The Canadian Dental Association recommends that a child’s first dental visit should be between 6 months to a year. This is the time when a infant normally gets its first tooth or teeth. There are several reasons for starting routine dental visits at such a young age.
- Multiple routine visits normalizes the process for young children.
- The dentist checks for normal or abnormal development of teeth and intra-oral tissues
- The hygienist or assistant can guide the parents in how to care for primary teeth (Brushing/wiping the plaque off, flossing etc…)
- Dental related nutrition or feeding education is provided on how best to avoid cavities in the primary teeth
- A dental ‘cleaning’ is not performed at the first visit.
- Follow up visits allow for a slow introduction to dental hygiene visits
- A large goal is to create positive experience in the dental office for children from a young age.
Despite what many people think, Primary teeth are very important. These ‘Baby teeth’ hold the space in the jaw for the future ‘adult teeth’ to grow in. If these ‘baby teeth’ get cavities, need to be extracted or fall out early it can cause crowding and issues once the ‘adult teeth’ are ready to come into the mouth. We can work with your scheduling needs to book your infant’s first appointment and optimize their oral health from a young age.