When should children’s dental care start?
When should you bring your child to the dentist for the first time? According to the Canadian Dental Association, the answer is: within six months of the first tooth appearing. That may seem early, especially since the teeth are still growing and erupting at that point. Yet it is the perfect time to check that the mouth and developing teeth are healthy and growing properly. This visit is also a good way to get little ones used to dental exams. That matters too, since routine pediatric appointments should take place every six months from the age of three. They include several steps to keep children’s mouths healthy.
What the visit includes
- A health exam: The dentist carefully examines the teeth and soft tissues for lesions or other signs of disease. Particular attention is paid to early childhood tooth decay.
- A check of oral development: We assess the position of the teeth and the shape of the bone structures to check how far they have developed and whether there is enough room for development to continue properly. If the dentist considers that growth is not following a normal curve, an orthodontic consultation may be recommended as early as age 7.
- Preventive care: From age three, routine visits include a cleaning and a fluoride gel application to strengthen tooth enamel and better protect it against cavities.
Early childhood tooth decay: an infection that must be treated
Early childhood tooth decay is a central concern in children’s care because it is an aggressive infection. Since the enamel of baby teeth is softer, bacteria can easily break through it. Decay can then spread quickly to neighbouring teeth, and even to other structures of the mouth and to adult teeth not yet erupted. To avoid damage that could affect the development of the permanent teeth, it is essential to repair a decayed baby tooth, even though it will eventually fall out on its own.
Preparing for the visit
Children’s dental care can sometimes cause worry and fear, which is completely normal. Little ones are generally afraid of the unknown, like visits to the dentist. To make dental exams go smoothly, it is best to prepare for the appointment. Take the time to talk it over with your little one, explaining why these visits matter and what they involve. And make sure you are positive and relaxed yourself when the time comes!