FAQs About Children's Dental Care

Once the first baby teeth erupt, your baby will need dental care. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or by they time they are one year old. > Learn More

Primary teeth are important for several reasons. First, they allow your child to properly consume and digest all the nutrients he or she needs to be healthy. They also act as a guide for emerging adult (permanent) teeth. > Learn More

Tooth decay is a result of plaque build up causing the enamel and dentin of the teeth to erode or break down. This is usually caused by a diet high in sugars and acidic foods, in combination with poor oral hygiene. > Learn More

When the bacteria in the mouth consume sugar, they convert it into acid plaque. The acid plaque then eats away at the enamel and dentin of the teeth, causing tooth decay. > Learn More

When food debris and bacteria build up on the teeth, they form plaque. When the plaque hardens, it forms tartar, all while even more plaque forms. The tartar and plaque eventually infect the gums, causing them to become sore, red, and swollen. This is gum disease. > Learn More

The first signs of tooth decay and gum disease are not necessarily obvious. Though you can keep an eye out for symptoms like bleeding gums, soreness, pain, swelling, and redness, these are usually signs that the gum disease has been developing for a while. The best way to detect tooth decay or gum disease before it becomes a problem is by making regular appointments with a dentist. The dentist will be able to detect gum disease and tooth decay in ways that you are unable to at home. > Learn More

You shouldn't. Permanent teeth are often more yellow in appearance than baby teeth, when they first grow in. This is a sign that the dentin in your child's teeth is developing as it should be. > Learn More

Fluoride is simply a mineral that occurs naturally in soil, water, and certain foods. It has a positive effect on children's oral health because it strengthens their developing teeth, and makes them more resistant to tooth decay. It can even reverse decay. When used as directed, fluoride is perfectly safe, but it can be hazardous in high doses. > Learn More

Dental sealants are applied to the teeth in order to fill in their grooves and recesses. This creates a smooth surface that is easier to clean. > Learn More

The consensus among dental professionals is that children should their first dental appointment within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth, by the time they turn 1 year old. Staring prevention and treatment early will give your child a good head start when it comes to life-long oral health.

Children should visit the dentist at least every 6 months for check ups and cleanings.

You can begin brushing your child's teeth once the first teeth start to erupt. At first, use a soft, child-sized tooth brush and either water or a tiny dab of tooth paste. Before the teeth start erupting, you can clean your baby's gums after meals with water and a soft cloth.

You can begin to introduce toothpaste into his or her oral care routine when your child is around 2.5 - 3 years old. Transition from water slowly, and only use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste to start with.

If your toothpaste is approved by the Canadian Dental Association, contains fluoride, and doesn't contain whitening agents, it is perfectly safe for children to use. Most pharmacies sell kid-friendly toothpastes that come in flavours that may be a little less jarring than regular toothpaste! These perfect for children who are just starting out with toothpaste.

Just like adults, kids should brush their teeth a minimum of twice a day. Ideally, brushing should take place after each meal, first thing in the morning, and right before bed.

When children first start flossing, It's not unusual for children's gums to bleed. The gums may bleed because they are not yet used to flossing, but this will sort itself out over time. Make sure that you (or your child) flosses very gently, and use soft, flexible floss. If the bleeding goes on for more than a couple of weeks after your child starts flossing, however, make a dental appointment; it may be a sign that a problem, such as gum disease, is developing.

Dental emergencies are pretty rare, but they do sometimes happen.

Seek medical help if your child has

• A toothache that continues after the area has been cleaned and rinsed with warm water
• A bitten or cut tongue, cheek, or lip. If applying ice doesn't reduce swelling within two hours, and/or if applying gauze doesn't stop the bleeding, bring your child to the doctor or emergency room.
• A broken tooth. If you can find the tooth, pick it up carefully by the top (not by the root) and try to put it back in the socket. If you can't do this, put the tooth in cold milk. Whether you can replace it in the socket or not, bring your child (and the tooth) to the dentist right away.

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To start, you can prepare you child for dental appointments with honest talk, engaging books, and a consistent at-home oral hygiene routine. If your child is unable to overcome his or her anxiety by way of these methods, Smile Town Langley offers a variety of safe sedation options.