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Healthy Teeth: Why Starting Early is Key

Preventive oral hygiene is a key best defence against tooth decay and a slew of other health-related issues. Here, our Grande Prairie orthodontists explain why establishing good dental health care routines early in life is important for your child.

As parents of an infant, going to the dentist may seem like a trip best avoided until there is a mouthful of teeth to deal with. The Canadian Dental Association, on the other hand, recommends seeing your dentist at the first signs of a first tooth, or by 12 months of age.

The initial visit can help your child learn to become comfortable with their dentist and establish a trusting relationship. A quick check of their teeth and gums will be done. Subsequent visits should be every six months for child dental care, the same as for adults.

3 Reasons to Bring Your Child to The Dentist Early

  1. Build trust. Showing trust in your dentist can teach your child that visits to the dentist are safe and an important step in the prevention and treatment of problems.
  2. Check technique. Find out if the teeth cleaning routine at home is working. If spots are being missed, early discovery is key to keeping those teeth healthy!
  3. Proactive approach. By visiting the dentist every six months, your dentist can be proactive and catch any developing issues early.

It's critical to understand that a child's primary ("baby") teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay than permanent teeth because their protective enamel is thinner. Tooth decay can be excruciatingly painful, affecting your child's overall health. It can also affect their ability to sleep, speak, or eat, as well as their ability to focus or learn.

Tips to Encourage Good Dental Care for Your Child

  • Begin even before the first tooth appears! Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe your baby’s gums twice a day.
  • Avoid giving bottles before naps or bedtime. To avoid decay, drink water instead of milk or juice if you can't avoid it. To help prevent the development of orthodontic issues, limit your time with a bottle to five minutes or less.
  • Take your child for their first dental visit around 12 months of age.
  • At the first sign of a tooth, brush your child’s teeth daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a very small amount of fluoride-free toothpaste until they’re old enough to spit it out (typically around 3 years old).
  • Let your child practice brushing by copying you, then finish for them, making sure that all surfaces have been cleaned. Your child will need help with brushing until they’re about 8 years old.
  • Teach your child to brush for two minutes twice a day.
  • Replace toothbrushes every few months or when they begin to show signs of wear, such as flattening or bushy bristles.
  • Bring your child for regular dental visits. Every six months is optimal, but this may vary depending on your dentist.

To start your child on a path of good dental health, contact our Grande Prairie orthodontists to make an appointment.

New Patients Always Welcome

Looking for a orthodontist in Grande Prairie? We're happily accepting new patients at our orthodontic clinic! Contact us to get started today. 

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