Having a Edmonton family dentist who is trusted ensures the oral health of your child throughout early childhood. For our team at Petrolia Dental Edmonton, cultivating proper dental habit during childhood sets the difference for a lifetime of smiling health. We are Edmonton’s family dentist proud to maintain thorough care on par with kids’ growth as they go through every stage of development.
The Significance of Early Oral Habits
As a family dentist in Edmonton, we have many parents inquire with us when they should start getting their kids in for dental visits. The Canadian Dental Association recommends having your child’s initial visit at six months after the eruption of their first tooth or at their first birthday, whichever is earliest.
These first-time visits serve a few purposes. One, they allow us to monitor your child’s teeth growth and recognize any potential problems before they become severe complications. Two, they get your child accustomed to dental appointments so that when they grow up, anxiety is reduced. Three, these visits allow us to inform parents about proper oral hygiene techniques that are tailored to your child.
Daily Dental Care Routine for Kids Suggested by A Family dentist in Edmonton
Establishing routine oral hygiene habits is necessary in order to avoid cavities and maintain healthy teeth. As your family dentist Edmonton, we recommend the following age-related care:
For Babies and Toddlers
Even before teeth erupt, brush your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. When teeth erupt, brush twice a day with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and an age-appropriate toothbrush. Parents can brush for the children until the children have the manual dexterity to brush all surfaces well on their own, which is around age 7-8.
For School-Age Children
As kids develop, they should continue to brush twice daily with pea-sized dabbs of fluoride toothpaste. Flossing may be started once teeth are touching each other. Brushing can be made fun by using timers, reward charts, or letting them choose their toothbrush (with guidance on appropriate selection).
The Role of Nutrition in Dental Health
What your child drinks and eats matters a lot in their oral health. As Edmonton family dentists, we take the opportunity during routine checkup visits to consult with parents regarding nutrition. Keep sugary treats and beverages low, as these fuel the tooth decay-causing bacteria. What you should eat instead:
- Crunchy fresh fruits and veggies like apples and carrots, stimulating saliva that acts to clean the teeth
- Foods rich in calcium like cheese, yogurt, and milk that fortify enamel on teeth
- Water instead of soda or juice, particularly between meals
- Healthy snacking routines with minimum grazing during the day
Preventive Treatments Your Family Dentist in Edmonton Offers
Dental check-ups every six months allow us to provide preventive treatments that significantly reduce the risk of cavities and other dental conditions.
Professional Cleanings
Even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are required to eliminate plaque and tartar deposits that brushing can’t fix. Our gentle hygienists make these cleanings comfortable and educational for children of all ages.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the susceptibility of teeth to acid attack by plaque bacteria. During your child’s regular visit, we apply a special fluoride varnish for extra protection until the next appointment. The quick, painless treatment is one of the most effective methods to stop cavities.
Dental Sealants
As your Edmonton family dentist, we highly recommend dental sealants for school-age children. Sealants are a thin layer of material applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars, where most cavities in children occur. The procedure is quick and painless:
- The teeth are cleaned
- A special gel coats the tooth surface
- The sealant material is painted on the tooth
- A special light helps harden the sealant
Sealants can lower the risk of cavities up to 80% for molars and, overall, must be replaced every several years.
Sports and Dental Safety
Should your child engage in sports, a custom-fit mouthguard plays a key role in protecting his or her teeth from injury. As your family dentist in Edmonton, we are able to craft a comfortable, long-lasting mouthguard that outshines an over-the-counter mouthguard.
Partner with Your Family Dentist in Edmonton
At Petrolia Dental Edmonton, we’re dedicated to creating positive dental experiences that provide the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits for the mouth. Our team takes the time to build relationships with young patients, explaining procedures in ways they can understand, as well as celebrating their successes.
Don’t forget that children learn from example. If they see you caring for your own teeth and visiting the dentist on a regular basis, they’ll be more likely to recognize that oral health is an important part of total health care.
Schedule your family’s next appointment with our family dentist Edmonton today by calling 780-435-3784. Together, we can create healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.
