FIRST DENTAL VISIT
Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! Having a baby is an exciting time as there are so many things to know and do, especially if you’re a first time parent. We know keeping them happy while you try to get some sleep is at the top of the list! It is not surprising that you probably haven’t even thought of what to do when your baby gets his/her first tooth. At the first dental visit, we will look at your child’s early oral health and make recommendations about the best way to care for his/her teeth. The earlier issues are caught, the easier to resolve and to ensure everything is progressing appropriately. We have seen the problems that can arise from delaying treatment, and we take pride in helping families prevent unnecessary ailments.
Both the Canadian and American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. We at Kids Dental Group agree that you should bring your child in for a first dental visit within six months of the child’s first tooth eruption. Even though some children only have one or two teeth by their first birthday, it is crucial that we give them proper care from the onset for they are the foundation of their future permanent teeth.
Oral tips before your baby’s first dental visit:
Gum Care
Before your baby’s first tooth even appears, we highly recommend rubbing his/her gums with a washcloth after breast or bottle-feeding. You simply wrap one finger with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad and gently rub it across your baby’s gum tissue. By doing this, you clear your child’s mouth of any fragments of food and acclimate your child to daily oral care. This also allows a much easier transition to brushing with a toothbrush in the future.
First Tooth
Your child’s first tooth usually comes between 6 and 12 months. When that first tooth arrives, it’s time to upgrade to a toothbrush. The toothbrush should have a small head and the bristles should be extra soft. Don’t give up if your child doesn’t initially react well to the toothbrush; sometimes it will take a while, but your baby will adjust.
Teething
During the teething process your child will want to chew on just about anything, including the toothbrush. Chew toys like silicone teething rings can be helpful.