Your Child And Their First Visit To The Dentist

It is never too early to start looking into your child’s dental care. Determining when to take them in for the first time and which dentist they will see are just a couple decisions that parents will need to make. Seeing a dentist from an early age will help establish positive dental habits that your infant will carry with them through life. Parents in the Burlington, Ontario area trust their children’s dental health to Dr. Swati Khanna and the team at General & Cosmetic Family Dental Clinic.

When Should A Child First See A Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends that a child first see a dentist once their first tooth erupts from the gums or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Once an infant starts teething, they should visit the dentist within six months of that first tooth coming in.

When you take your child to the dentist for their first appointment, their dentist will take care of more than just their teeth. So even if your child’s first teeth have not yet come in, their dentist will be able to provide beneficial information and check on how your child’s mouth is developing. This is why, even if your child does not have a tooth by their first birthday, you should still schedule an appointment.

Every child is different, so what has been discussed here can vary from what you, as a parent, ultimately decide to do. While experts do recommend children seeing the dentist around their first birthday, you do not need to distress if you miss this timeline. It is common for children to see a dentist for the first time later, around their second or even third birthday.

Whatever you decide, the important thing is that you schedule your child’s appointment with a dentist who is reputable and who is certified to work with toddlers and children. This is important because, as a dentist who is certified in pediatric dentistry, they will have undergone training that prepares them to treat children with the best care possible.

Children’s Dentistry At La Salle

When you bring your child into Dentistry at La Salle, you are providing them the gift and tools needed for them to develop and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Utilizing a fun-themed atmosphere that children love, we are able to provide a full range of dental care options for children. We make it fun for children as they learn about their teeth and gums, and allow them to build confidence in their oral health. We offer services for children of all ages, including our youngest patients who are just getting their first teeth in.

For infants who are getting their first teeth in, we like to provide education to parents so that they are armed with the knowledge to help prevent early childhood cavities. Additionally, Dr. Khanna will help establish age-appropriate oral regimens, promote healthy eating, talk to parents about their infant’s oral habits, and provide an examination to detect any issues with jaw development or cavities.

For children who are a bit older and who have all their little teeth in, Dr. Khanna will provide regular dental checkups, including necessary X-rays, preventative, and restorative care. Additionally, you can expect demonstrations on proper oral hygiene habits, education on nutrition (healthy food groups and making good choices), and positive reinforcement, which is important to keep children encouraged about their oral health.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Swati Khanna at General & Cosmetic Family Dental Clinic, please call (905) 634-9090 today.