As a new parent, you may be wondering how you can begin to establish good habits with your child when it comes to their oral health and when is the best time to bring them for their first visit to the dentist. At Harvest Pointe dental we believe that your child’s oral health care is essential in the prevention of cavities and can begin even before their first tooth erupts!

South Edmonton – Children’s Dentistry
780-466-9866
Harvest Pointe Dental
Male & Female Dentists
South Edmonton: 5019 Ellerslie Rd SW
(Across from Walmart Ellerslie Supercentre)
Click Here for Directions

Starting Early

While your child is teething you can begin using a cold wet washcloth to massage their gums for relief from the irritation of teething, and also to have them get used to having something in their mouth (Which will later be a toothbrush!) Once their first tooth erupts you can continue cleaning with a washcloth and then transition to a children’s toothbrush. Until your child learns to spit it is recommended to use a non-fluoridated toothpaste. You should be brushing your child’s teeth for them twice a day for two minutes each time until they have the dexterity to brush on their own. Once they can brush their teeth themselves it is still recommended to monitor their brushing to ensure they are doing it properly.

Things to Avoid

Although your toddler or child may love to have milk before bedtime, it is important to brush their teeth after drinking milk as it is very high in sugar and is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. It is also important to limit treats that are high in sugar or carbohydrates and to limit them sipping juices throughout the day because the sugar causes acid attacks on the teeth which can lead to cavities.

When to Visit the Dentist

At Harvest Pointe dental we recommend that your child come in for their first visit by age three for a visual exam, and then again every six months for a checkup and cleaning. However – if you notice any areas of concern before this age we recommend bringing them in right away.