In Canada, the professional associations recommend dental assessment of children at one year of age, once the first teeth have emerged. The aim here is to identify any potential problems or issues as early as possible. Indeed, even children should be getting a dental examination every six months. In this way, the children's dentist can set the stage for a future of responsible oral health care.
- Establishing proper cleaning and daily maintenance
- Allowing for early identification of problems/issues
- Familiarizing the child with the clinic environment
When to Take Your Child to a Dentist in Woodbridge, Vaughan
With children, it’s important to determine if the teeth are growing in properly. And with regular exams during the year, this can be effectively monitored. For example, if teeth are growing in crooked or are overly crowded, this may eventually cause more serious problems. And while teeth actually straighten out as the jaw develops, it’s always good to be preemptive than not.
In situations where a child’s teeth don’t straighten out naturally, there may be associated issues with biting or chewing. Here, the dentists in Vaughan can evaluate exactly what to do and how - even to the extent that braces may be required. Once again, early diagnosis will make for a better treatment plan and better outcomes. For parents, working closely with the dentist is recommended.
From time to time, a dentist may suggest a tooth filling for a child, even though the teeth are still considered “baby teeth”. The big question here is why to fill a tooth that will eventually fall out? The answer is simple – these primary teeth will be there for a good number of years, and hence, decay or damage should be properly repaired, particularly to prevent further damage.
Primary teeth (baby teeth) actually guide the permanent teeth (adult teeth) into their proper locations in the dental arch. With regular exams, even at an early age, everything can be well monitored.
Read MoreDental associations around the world highly recommend that parents supervise their children while they brush their teeth – some even until the age of eight. While every country differs, poor dental health amongst children has become worrisome. Hence the need to introduce good tooth brushing habits as early as possible, and throughout the primary years.
Clearly, younger children aren’t able to properly clean their teeth, nor are they able to grasp the importance. For parents, it’s important to help out when a child is very young, and to assist along the way, as the child gets older. Most dentists in Vaughan suggest that when a child can cursively write their name, that child is ready to brush their teeth independently.
The main aim of parental supervision is to ensure that the child does a good job when brushing. Suggestions on brushing techniques are available at the dentist’s office, often with child-friendly illustrations. Most importantly, however, is consistency and routine. Parental supervision will set the stage for good overall dental hygiene habits for many years to come.
In terms of brushing, there are some fundamentals: using a soft brush (round bristles); using the right size toothbrush; being careful not to irritate the gums; and not swallowing toothpaste after brushing. Also recommended is that children under 3 have their teeth brushed by a parent. As well, the toothbrush should be used with water, and not fluoride paste.
Why Visit Our Dentist in Woodbridge
At the Mackenzie Dental Centre, Dr. Lloyd Pedvis provides general dentistry for the entire family. With a preventive approach to dental health, it’s all about the basics: consistent daily brushing; routine clinic visits; and preventive measures that ensure early diagnosis. Young and old, the Mackenzie team provides a wide range of services: from cavity detection to teeth whitening - and everything between. The Mackenzie Dental Centre would be proud to become your family dentist. Contact us today to learn more.
Read MoreHow Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?
When it comes to brushing teeth, new parents often discover that their old habits are actually the wrong habits. The good news is that bad habits can be corrected, especially when new parents are teaching their young kids about oral hygiene with the guidance of kids dentist in Vaughan. Some tooth brushing rules are obvious, but others need reinforcement - and getting young kids on the right track is simply good parenting.
- proper tooth brushing should last at least two minutes
- brushing should be twice a day (morning and bedtime)
- it’s most preferable to use a fluoride-based toothpaste
- flossing should be at least once a day (usually bedtime)
- sugary snacks should be restricted in number each day
- oral examinations should be scheduled every 6 months
The key with flossing is to instill regularity when children are small. In this way, flossing habits will grow with the child, and flossing will become routine. Although flossing for young children may not be as vital as for adults, the practice and training will be long lasting, and as young adults, flossing will simply be a regular part of oral hygiene. Following some basic guidelines is helpful.
- for good grasp, floss should be from 18 - 24 inches in length
- the floss ends should be wound around index/middle fingers
- tightened floss should be held around the tooth in a “C” shape
- floss should be pulled back/forth and up/down over the tooth
With proper brushing, good flossing, and regular visits to your dentist in Woodbridge tooth decay can be significantly reduced. And that applies to children of all ages (not to mention the adults). In fact, very young children are just as vulnerable to tooth decay as older children. As for regular dental checkups, these are critical for the whole family, and with children as young as two or three. These visits allow for familiarity with the dentist, and a positive dental experience every time an appointment is set.
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