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When should a child first visit the dentist?
Current recommendations are that a child’s first dental visit should occur before one year of age. It is important for a dentist to evaluate the oral health condition, assess risk factors, identify and correct potential problems and assist in educating parents in the prevention of dental disease.

What should I expect?
At the first dental visit, the dentist will want to take a detailed medical history. One of the main objectives of this initial visit is to instill a foundation for the development of a positive attitude toward dentistry. The examination will focus on prevention, including diet counselling and fluoride assessment. The dentist will also evaluate the child’s oral health, which includes tooth eruption, development and the presence of decay. Finally, an assessment of the child’s oral hygiene, fluoride intake and dietary habits will be made.

What is my role as a parent during this appointment?
As a parent, it is important to act as a positive role model for your child. Your cooperation and understanding is imperative. In addition, it is essential that you as a parent supervises, and aids in your child’s oral hygiene regimen.

What type of dietary recommendations are advised?
The following are recommendations with respect to a child’s diet:

1. There should be a reduction in the amount of sugars which are eaten.
2. Sweets should not be eaten between meals or at bedtime. If sweets are consumed, it is important to brush the teeth, or to rinse your mouth.
3. foods which stick to your teeth are worse than foods that require chewing.
4. Always brush your teeth before bed
5. If your child still takes a bottle, give the child water only in the bottle at bed time. Never put your child to sleep with milk or juice in a bottle.

Do all children require Fluoride?
Currently in the city of Toronto, our water is enriched with fluoride to a concentration of approximately 1 part per million. This as deemed by dental public health as optimal in reducing the incidence of dental decay. Studies indicate that there is a reduction of decay by approximately 20-30% with fluoride. However administration of fluoride is advised for children based on need. Children with a history of decay, existing decay, poor oral hygiene, or with certain medical conditions would benefit for topical fluoride treatment.

What are sealants and why are they advised?
Sealants are a composite based material that are usually placed on top of a tooth’s pit and fissures which assists in reducing tooth decay. Sealants are effective at reducing decay that may occur on the biting surfaces of teeth. Sealants are advised in patients who have pits and fissures that are not self-cleansing and are susceptible to decay as a result.

At what age should my child’s teeth start to erupt?
Times for tooth eruption vary with each child. The following is a chart which provides average eruption times:

Primary teeth

Permanent teeth