When should you start bringing your child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months after the first tooth appears. This early visit allows the dentist to examine the child’s mouth, check for any potential problems, and provide guidance on oral hygiene and nutrition.
During this first visit, the dentist will usually perform a brief examination, clean the child’s teeth, and apply fluoride. The dentist may also take x-rays if needed. The dentist will also discuss with the parents the child’s oral development, any concerns they may have and provide guidance on how to care for their child’s teeth and gums.
It is important to establish a “dental home” for children, which means having a “go-to” dentist for regular check-ups and treatment. This helps to ensure that children receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care, and it also helps to establish trust and build a positive relationship with the dental team.
Regular dental visits every six months are recommended for children to monitor their oral development and to catch and treat any issues early. This will help to keep their teeth and gums healthy and prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems from developing.
Tips to prepare your child for his 1st dental visit
Preparing your child for their first dental visit can help to reduce anxiety and ensure that the experience is a positive one. Here are some tips to help prepare your child for their first dental visit:
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Start early: Begin talking to your child about the importance of oral hygiene and the dentist from an early age. This will help to reduce anxiety and make the first visit seem less intimidating.
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Use positive language: Avoid using words or phrases that may be scary or anxiety-provoking, such as “hurt” or “needle.” Instead, use positive words and phrases such as “clean” and “checkup.”
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Read books or watch videos: There are many children’s books and videos available that can help to familiarize your child with the dentist and the dental office. Reading or watching these materials with your child can help to make the first visit less stressful.
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Play dentist at home: You can also play “dentist” at home with your child using a toothbrush and a toy or stuffed animal. This can help to familiarize your child with the tools and procedures used at the dentist.
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Be honest and reassuring: Let your child know that the dentist will be gentle and that the visit will be brief. Reassure your child that you will be there with them during the visit and that they can ask the dentist any questions they may have.
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Make the visit fun: Try to make the visit as fun as possible by bringing a favorite toy, book or game. Also, you can try to make the visit positive by rewarding your child with a small prize after the visit.
Choose the right dentist: It’s important to find a pediatric dentist that your child will be comfortable with and who has experience working with children. You can ask for recommendations from other parents or your pediatrician, or you can look for a dentist who specializes in treating children.
What is a normal eruption pattern for primary teeth?
The eruption pattern for primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, generally follows a predictable sequence. The timing of eruption can vary slightly from child to child, but in general, the eruption pattern for primary teeth is as follows:
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Lower central incisors: These are the first teeth to erupt, typically between 6 and 10 months of age.
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Upper central incisors: These typically erupt between 8 and 12 months of age.
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Upper lateral incisors: These typically erupt between 9 and 13 months of age.
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Lower lateral incisors: These typically erupt between 10 and 16 months of age.
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First molars: These typically erupt between 13 and 19 months of age.
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Canines (also called cuspids): These typically erupt between 16 and 23 months of age.
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Second molars: These typically erupt between 23 and 33 months of age.
It’s important to note that while the sequence of eruption is generally predictable, the timing can vary. Some children may experience delayed eruption or early eruption, and it’s not uncommon for teeth to erupt slightly out of sequence. It’s important to establish a regular dental care routine for your child early on to ensure proper oral hygiene and monitor the eruption of their primary teeth.
What is the normal eruption pattern of adult teeth?
The eruption pattern of adult teeth, also known as permanent teeth, generally follows a predictable sequence as well. The timing of eruption can vary slightly from person to person, but in general, the eruption pattern of adult teeth is as follows:
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First molars: These are the first adult teeth to erupt, typically between 6 and 7 years of age.
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Central incisors: These typically erupt between 6 and 8 years of age.
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Lateral incisors: These typically erupt between 7 and 9 years of age.
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First premolars (also called bicuspids): These typically erupt between 10 and 12 years of age.
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Canines (also called cuspids): These typically erupt between 11 and 12 years of age.
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Second premolars (also called bicuspids): These typically erupt between 10 and 12 years of age.
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Second molars: These typically erupt between 12 and 13 years of age.
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Third molars (also called wisdom teeth): These typically erupt between 17 and 25 years of age, but some people may never develop them, or they may not fully erupt.
It’s important to note that while the sequence of eruption is generally predictable, the timing can vary. Some people may experience delayed eruption or early eruption, and it’s not uncommon for teeth to erupt slightly out of sequence. It’s important to establish a regular dental care routine to ensure proper oral hygiene and monitor the eruption of adult teeth.
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West Island Smiles,
802-6600 Trans-Canada Highway,
Pointe-Claire, Québec,
H9R 4S2