First Tooth First Visit

Your child’s first visit

We want your child’s first dental visit with us to be the start of a wonderful relationship. Developing good habits at an early age is important for both parents and children. The focus of this visit will be to educate parents, gently examine the inside of the child’s mouth, and help create good oral hygiene habits for life.

Why are first teeth so important?

Speech is an integral part of cognitive, social, and emotional development. Teeth are important for proper pronunciation of words and can help children build self-confidence. Healthy primary teeth promote good chewing habits, and encourage a nutritious diet. Severely decayed teeth can prohibit proper chewing motions and may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Primary teeth also hold an appropriate amount of space for developing adult teeth and promote jaw development.

6 months – 3 years 3 years +

Your child could be at risk for tooth decay if:

Your water supply is not fluoridated
Your child regularly eats or drinks anything high in sugar (even natural sugar)
Your child regularly drinks from a sippy cup containing anything but water
You or other caregivers have tooth decay
Your child takes medications containing sugar
Your child’s teeth are brushed less than once per day
Your child has white or brown spots on his/her teeth

How to protect your child’s teeth

Before Teeth erupt:

Wipe mouth with a clean moist face cloth morning and night. Making it a part of your daily routine will benefit long term
Avoid baby bottle decay by not putting your baby to bed or down for a nap with a bottle of juice, formula or milk. Avoid letting your baby fall asleep while nursing

After teeth Erupt:

Introduce fluoridated toothpaste (the size of a single grain of rice) with an appropriate size toothbrush every morning and every evening before bed
Juice and milk should be limited to meal times. If a sippy cup is introduced between meals keep to only water (each sip of juice or milk bathes the teeth in acid for 20 minutes!). Use juice as a treat.
Begin flossing as soon as any two teeth contact.
Begin discouraging the use of pacifiers by the age of 2 to prevent problems with development of “bite” and shape of mouth.

Tips for cooperation

Start Early. If oral hygiene habits start at a very young age children come to expect it as part of their daily routine.

Make it Fun. Singing a brushing song or allowing the child to have a turn can create a positive experience. Don’t wait until the child is overtired and cranky.

Motivate. Often children will gladly brush for a sticker or a star on a chart, or you can brush together to make it a group activity. Involve them by allowing them to choose their own toothpaste or toothbrush colour at the store.

Stand Firm. Don’t let them off the hook if they resist. Have the attitude that “it must be done” like a diaper change or a bath. You are doing this for their wellbeing.

FAQs

Q: My baby is almost one year old. When should she come in to Hammond Dental Centre for her first dental visit?

A: We usually recommend a child comes in for their first dental visit by the age of 1 year old or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. If you’re not sure if your child should come in for a visit, just contact the practice.