can Dental Association and the Canadian Dental Association, applying moistened black or green tea bags to the site of a tooth extraction will not only help stop bleeding, but reduce swelling and pain as well. You can also apply cool compresses, ice packs or even a bag of frozen veg- etables to the outer jaw and cheek, as well as give your child cool beverages or ice cream to help temporarily numb the sur- rounding gum line and tissues. Just be sure not to apply any alcohol- containing pain-relieving gels or creams to the post-operative site, as these will sting and potentially interfere with healing. Of course no parent wants to see a child


in pain, so preventing the need for painful dental procedures is crucial. In addition to ensuring that your child


brushes at least twice a day, flosses daily and avoids excessive exposure to sweets and carbonated beverages, plan to begin regular dental visits when your child is 12 months of age. You should also discuss fluoride


therapy with your child’s dentist as early as possible. Depending on the amount of fluoride in your child’s drinking water, oral fluoride supplements or topical fluoride


Ready, Set, Grow


application may be recommended. Fluoride is a great preventative mea-


sure because it helps strengthen tooth enamel and alters the activity of bacteria in the mouth to prevent cavities. Dental sealants can also be used as a way to minimize the development of cavities in the crevices of the posterior teeth and molars, but these are not a replacement for fluoride and proper dental care. So begin dental visits early, try to make


tooth brushing fun, encourage flossing and follow your dentist’s fluoride recom- mendations for your child so that the need for painful dental procedures is minimal- ized, if not all together avoided!


Sheri Carson, MSN, RN, CPN, CPNP, has worked in pediatrics for more than 18 years and is a clinical instructor of pedi- atrics at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. She stays clinically active by working as a PNP at a local pediatric clinic, serving as a member of the local Child Abuse Review and Education Com- mittee, and supervising medical students as they administer immunizations and conduct sports physicals at their monthly Tot Shots clinics.


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