Building good habits right from the start is essential to ensure that your baby grows up healthy, strong, and happy. This applies to working hard on their homework, teaching them manners, and visiting the dentist.
The health of your smile impacts the rest of your body and your mind, and which is why prioritizing it is so important. If an issue develops in your mouth, it can quickly spread elsewhere and becoming more serious and requite expensive, invasive means to effectively address.
Here at Inglewood Family Dental, we are here to assist you in helping your child live well. Our Calgary dentist is happy to answer any questions you have.
Benefits of Early Dental Visits
Early dental visits for children can have multiple benefits, including the following:
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Tooth decay prevention
– Regular dental visits from an early age can help detect and prevent tooth decay. Dentists can identify early signs of decay and provide preventive measures such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants to protect the teeth.
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Early detection of dental issues
– Early dental visits can detect any developmental problems or dental issues early on, which can then be treated more easily and effectively. This includes issues such as malocclusions, tooth grinding, and thumb sucking.
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Establishing good hygiene habits
–Frequent dental visits from an early age can help establish good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, that can last a lifetime.
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Reduces anxiety
– By introducing children to the dentist at an early age, they can become more comfortable and familiar with the dental environment, reducing anxiety and fear associated with dental visits in the future.
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Improves overall oral health
– Poor oral health can lead to other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Regular dental visits from an early age can help prevent these issues and promote overall health and well-being.
What to Expect During the First Appointment
The first thing that will happen when you bring your child in to receive children’s dentistry in SE Calgary will be an introduction. It’s important that you as a parent and your kiddo feel comfortable with the dental team. The dentist will introduce themselves and may ask your child about their interests, hobbies, or favorite toys to establish a positive relationship and easygoing atmosphere.
Next is the oral examination, follow by a cleaning. They will check your child’s mouth for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues. They may use a small mirror to examine the teeth and gums.If everything looks good, the dentist will proceed with a gentle teeth and gum cleaning. This process involves using a small, soft brush to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth.
Depending on your child’s age and dental history, the dentist may take x-rays of their teeth to check for any underlying issues that may not be visible during the examination.
In addition, their dentist will provide you and your kiddo with tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, healthy eating habits, and other ways to help them maintain a fully functioning, beautiful smile. A follow-up appointment in 6 months will be scheduled.
How to Promote Good Oral Health in Kids
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Make sure they brush twice a day:
Once the first tooth appears, start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
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Floss regularly:
Flossing is important to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch.
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Watch their diet:
Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks that can cause tooth decay. Encourage them to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
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Visit the dentist regularly:
Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. The dentist can also provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants to protect their teeth.
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Encourage good habits:
Teach your child good oral hygiene habits such as rinsing their mouth after eating, using a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding smoking and tobacco products.
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Lead by example:
As a parent or caregiverpractice good oral hygiene habits yourself. Children mimic watch they see, so this can encourage your child to follow your lead and take care of their smile too.
The 3 Most Important Ages for Kids to Visit the Dentist
Though your child should be receiving regular treatment from a dentist near you at least twice a year, there are 3 critical ages that they should most certainly come into a dental clinic. They are:
1 year old:
A well-known rule of thumb recommends that a kiddo’s very first dental visit should take place within 6 months of the first tooth appearing or once they celebrate their first birthday. This appointment is just a quick checkup, so the dentist can examine their teeth and gums to identify any potential problems, provide guidance on at-home care, and to make their face familiar.
4 years old:
Many children will have had most of their baby teeth come in by this time. A dental visit can help monitor the development of their teeth and identify problems with bite or tooth alignment that may need early intervention. Healthy baby teeth are a precursor to health adult teeth.
6 years old:
This is a critical age when kids begin losing their baby teeth and their permanent teeth start to erupt. A dental checkup at this age can help the dentist identify any issues with the child’s bite or tooth alignment and take early corrective action if necessary.
FAQs
1. Can the dentist clean a child’s teeth?
Yes, all dentists are qualified when it comes to teeth cleaning. This is a standardized treatment that’s perform at all dental offices.
2. How often should a 4 year old see the dentist?
Just like teens and adults, children should be seeing the dentist biannually. This allows their dentist to informed regarding their oral hygiene.
3. How do I prepare my child for dental work?
Informing your child about the upcoming dentist visit is a good way to help them prepare. Talk to them about what will happen and avoid using scary words like “needle”, “blood”, or “procedure”. Be open and honest and remind them that you’ll be with them the whole time.
Come See Our Pediatric Dentist Near You
At Inglewood Family Dental, our staff is here to assist you and your family with all your dental needs and goals. Please give us a call today to get started!
