Many parents ask us when they should start bringing their toddlers in for us to look at. We suggest when they are around the age of two, which is around the time they can sit on their own in a chair and open their mouths without being upset. Before this time, it is important for parents to maintain their toddler’s health care. We suggest they clean their teeth with a soft brush meant for children, or wipe their teeth with a clean, and wet wash cloth after meals. Toddlers can get cavities, and this is called bottle rot. It often occurs when toddlers drink from a bottle for far too long, especially if it is milk. Milk has quite a bit of natural sugar in it, which is called lactose and without proper dental attention, this can stick to a child’s teeth causing tooth decay.
At our family dentistry, we take time to talk to kids in explaining that there is sugar in the foods they eat and drink, and that if they don’t properly brush, that sugar will stick to their teeth. We then show your child how to properly brush and floss so those good habits begin at a young age and will keep their teeth healthy for decades to come. We always do this with patience, and a smile. Even though our dental staff is always happy to see you, we can understand that coming to our dental office might not be your child’s most favourite thing. A lot of this phobia is passed down from generation to generation, when your great, great grandparents probably had to bite down on a wooden spoon when they had to have had a tooth removed. Like everything else, dental technology has come a long way since then, and it is no longer uncomfortable, or invasive. In order to not pass your fears onto your children, try to keep the topic of going to the dentist positive, light, and relaxed, much like going to the library or the mall is.