Generally, you should bring your baby to meet the dentist once they’ve got their first tooth growing in. 6 months after the tooth appears or at age 1, whichever comes first, is the best time to do so. Following that first visit, regular visits every six months would become ideal.

Stay positive! This is a big deal for your child and they may be scared, so do your best to stay calm and supportive. You may want to show them photos of the office prior to arriving to try and familiarize them with the space. The 425 Dental team is trained to quell fear and anxiety, even in children, and will do their best to keep your child happy throughout every single one of their visits.

During your visit, we’ll take the time to get to know your child. We’ll examine their mouth to give you a report on their current oral health as well as any early signs of problems should they exist. You’ll be sent home with plenty of knowledge for caring for your child’s oral health at home, and have us as a resource for any questions or emergencies that may arise.

In addition to supporting your baby’s overall health, their baby teeth provide the same support that permanent teeth do. They assist your baby as they learn to speak, smile and chew, as well as reserve space in their jaw as their permanent teeth grow in. Premature loss of baby teeth can cause crooked or misplaced teeth later in life.

It’s always a smart idea to gently clean your baby’s gums after a meal. A soft, damp washcloth will do the trick just fine. Upon arrival of their first tooth, you may begin to do the same but with a small, soft bristled toothbrush.

Once a few more teeth have arrived, you can begin using small amounts on fluoride-free toothpaste until your child passes age 2. You should always instruct your child to rinse and spit out toothpaste after brushing, to avoid the damaging habit of swallowing fluoride toothpaste once they’re old enough to use it. Continue brushing your child’s teeth for them until they’re ready to take on that responsibility themselves at around age 6 or 7.

The natural bacteria in our mouths do not play nice with sugary food and drinks. Residue that’s left behind from these snacks produce acids that slowly attack the enamel and leave holes in our teeth – cavities.

To combat cavities, be sure your child is maintaining good brushing habits – at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also helpful, as floss effectively reaches spots between teeth that a toothbrush cannot. In addition, limiting sugary foods and drinks for your child will greatly reduce the risk of cavities, as well as help them maintain a healthy diet. Regular checkups will also allow us to monitor the health of your child’s teeth as well as provide proper cleanings to help prevent decay.

While the short answer is no, sealants are still highly recommended for children ages 5-14, or ideally when their molars begin to come in. They act as an extra layer of protection against cavities, which children are far more susceptible to than adults. A simple and effective method, sealants cover the hard-to-reach fissures along the chewing surface of teeth, adding protection to these portions that are generally missed when brushing or flossing.

Mouthguards are a fantastic way for both kids and adults to keep their teeth safe while staying active. 425 Dental is proud to offer custom-made mouthguards that provide ideal protection for your child, protecting their teeth, gums and cheeks during both low-key and high-contact sports.