Feb. is children's dental health month

SEEKONK, Mass. (WPRI) - February is Children's Dental Health Month, and Southcoast Smiles in Seekonk has found some great ways to keep away cavities.

You're never too young to start practicing proper dental health. The ADA and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have actually said that they want children to start coming into dental offices for checkups at the age of one.

"Because it's important to brush your teeth. If you don't brush your teeth your teeth get all dirty, and then they get cavities, and it hurts a lot," said patient Tabitha Cabral-Elliott.

Checkups don't have to be scary, especially if you find the right fit for your family.

"Southcoast Smiles is awesome, it's the best dentist I've been to. Everyone's so nice and they are all so sweet to you and it's a very comfortable place," said patient Madison Fagan.

Distracting children during the exam, as well as rewarding them when it's complete, help make it a more positive experience.

"Well, because the chairs are so comfy, you get to watch TV, you get to look around, it's so nice," said patient Vanessa Cabral. "Once you're done getting your teeth done, you get a prize that you pick out yourself."

By establishing a positive experience in their youth, children are more likely to continue proper dental hygiene routines when their adult teeth come in.

"The dentist helps me get a nice big smile," said Tabitha.

"Southcoast Smiles creates a safe, caring, restful environment that's non-threatening," said Rhode Show Co-Host Mary Larsen.

"It's family oriented and its nice and everyone is like 'Hi, how are you today?' and I think that's really important," said Madison.

Pediatric dentists will take the time to sit down to teach you and your children about proper dental health.

"We believe that our children are our family so we treat them as if they were our family," said Southcoast Smiles Treatment Coordinator Sandy Duarte.

"It turned what could have been an uncomfortable experience into a fun experience, she didn't want to leave the dentist," said parent Natalie Cabral. "She's like 'when can I go back?'."

Proper prevention not only helps avoid serious dental problems, but it is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

"I think it's important to have good hygiene because my Nana always told me that the first thing anyone notices about you is your smile," said Madison.