At Northern Hills Dental, ensuring children receive proper dental care is important to us. Children’s Dentistry is of primary importance to us. As parents ourselves, we know it is important to help other parents understand the importance of their children’s dental and oral health.
Baby Teeth & Calgary NW Children’s Dentistry
Even though your child will one day lose their baby teeth, these first teeth are very important for several reasons. Starting from infancy, daily oral hygiene is very important because the tissues in the mouth require cleansing to prevent irritation and infection.
It is never too early to begin a regular brushing routine with your child. Babies can begin teething at three months old. However, it is more common to begin teething around 6 to 7 months old. The first teeth that appear are usually lower incisors or front teeth. By the age of 3, children should have their complete set of 20 teeth.
The Importance of Daily Oral Hygiene
As the teeth grow, use a toothbrush that is designed for your child’s age, as indicated on the package. Use the correct brushing and flossing method, when caring for your child’s teeth. Most children like to show their independence by doing tasks, such as brushing their teeth, on their own. You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day until he (or she) can brush their own teeth correctly, around the age of six, but also, allow your kids to brush their teeth themselves, either before or after you have completely removed all of the plaque. When you are confident your child is capable of brushing alone, use a timer and time your child’s brushing for the recommended two minutes. When complete, always do a final inspection. Remember to applaud a job well done, and if you do notice any teeth that have been missed, show your child the area and demonstrate how he should remove the plaque or food.
New Teeth & Children’s Dentistry
The permanent teeth usually begin growing when a child is six, although every child is different and may get teeth earlier or later than this.
The 32 adult teeth are typically fully erupted between 17 and 25 years old. As the teeth progressively appear, ensure your child is brushing away any food or plaque that is visible on the tooth. It may be slightly uncomfortable when brushing newly erupted teeth because they are so close to the gum line. Plaque build-up will not only increase the chances of decay; but the gum tissue will also become red and inflamed, causing pain and inflammation.
The transition between baby teeth and permanent teeth is not as difficult as teething, although your child may be uncomfortable when eating. If your child is having problems either because of sore gums or simply because he can’t bite into the food, offer softer food choices and try to cut hard food into bite-sized pieces, to be chewed with the molars, or back teeth.
NW Calgary Dental Services
- Family Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Bridges
- Porcelain Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
- Laser Cold Sores
- Sedation Dentistry
- Invisalign
- Dental and Cosmetic Facial Botox
- Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Dental Implants
- Root Canal Treatment
- Hygiene/Preventative Treatment
- Partial & Complete Dentures
- Emergency Dentistry
Gaining More Independence
Once your child begins brushing on their own, you must keep an eye out for any signs of gingivitis. If you can visibly see plaque, encourage the proper brushing and flossing technique for the recommended two minutes. Discuss any concerns you have with us at your next cleaning and check-up appointment. Our Calgary hygienist will go over brushing and flossing with your child if there are any areas of concern, and we will offer tips and suggestions for your child to keep in mind when brushing at home.
To learn more about our Children’s Dentistry services, we invite you to contact our office for an appointment.
