as long as it's Dr. Willis!
You and your child have our undivided attention from your first call. Dr. Willis takes extra time to explain to children everything he does - and everything you and they can do - to take good care of their teeth.
General cleaning and dental work is done in a relaxed, fun, open atmosphere, where kids can see other kids. Everything is geared toward their comfort and yours.
While waiting, they can play or read, and while they're in the dentist's chair, they can even listen to music on headphones!
Dr. Willis and his staff make dental visits easier on you and your child. First, you know they're in good, gentle hands. Second, if you have errands you have to run while you wait, you can take a pager and come back when they're ready!
Tips for Parents
Moms and dads are the most important factor in keeping children's
teeth healthy.
The more you take an active role in your child's dental care, the fewer problems such as tooth decay and orthodontic issues they'll have down the road.
You can teach them the habits that will, like their teeth, last a lifetime.
Helpful Things to Remember:
- After every feeding, wipe your baby's gums with a clean, wet gauze pad or washcloth to remove plaque and food.
- As soon as your baby's teeth start coming in, it's time to take your child to the dentist.
- Watch for flaking or spots on your baby's teeth, and avoid excessive use of juice bottles and sipping cups.
- Fort Smith's city water doesn't have added fluoride. If your child doesn't drink water with added fluoride, they'll need to take a daily fluoride vitamin or supplement.
- Never give your child a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste after they reach two years of age.
- Remember that your child's primary (baby) teeth are just as important as the permanent (adult) teeth that come in later. Primary teeth hold the space in the jaws for the permanent teeth, and help give a child's face shape and form.
- Consider dental sealants to prevent decay in your child's back teeth (molars and premolars).
- Watch for crooked or crowded teeth early. Dr. Willis can fit your child with the Pre-Orthodontic TRAINER© as early as age six, often with dramatic improvements and fewer orthodontic treatments later.
- Make sure to set a good example for your
child. Brush twice and floss once daily, and visit your own dentist regularly.
- American
Dental Association
- American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry