The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommends:

Every child should have their first dental visit by the time they turn one year old. Your kid’s teeth will emerge at six to 12 months of age, so they must receive quality dental care on their new teeth.

Starting good dental habits early is the key to keeping teeth healthy!

When New Teeth Arrive

Your child’s primary (also known as “baby”) teeth will appear when they’re between six and 12 months old. The teeth will continue to emerge until they turn three years old. As baby teeth erupt, your child’s gums could feel tender or sore. You can help alleviate their discomfort by rubbing the gums with a clean finger or a cool, wet towel. Teething rings are also a common tool during this stage.

Children lose their teeth at various times in their younger years. Their permanent adult teeth start growing in when the child is six years old. The teeth don’t finish erupting until an individual turns 21. Adults end up with 28 teeth (or 32 if they have their wisdom teeth).

Following Beneficial Oral Hygiene Habits

To ensure that your child’s teeth are erupting as they’re supposed to, you should inspect their mouth every two weeks. Keep an eye out for any signs of decay, such as discoloration. To keep baby teeth as healthy as possible, brush them twice daily.

Your child’s teeth need to be brushed as soon as their first tooth comes in. With the first tooth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste that’s about the size of a pea.

Do not use fluoride toothpaste when your child is under two years old unless your dentist tells you to. As your child becomes old enough to brush their own teeth, review proper tooth brushing methods with them regularly.

Flossing is another essential part of oral hygiene at any age. Your doctor will inform you of the ideal time to start flossing your kid’s teeth. When brushing or flossing their teeth, contact your dentist immediately if you spot symptoms of decay.

Regular Checkups Prevent Tooth Decay

Sugar left in your child’s mouth can lead to tooth decay. The sugars can turn into an acid, which can gradually break down teeth. Tooth decay is most common in children and adolescents because they may not have good dental habits yet. Encouraging proper brushing and flossing routines is essential, but regular dental visits will also keep cavities away.

Children need to visit the dentist twice a year to receive dental cleanings and checkups. We also suggest a fluoride treatment during each visit to strengthen their teeth. Our staff may also recommend sealants to protect the hard-to-reach grooves of your child’s teeth from developing cavities. Sealants can be effective for years, but we will examine them during every checkup.