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As parents of a child or infant, visiting the dentist may seem a trip best left until there is a mouthful of teeth to contend with. However, the Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist for an assessment at the signs of a first tooth, or by 12 months of age.
The initial visit can help your child learn to become comfortable with their dentist and establish a trusting relationship. A quick check of their teeth and gums will be done. Subsequent visits should be every six months for child dental care, the same as for adults.
3 Reasons Why It's Important to Bring Your Child to the Dentist Early
- Build trust. Showing trust in your dentist can teach your child that visits to the dentist are safe and an important step in the prevention and treatment of problems.
- Check technique. Find out if the teeth cleaning routine at home is working. If spots are being missed, early detection can be pivotal in keeping those teeth healthy!
- Proactive approach. Visiting the dentist every six months allows your team of dental professionals to be proactive and catch any developing issues early.
It’s important to understand that a child’s primary (“baby”) teeth are at risk of developing early childhood tooth decay as their protective enamel is thinner than that of permanent teeth. Tooth decay can be painful, impacting your child’s overall health. It can also trigger issues with sleeping, speaking or eating, as well as their ability to focus or learn.
Tips For Encouraging Good Dental Care Practices for Your Child
- Begin even before the first tooth appears! Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe your baby’s gums twice a day.
- Avoid offering bottles before naps or bedtime. If you can’t avoid it, try using water instead of milk or juice in order to help avoid decay.
- Limiting time with a bottle to five minutes or less may be helpful in preventing the development of orthodontic issues.
- Take your child for their first dental visit around 12 months of age or soon after their first tooth erupts.
- At the first sign of a tooth, brush your child’s teeth daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste until they’re old enough to spit it out (typically around 3 years old).
- Let your child practice brushing by copying you, then finish for them, making sure that all surfaces have been cleaned. Your child will need help with brushing until they’re about 8 years old.
- Teach your child to brush for two minutes twice a day.
- Replace toothbrushes every few months or when they begin to show signs of wear, such as flattening or bushy bristles.
- Bring your child for regular dental visits. Every six months is optimal, but this may vary depending on your dentist and your child's unique oral hygiene needs.