First year, first check-up. This allows the caregivers to discuss proper oral care for infant and to observe any signs of ECC at an early stage.

Consult the Oral Health section of the Health Unit if your child requires an oral screening and finances are preventing a dental visit, or if you would like to talk to our professional oral health team please call 1-800-660-5853.

Parents are often unsure when they should take their child for their first dental visit. Should you wait until your child has all of their teeth? Should you wait until you detect a problem or your child reports discomfort? The answers to these questions are no.

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that infants have a oral health examination by one year of age. The reason for this timing is prevention – the child can visit the dentist before there is a problem, and parents can learn how to care for their children’s teeth.

No matter what your child’s age, parents should prepare their children for their first dental experience. Parents should encourage excitement about the visit, and avoid instilling fear or anxiety. Here are some ways that you can help make your child’s first dental appointment a great one:

• find a dental office that provides a kid-friendly environment with patient and caring staff
• schedule a “fun” visit to the office prior to the examination for your child to take a tour of the office, a ride in the dental chair, and see the dental equipment the dental team will use to check their teeth
• take your child to one of your dental hygiene appointments so they can watch
• read them a story about going to the dentist
• play dentist at home – take turns counting each others teeth with a flashlight
• bring a favourite teddy to the appointment so the dentist can count and check their “teeth” first
• explain everything that is going to happen, and avoid using words that may scare your child
• avoid caffeine and sugary foods before a dental appointment
• schedule short appointments (15-30 min) to build trust and avoid boredom and fussiness
• never force your child to do something they are not comfortable with – reschedule the visit and try again at a later date

A big part of preparing your child for the first appointment is knowing what to expect yourself. At the age of 1 year, the examination is usually quite simple. The main goal is to have a look at the teeth and gums. The dentist or dental hygienist will use a bright light and mouth mirror to count and check the teeth. They will be looking for any signs of ECC. This first visit provides a great opportunity to teach parents how to lift the lip at home to check for cavities, brush and floss, and make food choices for healthy teeth. The use of fluoride may also be discussed.

Do not worry if your child is hesitant the first visit. Just remember that you have the power to create positive dental attitudes for a lifetime. Starting with good oral hygiene from birth, matched with the first dental visit by age 1, there is no question you will be making good decisions for your child’s oral health.

By Jill Hicks, RDH