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Many parents are surprised to learn that dental care should begin before the first tooth even emerges. The early years are a critical window of development, helping set the stage for beneficial dental hygiene.
At Woodbine Family Dental, we help make these early milestones stress-free for both the child and the parent. Here is a guide to the most important milestones in your child’s early oral health journey.
The “First Visit by First Birthday” Rule
When should you bring your child to the dentist? The best protocol is that a child see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. This initial visit allows us to monitor jaw development and catch potential issues, like baby bottle tooth decay, before they become painful problems. It also gets your child used to the sights and sounds of the dental office.
Teethbrushing Throughout Childhood
Brushing looks different as kids grow and develop. For infants, a damp cloth is enough to wipe gums after feeding. Once that first tooth pops up, it’s time for a soft-bristled brush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under three. Once they can reliably spit (usually around age three), you can move up to a pea-sized amount.
Cavity Protection for Back Molars
As your child grows, their permanent molars will arrive with deep grooves that are magnets for bacteria. This is where professional intervention makes a huge difference. We often recommend dental sealants, which are a thin, protective shield that help seal out food and plaque. Applying sealants is a simple, painless procedure that can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.
Read More: Choosing a Dentist You Can Trust: It’s More Than Just Location
Visit Us for Children’s Dentistry in Etobicoke, ON
Your child’s comfort and health are our top priorities at Woodbine Family Dental. By starting early, we can ensure that their relationship with the dentist is built on trust and positive experiences. From the first tooth to the first lost tooth, our dentist in Etobicoke is dedicated to care for your child’s smile.
Contact us to schedule your child’s next dental visit with our children’s dentist in Etobicoke, ON!
