See Your Dentist

See your dentist once or twice a year. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums. You might need x-rays or a filling. See your dentist right away if you have problems with your teeth or gums. For example:

1. An old filling is coming out.

2. You have a loose tooth.

3. Your gums are bleeding

4. Your teeth or gums hurt.

The dentist might tell you to see a hygienist. She works in the dentist's office. She cleans teeth. She will show you how to brush and floss.



Dentist

Background Information

Talk about what happens when you go to see a dentist. Also talk about why you go to see the dentist regularly and why you might have to see him or her right away.

Questions

1. How often should you see your dentist?

2. Why should you get your teeth checked regularly?

3. What is an x-ray?

4. What do your gums do?

5. What are four reasons you should see the dentist right away?

6. Why do you think an old filling might come out?

7. Why do you think the dentist doesn't do the hygienist's job?

8. What is floss?

Other Activities: Describe a visit to the dentist's office for a filling. Write a description about what the office looks like and what your dentist looks like. Then describe what happens step by step when you get a filling. Finally, write about what you feel when the dentist: freezes your mouth, uses the drill, etc.

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