At What Age Should My Child First See A Dentist?
Their first breath. Their first step. Their first word. These moments with your child are precious. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re a parent. It seems like one day, you’re holding your little bundle of joy in your arms, and the next, they’re running down the hallway by themselves.
Once your child’s teeth begin to emerge, you might be wondering when you should call the dentist. According to the Canadian Dental Association, your child should see the dentist before their first birthday, around the time that the first tooth emerges.
But why are dental appointments important so early on in their lives? And how often should you book cleanings for your kid? Today, we’re going to explain why oral health matters, even for young children:
Why You Should Take Your Child To The Dentist
When you take your child for a tooth check-up, you can learn more about hygiene techniques and the importance of oral health. Here’s why you should book an appointment today:
Identify issues early on
If your child is going to lose their baby teeth anyway, does it matter if they get a cavity or two? The answer is yes. Here’s why:
Baby teeth might be temporary, but the issues they can cause are not. The health of baby teeth directly affects the adult teeth. If teeth become decayed, it may lead to an infection. This impacts overall health along with the permanent teeth below the gums.
Young children often don’t care how their teeth look. But as they get older, stained or crooked teeth can be a source of self-consciousness. It’s best to correct dental issues and take care of teeth from a young age. Make an appointment for your child around their first birthday so that the dentist can monitor their oral health.
Learn effective care techniques
Are you consistently missing a spot when you brush your child’s teeth? Are you using too much or too little pressure? Which foods should you avoid for healthy teeth and gums?
Your child’s dentist can answer all of these questions, and more. They can inspect your child’s mouth to find problem areas, like a buildup of bacteria on the back molars. If they notice any problems, they can educate you about care tips to address the issue.
If your kid is having trouble cleaning the back of their teeth, the dentist might apply a sealant. This plastic covering will protect molars from bacteria and prevent decay.
Help your child overcome dental anxiety
When you schedule regular dental visits, your child will learn that going to the dentist is nothing to be afraid of. It’s just like a regular doctor’s appointment or eye exam.
Children have active imaginations. If they’re left to imagine what might happen at the dentist, they’ll come up with all sorts of ideas – most of which are far from reality. But take them in regularly, and they’ll learn what to expect when visiting the dentist.
Having your teeth cleaned is hardly anything to worry about. At the end of the day, you get a pearly white smile, and a new toothbrush too!
Looking for a kid’s dentist in Edmonton? At Kingsway Dental, we take care of patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. We can ensure that your child develops healthy teeth that will last a lifetime. Call us today to schedule your child’s first appointment.
