Experts recommend the assessment of young children by your dentist in Toronto, within 6 months of the appearance of the first tooth, or by the time the infant is 12 months of age.
The objective is to have this consultation before there are any problems with their teeth. Usually, a quick check up every 6 months will catch small problems early.
Why Do Young Children Need A Dentist Visit?
The main reason is to get into good habits. Your child certainly needs to see your dentist by the ages of 2 or 3 (when all the baby teeth have arrived) because:
- They will learn that going to the dentist is a normal part of life
- Any problems can be detected early
- Tooth care can be discussed in a child-friendly way
What May Happen At Your Child’s Visit To The Dentist?
It may be necessary for your dentist to take X-rays that will reveal any decay between the teeth. X-rays are also invaluable in showing if teeth are coming in properly. Care of teeth and gums may be discussed, along with the importance of fluoride and regular checkups.
Older Children
When your child’s permanent molars have come in, your dentist in Toronto may suggest ’sealing’ them. This procedure is painless and involves a type of plastic being applied to the chewing surface of molars. It helps prevent food and bacteria being trapped in the crevices of the teeth.
As more permanent teeth appear in your child’s mouth, the dentist will be alert to any that are crowding or crooked. As the jaw grows, crooked teeth will often straighten, but if they don’t malocclusion (bite problem) may result.
This may cause problems with facial appearance (and associated self-esteem), and with eating and cleaning.
Your dentist may need to refer such problems to a dental specialist like an orthodontist, who has received extra training in the rectification of these problems. Braces or plates may be recommended.
Trusting Your Dentist
Your dentist has undergone years of training in order to be the best person to advise you on your child’s dental care. So taking his or her advice on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy is one of the smartest moves a parent can make.
Good oral hygiene, good diet and regular visits to the dentist from an early age are the perfect combination to ensuring your children have happy mouths.
Canadian’s are blessed with high standards of specialist dental care, and should be confident that their dentist in Toronto will care for their children’s teeth with world class techniques and procedures.
