Kids Dentistry – Protecting Smiles Forever

The Newsy Neighbbour Magazine

www.TheNewsyNeighbour.com

August Issue 118

Article Provided By: Langdon Dental

Taking care of a child’s smile is a rewarding aspect of Family Dentistry. A child’s early exposure to dental care can make them a fan – or fearful – of the dentist.

Why is Early Childhood Dental Care Important?

It’s hard to imagine that childhood dental decay is on the rise. In a time of electric toothbrushes, fluorinated toothpastes and access to nutritious food, why would any young child have to deal with the discomfort of a cavity? Part of the problem lies in the increased consumption of sugary drinks – especially sports and energy drinks that are packed with sugar that is rinsed around the mouth and left to sit on tooth surfaces. The reality is that water is probably the best choice for hydration and controlling exposure to unwanted calories and sugar. If a young child has a daily glass of fruit juice, they probably don’t need any further sugar-laden liquids in their day as there’s no disputing the fact that a high sugar diet coupled with ineffective homecare and low exposure to dental visits sets the perfect environment for childhood caries and other dental issues.

At What Age Should a Child Visit the Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association and Alberta Dental Association recommend that a child visit the dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by the age of 1. Now many parents reading this recommendation may be thinking ‘that’s super young,’ but keep in mind that a child’s introduction to the dentist should be when they are free from pain and discomfort and don’t require treatment. Bringing a child to the dentist at a young age allows for a slow and positive exposure to the dental team – no-stress visits that include a ride in the chair and counting of teeth. The reality is that dental treatment can be incredibly overwhelming for a young child – but if they’ve already developed trust with their Dentist and dental team, treatment will seem less scary and easier to handle – for all concerned.