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.)

A. Regular appointments with a dentist provide preventative education and oral care: Early and routine dental visits allow the dentist to assess oral development, provide guidance on brushing and diet, and identify problems such as caries or malocclusion before they progress. Preventive education is key to lifelong oral health. B. Dentist visits should not be regular until all teeth are present: This statement is inaccurate because the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by 12 months of age, even if not all teeth have erupted. Early visits establish a dental home and promote preventive care. C. Dental visits should occur every 6 months: Biannual visits allow for routine assessment, cleaning, fluoride application, and early detection of dental issues. Scheduling every six months is standard preventive practice for preschool-aged children. D. Regular, routine dental visits are effective and more cost-efficient than emergency dental treatment: Preventive care reduces the likelihood of cavities, infections, and extensive restorative procedures. Routine visits save families time, stress, and healthcare costs compared with emergency treatment for advanced dental problems. E. Teeth brushing should be supervised: Preschool-aged children lack the dexterity and technique to brush effectively on their own. Supervised brushing ensures proper technique, adequate fluoride exposure, and removal of plaque, reducing the risk of early childhood caries.