Healthy Teeth: Why Starting Early is Key

Are you unsure of when you should be bringing your child in for their first dental visit? The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist for an assessment of the signs of a first tooth, or by 12 months of age.

The first visit to the dentist can help your child become familiar with the surroundings, noises and new faces at the dental office. The dentist will perform a quick check of the teeth and recommend that you bring them back every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.

Here are 3 of the Ways That You Can Help Your Child

1. Build trust With The Dentist. When you show how much you trust the dentist, your child will learn to trust them as well. This is important to allow your child to be keen to return for subsequent visits.
2. Ensure Proper Brushing Technique. Find out if the teeth cleaning routine at home is working. If spots are being missed, early discovery is key to keeping those teeth healthy!
3. Visit The Dentist Regularly. By visiting the dentist every six months, your dentist can be proactive and catch any developing issues early.

Your child's primary teeth are thin and delicate which can leave them more susceptible to wear and decay. 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.

How To Encourage Your Child to Clean Their Teeth

• You should begin cleaning your child's mouth even before they have any teeth. Be sure to wipe their gums with a soft cloth daily after every meal.
• Don't give your infant a bottle just before they lay down to sleep. If you can’t avoid it, try using water instead of milk or juice to avoid decay. Limit time with a bottle to five minutes or less to help prevent the development of orthodontic issues.
• Take your child for their first dental visit around 12 months of age.
• 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.
• Begin teaching your child to brush their teeth twice daily as soon as they are able to understand.
• 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.

If you would like to learn more about ensuring your child's oral health, contact our Selkirk dentists to request an appointment.