When should I schedule my child’s first dental appointment? How do I know if my child needs orthodontic care? Should my toddler be flossing?
Many parents have a hard time figuring out how much dental care their children need. They know that they need to prevent cavities and gum disease, but they don’t always know the best way to go about it. In this blog post, our team at Aldergrove Dental Clinic explains everything you need to know about children’s dentistry in West Edmonton.
When Should Your Child Start Brushing Their Teeth?
Oral hygiene should start before your child’s first tooth appears. Before your child’s teeth begin to erupt, run a damp, clean washcloth over their gums to keep them clean and healthy. When your child first starts getting teeth, use an infant toothbrush and a small amount of child-friendly toothpaste to clean their teeth.
When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?
Your child should visit a dentist in West Edmonton by the time they reach the age of one or as soon as their first tooth emerges, whichever is sooner. At your first visit, our dentist will teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques and explain how to assist your child with oral care. They will also do a quick exam while your baby sits in your lap.
Taking your child to a dentist near you early on helps identify any potential problems early in life and helps kids get used to visiting the dentist so that it becomes normal for them as they get older.
How Can You Prevent Your Child From Getting Cavities
Cavities occur when food and bacteria left on the teeth after eating and drinking are not properly brushed away. This creates an acidic environment in the mouth which softens tooth enamel until a cavity forms. Here are some tips to keep cavities at bay:
- Begin good oral hygiene habits early- teach your child to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, starting from the age of one.
- Ensure your child gets enough fluoride- a lot of parents worry that fluoride is dangerous for their children, and while too much can cause issues, your child must get at least some fluoride because it strengthens their tooth enamel. If your water supply is not fluoridated, then ask your dentist for child-friendly fluoride toothpaste to use.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks- sugary foods and drinks such as candy and juices can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Try to keep your child’s intake of sugary substances to a minimum and ensure that they rinse the inside of their mouth after having a sugary treat.
It can help to get your child interested in oral hygiene from a young age. Read the stories about characters who visit the dentist or make brushing their teeth fun by playing a two-minute-long song that they can dance to while cleaning their teeth.
Visit Aldergrove Dental
If you are interested in getting involved with children’s dentistry near you, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Aldergrove Dental. We are happy to help your little one begin their oral health journey so that they can maintain optimal oral health and a radiant smile for a lifetime. Please do not hesitate to book your child’s first dental appointment today!
