When should my child first visit the dentist?
A good rule is to book the first visit by age one, or within half a year of the first tooth showing. This is what the Canadian Dental Association advises. Many parents are surprised it is so early. If your little one is older than that, it is fine. Just come in when you can.
A first visit does not take long. We check the teeth, the gums and the growth of the jaw. After that, we chat with you about brushing tiny teeth, soothers, thumb-sucking, and what goes in the bottle or cup. Ask us anything at all. Coming early has one more benefit. Your child learns that our office is a friendly place, long before any tooth needs fixing.
What we do at each age
- Babies and toddlers under three: a quick, friendly peek as soon as teeth start to show. You get lots of time to ask about feeding, soothers and how to clean little teeth.
- Ages three to six: a check-up and a cleaning at each visit. Bit by bit, your child learns that counting and polishing teeth is nothing to fear.
- Ages seven to twelve: the adult molars arrive, and we can seal them. We keep track of each new adult tooth and fix a cavity when one shows up.
- Teens: a check-up and a cleaning, plus a check on the wisdom teeth. When teeth look crowded, we talk over ways to straighten them.
When something turns up, you will see it too. We explain it simply and let you know whether to treat it today or watch it for now. Our examination page has more on what a full exam covers.
Why baby teeth matter
It is easy to think baby teeth do not count, since new ones replace them. But some stay a long time. The back baby teeth are often still there at age ten, eleven or twelve. All that time they help your child eat and speak clearly. They also keep a spot open for each adult tooth. If one comes out too soon because of a cavity, nearby teeth may slide over and crowd that spot.
A cavity in a baby tooth can be sore, and it can grow. Found early, it needs only a small white filling and a quick visit. Regular check-ups help us find them at that stage.
Sealants
Back teeth have tiny pits and grooves on top. Toothbrush bristles are too wide to clean inside them, so food and germs can hide there. A sealant is a thin layer we paint over those grooves to keep them out. We often place sealants when the adult molars come in, near age six and again near age twelve. Each tooth takes only a few minutes, and no freezing is needed.
If your child is nervous
Feeling a bit scared at the dentist is normal, and lots of kids feel that way on day one. So we never rush. Your child can see and touch the little mirror first. We explain every step in simple words before it happens. If they need a break, we take one. Parents can sit right beside the chair. Some first visits are just a chair ride and a quick peek at a few teeth. That still counts as a win, and next time is easier.
If a tooth is knocked out or broken
- Knocked-out baby tooth: leave it out and do not try to push it back. Phone us, and we will look at the gum and make sure the adult tooth below is fine.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: this one cannot wait. Pick it up by the crown, the part you see when your child smiles. Give it a quick rinse, with no scrubbing. If you are able, slide it back into its place. If not, drop it in a cup of cold milk and head to us at once.
- Chipped tooth, or a toothache that keeps going: phone us that same day.
You can find first steps on our emergency page.