If you’re a new parent, there are plenty of questions on your mind. How often should I feed my baby? What’s the right way to swaddle? At what age will my child start speaking, and what in the world does that gibberish mean? Here at King Ritson Dental Clinic (KR Dental Clinic), we’re primarily concerned with only one question: At what age do children need a dentist? The answer is simple: as soon as their first tooth erupts.
Children should see a dentist after their first tooth grows in, at no later than 12 months of age.
You should start taking your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts and no later than 12 months of age. Establishing good dental care habits early is crucial since it can be difficult for some children to tolerate anything but brushing for years (or even decades). Dentists can help you choose the best toothpaste for your child, from child-friendly flavours like bubble gum or strawberry or fluoride-free varieties. They’ll also recommend the right type of toothbrush for your little one: small enough to fit in a baby’s mouth but big enough that they won’t swallow it if they try sucking on it like a pacifier.
After your child turns 1, you’ll need to bring him in every six months for a checkup.
After your child turns 1, you’ll need to bring him in every six months for a checkup. This is the best way to ensure that he or she is developing correctly and getting all of the essential nutrients to grow healthy teeth. It is also a good opportunity to ask questions about how you can encourage your little one’s dental health at home.
A good dentist will take the time during each visit to talk with you about: what your child has been eating and drinking; whether he or she has been teething or experiencing difficulty sleeping (which can lead to increased gum sensitivity); and whether any other issues may be affecting his or
Her oral health.
The dentist will also look for signs of tooth decay and keep tabs on how your child’s permanent teeth are growing.
The dentist may ask how, when, and what times of day you brush your child’s teeth. This is because it’s important to teach good oral hygiene habits at a young age.
Mouth injuries can be painful and cause serious problems if not treated right away. To find out if there are any injuries or mouth diseases, the dentist might examine the inside surfaces of your child’s mouth with an instrument called an explorer or pick up his or her tongue to look for lumps or bumps (called papillae). The dentist might also feel tissues at the back of his or her throat using a metal instrument called an otoscope (or scope).
The bottom line is this: It’s never too early to set your child up with a dental care routine. And while it might be tempting to wait until they’re older and more mature, it’s best to get them acclimated as soon as possible. The earlier you start, the more likely your kids will grow up caring about and protecting their teeth!