InTouch with Southern Kentucky February 2020 | Page 32

Struggling to get your
child or grandchild to take
care of their teeth?
Somerset pediatric dentist
gives oral health tips for
children and teens
BY TIM MINTON
Does it sometimes seem like you are waging war
when brushing your little one’s teeth? Do you con-
stantly have to badger your older child or teen about
keeping those pearly whites brushed and flossed?
If so, you are not alone since many parents and
caregivers (at one time or another) face this dilemma.
Promoting the benefits of good oral health, February is
National Children’s Dental Health Month.
“You want to establish good oral health habits early
on in a child’s life,” states Brandi Prather, D.M.D. “It
gets them familiar right away with brushing their teeth
and becoming a natural habit.”
“It’s best to brush at least twice a day,” she contin-
ues. “But the most important time to do it is at bed-
time.”
Dr. Prather has treated tens of thousands of children
from the Lake Cumberland area during her 13-year
career in pediatric dentistry. A Pulaski native and 1996
graduate of Somerset High School, her practice is at 47
Sarah’s Ln., Somerset.
She relates parents are pivotal for establishing daily
routines and habits with children about brushing and
oral hygiene. They help set the stage for children’s
oral health throughout their entire life (hopefully
avoiding problems like gum disease, cavities, and
tooth decay).
32 • I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky 
F ebruary 2020