When should my child first see a dentist?
The current recommendation by the Canadian Dental Association is for children to go for their first dental visit within 6 months of getting their first tooth or by the time they have their first birthday. Also, when your child gets all their baby teeth around age 2 or 3, they may have some interest in visiting the dentist, and would also be a great time for their first visit.
What will happen at our first visit?
Your first visit to the dentist will include dental screenings and information-gathering on how to reduce the risk factors of early childhood cavities often associated with children. This visit allows for discussion on how to care for your child’s mouth, habits such as thumb sucking, teething, and the link between diet and oral health.
Your child will get to see some of the equipment used in the dental office like the chair, light, suction, and water sprayer. At later visits, when your child is older, x-rays may be taken to look for early decay on the surfaces of and between their teeth. X-rays are also helpful for seeing how their teeth are coming in.
How often should my child go visit the dentist?
A general guideline is for them to visit the dentist for checkups two times a year. This allows for regular cleanings and fluoride to help maintain a cavity-free mouth! Regular visits also help monitor cavities to hopefully prevent them from getting worse.
