First Dental Visit =)

Lots of parents wonder "When is the best time I should bring my child to the dentist" This may be a topic that we stumble as we focus more often on the teething process and comforting little ones from pain. I will share to you some oral care tips for the babies, toddlers and kids, schedule for first and consecutive dental check ups and what to expect during these visits.

First Visit, First Year

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends a first dental visit within the first year (12 months) as a dental best practice to help prevent cavities. It helps to establish a dental home for the child and encourages the development of a positive relationship with the dental team.

They said that your child's first dental visit is a milestone and should be celebrated. I took tons of pictures and added to my baby book. I thought it is cute to get an autograph from the dentist for your keepsakes!

What to expect

When I took my first son to the dentist, I did not expect that he will stay still on his chair. It was a quick check and he loved it. It was exact opposite with my second boy. He hated it and ran away. I didn't get a chance to take a single photo of him. Kids react differently on their visit to the dentist. And don't worry, it is very normal. First visit is an opportunity for the dentist to establish relationship with our little ones.

Here's what will happen. The dentist will conduct a quick check-up, examining teeth for signs of early decay and malformations. Depending on the condition of the teeth, the dentist may choose to do a cleaning and will model proper teeth brushing technique to parents. Exams for infants as young as 18 months take as little as five minutes.

To calm little ones’ nerves, dentists follow the “tell, show, do” approach. “If we're going to brush their teeth, we'll tell them how we're going to do it, show it on their hand and then we'll do it on their teeth,” says Dr. Masse (parentscanada.com)

Lastly, they will get excited when they pick a prize from the treasure chest at the end of the visit.

Next Dental Visits

Follow-up visits are recommended every six months. According to Canadian Dental Association (CDA), these things you can do at home for your child to help prevent early childhood tooth decay:

-Maintain a good diet during pregnancy as baby teeth begin to develop as early as the first trimester.

-Breastfeed if possible. Many studies reveal that breastfed babies have fewer cavities. Remember, even breastfed babies need their teeth cleaned.

-Never put your baby to bed with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or any other liquid other than water.

-Keep bottles and sippy cups for feeding time only. Avoid letting your child walk around with a bottle or sippy cup.

-Establish oral hygiene routines early. Use a damp washcloth to wipe your baby’s mouth after every feeding. Once teeth erupt, introduce a toothbrush.

-Celebrate and reinforce the routine of mouth and teeth-cleaning.

-Start bottle weaning and introduce drinking from a cup by age 1.

-Limit juice or other sweet drinks to no more than 4 ounces a day.

-Give water in between meals.

-Eat a healthy diet. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are important for building strong teeth.Offer cheese, fruits, vegetables and nuts as snacks

-If using a soother use an age appropriate size and never dip it in sweets.

I hope this answers your questions and enlightens some uncertainties. Prioritizing oral health is a key to a lifelong health and wellness. Our team at Learn Play and Beyond together with Orchards Dental Clinic strongly promotes dental health and wellness! =)