Your Child’s First Dental Visit
According to the Canadian Dental Association, children should have their first dental appointment six months after their first tooth erupts.
This first visit gives the dentist an opportunity to ensure that your child’s teeth are developing normally, and to help them to familiarize and be comfortable in the dental chair.
We value communication with parents, and your child’s first dental appointment is an opportunity to go over common topics and to demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques for you to use at home.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Brush teeth twice daily
- Floss daily
- Provide bedtime bottles that contain only water
Check out answers to our most commonly asked questions about children dentistry:
When should my child first use toothpaste and how much do I really use?
Removing food and plaque from the teeth and gums should be done routinely as the first tooth erupts; however a cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush dampened with water is only necessary in the early stages. As your child gets older he or she can use a “training toothpaste” that is non-fluoridated up to age 3. At or around the third birthday, your child should transition to fluoridated toothpaste that is flavored especially for children when they are able to expectorate. Try to avoid minty flavors which can be perceived as “too spicy” or “burning” to your child’s tongue. When applying the toothpaste, only the bristles should be coated thinly; unlike the large, swooping ribbon of paste that is shown on commercials.
At what age should I start bringing my child to a dentist?
It is never too early to get a child acquainted with their dental team. Most children have some teeth by age one and most of their teeth by age two. Decay can start within months of eruption and accidents can occur anytime. It is recommended that children start coming to the dentist between age one and two for a chair ride and an oral exam.
What should I do if my child had an accident and lost a tooth or its fragment?
If your child had an incident and lost a tooth or its fragment, it should be placed in the clean container, containing liquid (milk is the best). Please contact us as soon as possible at 403-475-8482, as teeth that are replaced within a short time after the trauma have a better prognosis.