Early Dental Care

Your Childs First Teeth

Your child's 20 baby teeth will begin to appear usually between six and nine months, though in some cases it may start as early as three months or as late as twelve months. The two lower front teeth tend to erupt first, followed by the two upper ones. The first molars come in next, followed by the canines (eyeteeth). Occasionally, your baby may experience teething discomfort during this process. If so, let us know and we will advise you as to the best course of action.

Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after each feeding, with a water-soaked gauze pad or damp washcloth. Starting at age 2, when there are more teeth in the mouth, establish a daily brushing routine with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush, and no more than a thin smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Your child may need your help with this important task until around the age of 6. If your child is having difficulties with brushing their own teeth, try an electronic toothbrush. Children may find brushing with a powered toothbrush more exciting. 

Your child won't keep his or her first teeth forever, but that doesn't mean those tiny pearly whites don't need conscientious care. Maintaining your child's dental health will provide health benefits well into adulthood, as primary (baby) teeth serve extremely important functions. For one thing, primary teeth serve as guides for the eruption of permanent (adult) teeth. The crowns (tops) of the permanent teeth actually push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb, or melt away. In this way, the adult teeth can take their proper place.

For the first six years, he or she will be relying on primary teeth to bite, chew, and speak. Until around age 12, your child will have a mix of primary and permanent teeth. You will want to make sure those teeth stay healthy and are lost naturally — when it's time.

Your Child's First Dental Appointment

Pediatric Dentists recommend that you bring your child in to see us by his/her first birthday. Though this may sound early, we can teach you proper pediatric oral hygiene techniques, check for cavities, and watch for developmental patterns. Most of all, we want to make sure your child has a positive experience at our office and will be a regular visitor for years to come.

Pediatric Dental Appointments

There are a variety of dental treatments we use to prevent tooth decay in children, or to save or repair teeth.

  • Topical Fluoride | Fluoride incorporates into the enamel of teeth, making it harder and more resistant to decay. Although there is a small amount of fluoride in toothpastes and in some drinking water supplies, we can apply a higher concentration onto your child's teeth for maximum protection.
  • Dental Sealants | We can apply a plastic coating that prevents cavities by sealing the little grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth known as “pits and fissures.” These little crevices become the perfect environments for decay-causing bacteria. Immature tooth enamel is more permeable and less resistant to tooth decay. Dental sealants are easy to apply and provide years of protection.
  • Root Canal Treatment | Perhaps you have had a root canal treatment yourself to save an injured or decayed tooth. Well, sometimes children need root canals too. Baby teeth are important guides for permanent teeth that are already forming beneath your child's gums. Saving them from premature loss can help prevent a malocclusion that may require orthodontic treatment.
  • Bonding | Chips and minor fractures to front teeth — common childhood occurrences — can be repaired with tooth-colored bonding materials. These lifelike resins can be used on baby teeth, as well as permanent teeth, and last until the youngster has completed facial growth
  • Orthodontics | By around age 7, most malocclusions have become evident. Interceptive orthodontic treatment around this time can help direct proper tooth positioning and/or jaw growth, eliminating or simplifying the need for treatment later in life. There are many orthodontic concerns that can be detected early and are examples of why a trained professional should evaluate your child during his/her growth and development.
Family Dentist in Vegreville Alberta

Sports and Your Child's Teeth

If your child is active in sports, we highly recommend a custom-made mouthguard. An athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer dental harm when not wearing one of these protective devices. We can have a mouthguard custom-made specifically for your child using a model of his or her teeth that will offer greater protection than an off-the-shelf model. It is an investment that pays off highly in the form of reduced pain, suffering — and dental expenses down the road! Please ask us about mouthguards at your child's next appointment.
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