“When should my child start seeing the dentist?” is a question almost every parent wonders. As a rule of thumb, your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist in Edmonton should be by their first birthday. But often times, this answer comes as a shock to parents as many are accustomed to taking their child to the dentist at a later age.
Visiting a Pediatric Dental Clinic Near Me
Infants primary teeth (baby teeth) typically begin growing in around the age of 6 months. Your child’s dentist will recommend you bring them in for a checkup by the age of 1 or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts.
Your child’s primary teeth are essential to their oral health and well-being. Here’s why:
- They help your child maintain good nutrition as they allow your child to chew properly.
- They are involved in your child’s speech development.
- They reserve space for the permanent teeth to grow in the mouth.
- They promote a healthy smile that children will feel confident about in the future.
When you take your child to a dental clinic in Edmonton, it will:
- Provide you with insight into how well oral hygiene is being practiced at home.
- Detect if your child has oral issues.
- Familiarize your child with their pediatric dentist and dental office.
Children’s Oral Health Issues
Many parents are unaware of how important their child’s primary teeth are to lifelong oral health. Developing good oral health begins at birth, which is why techniques for proper brushing and flossing should be emphasized at an early age. Let’s take a look at some facts about children’s oral health complications below.
- The most common chronic disease in children is tooth decay.
- 60% of children at the age of 5 experience a cavity in their primary teeth.
- If left untreated, decay can result in pain and infection. This can lead to eating and sleeping difficulties, short attention span, and low self-esteem.
A simple conversation with your kid’s dentist in Edmonton at an early age can help foster a lifetime of good oral health. Not only that, the first visit to a dental clinic is a perfect opportunity for you to learn the best oral techniques for your child.
Good Oral Health Tips for Children Age 1 to 2
The following are some tips you can practice with your child to ensure their oral health.
- Take your child to their pediatric dentist by the of 1.
- Brush your child’s teeth daily with non-fluoridated toothpaste.
- Every month, examine your child’s teeth for early tooth decay. Check for chalky-white or brown spots on their teeth or along their gum line. If you notice any unusual looking spots, schedule an appointment at your dental clinic in Edmonton as soon as possible. Your child’s dentist may recommend you begin using a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste when brushing.
- Replace bottle and sippy cups with regular drinking cups between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
- Limit your child’s soother use for naps and bedtime only.
