When Should Kids Go to the Dentist?

Are you a parent concerned about your child’s teeth and their dental health? Are you a new parent who’s wondering when you should start to bring your child to a dentist?

The question “When should kids go to the dentist?” is one we get asked quite a lot at our dental office! Basically, taking care of your teeth should start as young as when your first little tooth pops out of your gums. However, there is such a thing as being too young to visit your dentist, which is why so many parents get confused. 

Your Child’s First Visit

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends taking your child to a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth arriving or by the age of one, whichever happens first. We suggest you come see us every six months. Our goal as dentists is to catch any potential problems early so that they are dealt with and don’t turn into a bigger problem.

When you first come see us, we will discuss healthy oral habits for your child, including cleaning habits at home, and check up on how well their teeth and gums are developing. Depending on the age of the child, we may also take some digital X-rays to make sure there are no cavities in their mouth and that their teeth are coming in properly.

At Home

Before it’s bedtime, make sure you help your children with regular brushing. Use a soft toothbrush that’s sized according to your child’s age. If you need to, help guide their hand, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, moving in a circular motion from tooth to tooth. As soon as you see your child’s teeth touching together, you should start helping them floss.

When your child turns 6 years old, they can start using mouthwash for extra cavity protection and overall hygiene. Vigorously swishing 10 ml (2 tsp) for 1 minute, then spit. There are now mouthwashes available just for kids, but if you’re unsure of which one you should be using, we can discuss it with you.

If you notice any changes in your child’s teeth, come see us right away. We love having kids visit us! We’ll make sure your child and their teeth are well taken care of.

Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Westboro Dental Clinic and a clickable link back to this page.