While it may seem unnecessary to bring your child to the dentist until they have some teeth in their mouth, it is never too early to start. 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 initial dental visit can introduce your child to the dentists and the office staff. They can have a look around the clinic and familiarize themselves with the space. 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 Early Dental Care is Important
- 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 discovery is key to keeping those teeth healthy!
- Proactive approach. By visiting the dentist every six months, your dentist can 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 to Encourage Good Dental Care for Your Child
- Start early! Use a damp cloth to clean your infant's gums and the inside of their mouth.
- Avoid offering bottles prior to naps or bedtime. 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.
- Be sure to bring your child in for their first to the dentist when they are between the ages of 9 to 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.
- 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.