A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a 3-year-old who has not yet been to a dentist. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Early dental visits allow the dentist to assess oral development, provide guidance on proper brushing, diet, and fluoride use, and identify issues before they become serious problems. Preventive education helps establish lifelong oral hygiene habits. B. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth eruption. Waiting until all teeth are present delays preventive care and increases the risk of early childhood caries. C. Routine biannual dental visits are recommended for children to monitor oral health, provide professional cleaning, and reinforce preventive practices, which helps reduce the risk of cavities and other dental issues. D. Preventive dental care reduces the likelihood of painful or costly emergency visits, as early detection and intervention can address minor issues before they progress to severe dental problems. E. At age 3, children lack the dexterity to brush effectively on their own. Parental supervision ensures proper brushing technique, adequate fluoride use, and complete cleaning, promoting better oral hygiene and cavity prevention.