Mississauga Kids Dental Health – Your Kid’s First Visit to the Dentist

When Should My Kid See a Dentist in Mississauga?

Your kid should see a dentist as soon as the first tooth sprouts. This usually happens around 6 months, but they can appear as late as 12 months or more.

Should My Kid See a Family Dentist or a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists have extensive knowledge and training in matters concerning dental problems of infants and children. A family dentist may not have the training and expertise to handle a child’s dental health, but there is a built-in bond with the family members. This may be a good thing for your kid. Either way, it comes down to you to decide the best option for your kid.
You can also ask recommendations from the family dentist or even friends if you are having a difficult time deciding.

What to Expect on Your First Dental Visit?

The most likely topics the dentist will discuss with you include;

• Dental development
• Teething
• Appropriate use of fluoride
• Oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip licking, nail biting, teeth grinding
• Good oral hygiene habits

It’s important to bring copies of your child’s medical records for reference purposes. After the visit, the dentist will schedule dental check-ups.

How to Prepare for the First Visit?

You should take the first initiative of putting your child at ease about the dentist. At the Mississauga dentist office, try to maintain calm, neutral demeanor in front of your kid. This will make your child more comfortable. If your anxiety kicks in, your kid will sense something is amiss. This will throw them off balance, leaving them scared and defensive.

What to Look Out for During Your First Dental Visit?

During your first visit to the dentist in Mississauga, making your kid feel safe, secure and comfortable is your only priority. To ensure this happens, you should look out for;

• How the dentist and staff handle the kids
• Child-friendly dental office
• How the dentist reacts when your kid becomes stubborn and defiant
• If you were attended to on time
• If the Mississauga dentist is a keen observer of your kid’s dental health

How to keep your kid’s teeth healthy?

• Clean your kid’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. This can be done even before teething
• Once the first tooth erupts, use a tiny toothbrush and a pea-sized fluoride paste to brush it
• Advocate brushing teeth in the morning and at night always
• At age 2 or 3, you should teach your kid not to swallow toothpaste

If good oral hygiene is not practiced, children can also develop cavities. You should not let the baby sleep with a bottle. The enamel is worn away by the sugary liquid which in turn causes tooth decay.