When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist?

Many parents wonder when they must bring their children to a pediatric dentist in SE Calgary. Luckily, we have the answer for you!

If you are a parent and want to know how to maintain your child’s teeth, you may keep reading our pediatric dentistry guide.

The Most Common Questions about Pediatric Dentistry

    1.When Should the First Visit Be?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the first visit should be when the first tooth erupts (the sixth or seventh month) or when they are one year old. Any time later than this is late.

    2. My Baby Has a Tooth, Should I Brush It?

If your baby has a single tooth, you still must brush it. If you read any guide about children’s dentistry in SE Calgary, you will confirm this information. Baby teeth require brushing (and with toothpaste!).

    3. What Toothpaste Should I Use for My Child?

The toothbrush will depend on your child’s age and needs. We will provide some tips below; however, always confirm with a pediatric dentist near you. 

- Less than a year – if your baby is less than 12 months, you should use toothpaste with 1,000 PPM fluoride and the size of a half grain of rice.

- From 1 to 3 years – at this age, you must use toothpaste with 1,000 PPM fluoride, but the size of a grain of rice.

- From 3 to 6 years – the concentration of fluoride increases to 1,450 PPM, and a pea-sized amount. 

- 6 years and older – after the sixth year, it is still a pea-sized and 1,450 ppm fluoride. Your dentist may suggest using toothpaste with over 2,000 PPM fluoride if they develop cavities often.

    4. What if My Baby Has no Teeth?

Many parents misbelieve they should not brush their babies’ mouths when they have no teeth; however, you must brush their gums and tongue. You may roll a damped gauze around your finger and gently massage the gingiva and the tongue to remove dental plaque. Even if the baby has no teeth, they get nursed, and mommy’s milk has a lot of sugars that develop oral issues when there is no hygiene.

    5. How Often Should My Kid Visit the Dentist?

According to The American Dental Association (ADA), dental checkups should be every six months, but if your baby has a low risk, it is enough to visit once a year.

On the contrary, if your kid has a high risk, they may need an appointment every four months. It is the case of children with MIH (molar incisor hypomineralization).

What is MIH?

MIH stands for Molar Incisor Hypomineralization. We want to explain the condition in this guide because it is a recurrent problem in children, and the number of patients increases every day. It is a grave problem in pediatric dentistry because fillings don’t adhere, and the patients have too much sensitivity and do not brush due to the pa    in.

It consists of a problem with the mineralization of molars and incisors (the anterior front teeth). Because of it, the enamel breaks down, and it is easy to develop cavities.

Nowadays, it is a challenge for pediatric dentists. They treat it with fluoride applications for a more resistant enamel, dental fillings (even though the adhesion is poor), and dental crowns in the most severe cases. 

If your kid tells you they feel pain when brushing their back teeth, look for children’s dentistry near you. You can look at their teeth, and if they are dark yellow, it may be it!