Having a child involves many new responsibilities. So many responsibilities that it can get overwhelming at times. One thing that is often neglected in this sea of chores is taking your baby to a dentist in St. Albert. However, just like you take them religiously to a pediatrician, taking him or her to a dentist should also be considered a priority. In this article, you will find out why.
Why Should You take Your Baby to the Dentist?
This is a fairly common question among new parents. Why is it so important to take a baby to the dentist? The answer is that some dental conditions are seen in toddlers that are not so well known by the general public, and our kids dentist in St. Albert can diagnose them and treat them if needed. Your child’s oral health is not less important than their general health and shouldn’t ever be neglected.
It’s Best to Start Early
Once the parents decide to take their baby to the dentist, another question arises: “When is the right time to take them to our dental clinic?” The answer is—once their first teeth have erupted. The sooner, the better. It is a good idea to take your child to our dentist near you as early as possible. This will make your child develop trust towards their dentist, and at the following visits, they will feel more at ease. This will allow a more efficient and thorough examination.
What Should I Expect On the First Visit?
When you take your child to our dental clinic in St. Albert for the first time, our dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite and jaws. In some cases, a gentle cleaning may be required to remove some plaque or tartar, but this depends on what our dentist finds during the examination. After that, you will receive some counselling—tips, and techniques regarding properly caring for your child’s teeth. This is a perfect time to ask any questions you have.
How Should I take Care Of My Child’s Teeth?
Oral health is a component of a child’s health that is sometimes overlooked. However, good oral health habits from a very young age can ensure that your child will have strong and healthy teeth when growing up. How you should take care of your child’s teeth depends on their age. For example, before a baby’s teeth erupt, cleaning the gums twice a day with moist gauze is important to remove bacteria. When the child starts teething, the gums can become swollen, and this causes some discomfort. To give your baby some relief, use a chilled teething ring that helps reduce the inflammation.
Once your child’s first teeth have erupted, you can start to gently brush them with a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and water. When they turn 3 years old, they may use fluoridated toothpaste. It is also important to avoid sugary drinks and foods from a young age, especially before bed, to avoid tooth decay.
When should you take them to our dentist again? Children should go to the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups, just like adults. These constant visits help identify any dental issues your child may have from very early stages, such as tooth decay or problems with their bite. Also, they help build trust between your child and the dentist, which is very important for all future visits.