Children's first visit to the dentist should be fun. Children aren't born afraid of the dentist from birth, but they can be afraid of the unknown.

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Our clinic explains every treatment to children in simple, non-scary words that they'll enjoy. We want you and your child to feel comfortable from the first moment you come to the clinic with your family.

World Health Organization (WHO) and American Association of Pediatric Dentists Recommend...

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Children should visit the dentist when they enter their first year. Your child's newly erupted teeth (starting to erupt between 6 months and 12 months) must be under control by a dentist from the very beginning and have regular dental care.

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When a New Tooth Arrives

Your child's first teeth, or "milk" teeth, will start to erupt between 6-12 months and will continue to do so until they're about 3 years old. During this time, the child's gums may become more sensitive than usual. To relieve this discomfort, you can help your child relax by gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger or a cool, damp cloth, or you can get teething rings.

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Your child's teeth may fall out at different times throughout childhood. Permanent teeth usually start to erupt after the age of 6 and can continue until the age of 21. An adult has 28 permanent teeth in their mouth (32, including wisdom teeth).

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Promoting Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As your child's teeth begin to erupt, be sure to check the inside of the mouth every two weeks to look for discoloration and other signs of decay. Remember, sugary foods and drinks can quickly penetrate new teeth, and the best way to prevent this is to make sure that teeth are brushed after every feeding. We recommend brushing twice a day to ensure optimal oral hygiene.

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Babies should start brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Once a baby has teeth, parents should brush their child's teeth with soft-bristled brushes and a very small amount of toothpaste. For children under 2 years of age, don't use fluoride toothpaste unless a doctor or dentist advises otherwise. Tooth brushing can be fun and you can do activities with your child about tooth brushing techniques.

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Flossing is also essential in maintaining oral hygiene and it's best to discuss with your dentist when your child can start flossing. If you notice signs of decay in your child's mouth, you should consult the dentist as soon as possible.

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Preventing Tooth Decay With Regular Dentist Visits

Tooth decay is caused by residual sugar that stays in the mouth and turns into acid, which damages your teeth over time. Children have a very high risk of tooth decay. The reason for this is quite simple: young children and adolescents don't have regular oral hygiene habits.

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Twice a year, fluoride treatment is recommended along with a dental cleaning treatment. Fissure sealant pastes are also recommended in treatments because they act as a "filler" in hard-to-reach areas, preventing tooth decay in these areas. These fissure sealants can last for years, but they'll be checked by your dentist at each dental visit.