Hey there fellow tired dads! So, here’s the thing, I think it's safe to say that most of us wait way too long before we take our little ones to the dentist.
Like, way too long, for many reasons, maybe we didn't have enough time or we're scared that they'll be scared of the dentist. On average, parents don’t schedule that first dental visit until their child is over 2 years old. But guess what? Turns out, dental and medical pros say we should be doing it much sooner than that.
Here in Canada, the Canadian Dental Association recommends getting your child in for their first dentist visit by the time they turn 1 or within six months after their first tooth pops through, whichever comes first.
Now, every kid is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but starting early can make a big difference.
Let’s break down why this matters and how you can make that first trip as smooth as possible, for both you and your tiny human.
It’s not that we’re bad parents, it’s just easy to convince ourselves it can wait. Maybe you think your little one’s teeth are looking good, or maybe you’re worried they won’t handle the visit well. Totally valid concerns, but even if their tiny pearly white teeth seem perfect, there could be things going on that only a professional would catch.
Some parents feel like their child doesn’t have enough teeth yet for a dentist visit to “count.” Others worry their kid might freak out in the office and embarrass them.
Dentists who work with children see this stuff all the time. They’re pros at calming nervous toddlers (and nervous parents as well). And trust me, no one is judging if your baby cries. That’s just part of the gig when you’re dealing with little ones still figuring out the world.
The truth is, early visits are less about fixing problems and more about preventing them before they even start. A dentist can spot early signs of decay or other issues way before you’d notice anything at home. Plus, getting your child comfortable with dental visits early on sets them up for healthier habits down the road.
Okay, so we’ve talked about why that first dentist trip should happen by age 1, or even sooner in some cases. But how do you know if your baby might need to see the dentist before their first birthday?
Here are a few red flags to keep an eye out for, because sometimes, those tiny teeth and gums are trying to tell us something’s up.
First, let’s talk about toothaches. Now, obviously, your baby isn’t going to come up to you and say, “Hey, my tooth hurts!” But if they’re extra fussy or seem uncomfortable for no clear reason, it could be a sign of pain.
One common culprit? Tooth decay from bacteria lingering on their gums or teeth, often thanks to prolonged use of a bottle (hello, milk or juice sitting there too long).
Then there’s lip sucking. You know how babies love to explore everything with their mouths? Well, if your little one is constantly sucking on their lips, it could be a sign that their teeth aren’t aligning quite right. A dentist can help nip this habit in the bud before it leads to bigger issues down the road.
And don’t forget about their gums! If you notice swelling, redness, or even bleeding, it’s a pretty good indicator that plaque is starting to build up.
Gums shouldn’t look angry or irritated, so if they do, it’s time to get them checked out. Same goes for discolored teeth, spots or stains might not just be cosmetic. They could be an early warning sign of decay that needs attention pronto.
If your baby is heading to the dentist as an infant, lucky you! They’re probably not going to be nervous at all. Your job here is pretty simple: find a trustworthy dentist and show up. Easy peasy.
But if your child is a bit older, they might feel some nerves about the whole thing, and honestly, that’s totally normal. The good news? There are a few ways to help them feel more comfortable before the big day:
Putting off that first dentist visit might seem like no big deal, but it can lead to some bigger issues down the road. Sure, baby teeth are temporary, but they play a huge role in your child’s overall health and development.
Healthy primary teeth help your kiddo chew their food properly, get the nutrients they need, and even develop clear speech patterns.
If you delay that first visit, you’re opening the door for problems like:
It’s not as intimidating as it might sound, promise! Usually, a hygienist will help your child get comfy in the office. If they’re feeling shy or wiggly, they can totally sit on your lap. No pressure to be a big kid just yet!
Once everyone’s settled, the dentist will:
Your baby’s first dentist visit should happen by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth popping up. After that, aim for check-ups every six months, just like us grown-ups do. Early visits set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles and help catch any sneaky issues before they turn into big problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
I know life gets busy, and it’s easy to push this kind of thing to the back burner. But trust me, as someone who’s been there, you don’t want to skip those early dental visits. They’re such a small step that can make a huge difference in your child's health, and even save you some stress (and cash) later on.
So, call around, find a dentist you vibe with, and get that first appointment on the books. You’ve got this, and your little one’s smile will thank you for it. Now go ahead and pat yourself on the back, you’re doing great, parent!
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