The sooner your child begins regular dental check-ups, the healthier their mouths will stay throughout their lives.
Early check-ups help prevent cavities and tooth decay, which can lead to discomfort and pain, and bad dental habits as an adult.
Ideally, every child should visit a dentist as soon as his or her first teeth appear.
This first baby appointment also helps to educate parents on how to best care for their children’s teeth and help them remain cavity-free.
The dentist is also likely to spot trouble areas, for example cavities caused from falling asleep with a bottle or bad dietary issues.
Tips for baby teeth
Check and clean: Healthy teeth should all be one colour. If you see spots or stains on the teeth, take your baby to your dentist.
As soon as your child has a tooth begin to use a smear (size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste.
Clean the teeth at least twice a day. It’s best to clean them right after breakfast and before bedtime.
Once your child turns three you can begin to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
When your child is able, teach him to spit out the excess toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water.
As your children get older let them use their toothbrush themselves. It is best if you put the toothpaste on the toothbrush until your child is about age six.
Until children are seven or eight-years-old, you will need to help them brush.
Try brushing their teeth first and then letting them finish the job.
