YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT
We want to make your child’s first dental visit at Crystal Smiles a success. Our goal is to create and maintain happy and healthy smiles for kids, teens, adults and seniors. We are here to serve families and all individuals in Okotoks and surrounding areas, and to provide a comfortable setting for all your dental needs.
Whether your toddler has a mouth filled with teeth or only a few poking through, it’s time to start thinking about keeping their adorable smile healthy.
Baby teeth generally start to fall out to make room for adult teeth by the time your child is six or seven, but it’s still important to keep those tiny teeth — and gums — in tip-top shape while they’re saving the spots for grownup teeth.
How do you make sure those pearly whites stay pearly?
First teach and supervise your toddler to brush their teeth (or tooth) at least twice a day (use nonfluorinated toothpaste until your toddler knows how to spit out the paste fully).
Next, book their first dentist appointment!
Here’s what you need to know about your tot’s first dentist appointment:
When to book the first dental visit for your child
We recommend that you bring your child to their first dentist appointment within about six months of the first tooth’s arrival, or by the time they turn one. If, however, your toddler’s teeth are obviously discolored — you’ll want to bring them in sooner rather than later.
What will happen during the first visit
The first dental appointment will be short and informal — more of a meet and greet for your child and the dentist. Depending on your child’s age and comfort level, you may be asked to hold them while the dentist looks in their mouth.
We will check for decay and take a look at your child’s gums, jaw, and bite. We will talk to you and your child about good oral-hygiene habits — and give you the chance to ask any questions you may have about toddler teething, thumb sucking, tooth-friendly foods, or anything else that pertains to your toddler’s oral health.
How often does a child need to see a dentist
Based on how your toddler’s teeth look, we will let you know when to make the next visit. We recommend that toddlers see the dentist about every six months — as long as there are no major problems. So don’t forget to schedule your child’s second appointment on your way out the door!