The importance of your kid’s first dentist visit

It’s important to start taking your children to the dentist when they are babies. Within 6 months of getting their first tooth, or at the very least by 1 year of age. At this stage your Surrey dentist will discuss topics about general at-home care to set the stage for healthy dental habits and tooth development.

Prepping your children for this first visit can be as simple as bringing them in to meet the dentist and the staff and have a look around to take in the sights and sounds. Parents at home can initiate roleplay games to imitate a dentist checking family member’s teeth–including theirs. Additionally, there are many child-friendly picturebooks about going to the dentist that parents can read to their children. All of these activities will help normalise the trip and help them feel comfortable with it.

Some mistakenly believe it’s unnecessary to start taking children this early to the family dental practice in Surrey. However, Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD) is a severe form of tooth decay that affects baby teeth. This condition is so pervasive it’s become the #1, preventable chronic disease affecting children here in Canada, and globally.

ECTD is caused by liquid being left in the mouth, which commonly happens when babies fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, juice or breast milk, or anything other than plain water. Left untreated it leads to potential problems with sleep, learning, speaking and eating, and can require surgery. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that surgery to treat dental problems in Canadian children under 5 happens more often than getting ear tubes or removing tonsils!

So it’s important to start child dental visits early. Topics like diet, bottle use, thumb-sucking and soothers will be discussed, along with  brushing techniques, appropriate toothbrushes and toothpaste. This will give your child a great start for their dental health!

If you have a child that will be coming in soon to our family dental practice in Surrey, give us a call to arrange a tour. We’d love to meet your little one and show them around!

Riverside Heights Dental is conveniently located near the Guildford Mall & Fraser Heights, We are currently accepting new patients and offer complimentary toddler exams.  Contact us today with any questions or to set up your tour or appointment. 604-584-2535