Most parents want the best for their children and this includes good oral health. Not surprisingly, parents have many good questions about gaining and maintaining the oral health of their children. "Let Me Ask You, Doc" was developed from the questions that parents most frequently asked us over the years. For example, "When should my child first see a dentist? When do children brush their own teeth? Should my child be flossing?" Parents need this type of information. However, what applies to one age group may not apply to another. Consequently we have divided the questions and answers into periods from birth to age 2, the preschool period from ages 3 to 6, the early mixed dentition period from ages 6 to 9, and the late mixed dentition stages from 10 years and upwards.

Richard P. Widmer Past President of the IAPD
Gerald Z. Wright Secretary General of the IAPD

Let Me Ask You, Doc

This parent section is part of a book written by A/Prof. Richard P. Widmer and Professor Emeritus Gerald Z. Wright for the 20th Congress of the International Association of Dentistry Congress, Sydney, Australia. It was produced with support of the Colgate Palmolive Company. The material is not IAPD-endorsed nor does it reflect IAPD policies.

This section contains responses to questions frequently asked by parents. Please click on the age group in the menu which best suits your child.