The Smile Daily

Time to go to the dentist!

Every parent knows that babies need a lot of TLC to grow up happy and healthy. From feeding them healthy foods to ensuring they are bathed and cleaned, parents need to tend to every aspect of caring for their little ones.One area that is sometimes overlooked is dental care. After all, children lose their first set of teeth, right?Dental care is of great importance, and something to be considered even before baby cuts his first tooth. There are products on the market, such as small toothbrushes that fit on a fingertip, that not only get a child used to the routine of brushing, but also clean their gums to keep them healthy.Once the baby teeth have begun poking through the gums, parents should start brushing their teeth and gums at least twice a day with non-fluoridated toothpaste until the child knows how to spit out the paste fully. This will keep their teeth in great shape until they fall out (naturally) to make way for their adult teeth to come in. This will also keep their pearly whites pearly white for when they flash their cute-as-can-be smile.Around 3 years old is a good time to call the dentist to make the child’s first appointment. A good general rule is to take the child in during your routine cleanings to get them comfortable and see you having a fearless visit.If there are concerns beforehand, such as discolored teeth or odor, call the dentist sooner rather than later. We call this first appointment their "Happy Visit".The thought of taking a little one to the dentist might sound daunting, but that shouldn’t be the case. Little ones don’t know about drills or root canals. They get to sit in a chair that goes up and down, play with Mr. Thirsty, and have someone look at their smile! Parents should express enthusiasm for going to the dentist rather than fear.The first visit gives the dentist a chance to meet the child and have a very casual meeting, focusing more on getting the kids used to the dentist’s chair and educating the parents. The dentist will check the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw, as well as look for tooth decay. The dentist also may clean the child’s teeth, or may opt to do this on the second visit depending on the child.After a discussion about good oral hygiene, the dentist will answer any questions a parent or child may have about the visit or their teeth. Some common topics discussed include the introduction to flossing, appropriate healthy diet, and thumb sucking.A check-up every six months is routine, unless there are other issues that need to be addressed.