Tips for Children’s Dentistry in Edmonton
Childhood is a critical time for establishing good oral health habits. As children learn to care for their teeth and experience the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth, it’s vital to ensure their dental care is both proactive and preventive.
Avoid Nighttime Bottles for Better Oral Health
Many parents give their young children a bottle before bedtime, often with milk or juice. While this can help with sleep, it can also lead to tooth decay. The sugar and bacteria from these drinks combine with saliva, which can cause cavities. To help protect your child’s teeth, try using water in the bottle at bedtime.
When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?
At Time to Care Dental, we recommend scheduling your child’s first dental visit by age three. This first visit is essential for getting your child familiar with the dentist and the office environment, helping to reduce anxiety in future visits. Before that, we suggest a “happy visit” to introduce your child to the office in a stress-free way. Regular check-ups starting from a young age can prevent cavities and allow us to monitor your child’s dental development.
For children under 10, an annual check-up with a light cleaning is often sufficient. However, if your child experiences any early dental concerns, more frequent visits may be necessary. From ages 10 to 17, we recommend a check-up every six months to track the development of their permanent teeth and ensure that oral hygiene is being maintained as they grow.
Understanding Tender Gums in Children
If your child experiences sore or swollen gums, it could be due to the eruption of permanent teeth. Around age six, the first set of adult teeth starts to push through, causing discomfort. This process can take months and may cause some tenderness around the baby teeth. If the discomfort seems excessive or prolonged, it’s always a good idea to consult your dentist to ensure everything is progressing normally.
The Effects of Thumb Sucking on Oral Development
Thumb sucking is a common reflex in infants, and for many children, it’s a comforting habit that can last into early childhood. However, if the habit continues beyond the age of two, it may affect the proper growth of your child’s mouth and teeth. Prolonged thumb sucking can also alter the roof of the mouth, causing alignment issues with the permanent teeth. If your child is still sucking their thumb at an older age, consider talking to your dentist for advice.
Spaced Out Baby Teeth Can Be a Positive Sign
If your child has gaps between their baby teeth, don’t worry! This is actually a good sign for future dental development. The spaces between their teeth help create room for the larger adult teeth that will come in. In fact, children with gaps between their baby teeth are less likely to need braces later on. Proper spacing sets the foundation for a healthy adult smile.
Protect Your Child’s Smile with Regular Checkups
Maintaining good dental health habits and seeing a pediatric dentist regularly is key to preventing issues like cavities, gum disease, and misaligned teeth. At Time to Care Dental, we’re here to ensure that your child’s dental care is both comfortable and effective.
If you have questions about your child’s dental health or need to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 780-484-5918.