Kids and the dentist

Your Child's First Hygiene Appointment

When your child turns three, scheduling their first hygiene visit helps introduce them to dental care and sets the foundation for lifelong habits.

Our staff is experienced in making children's first dental visits comfortable and even fun, using gentle introductions and positive reinforcement to ease fears.

During this visit, we aim to examine your child's teeth and gums, clean their teeth, apply topical fluoride, and take appropriate X-rays. The success of these procedures depends on how comfortably your child adapts to the experience. Dr Chodree strives to make dentist visits less intimidating and more approachable for her young patients, while also teaching kids proper dental care habits.

The first visit to the dentist can sometimes cause worry for a toddler or young child. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children. Choosing a good time when your child is not due to nap or eat, and preparing them for the visit by following these simple steps, can help make the experience smoother and less stressful.

• Be sure to educate your children on how dental health is an important part of growing up.
• Positively discuss the dentist as children are extremely impressionable.
• Educate your child on proper dental and oral health and instil good oral health habits from a young age.
• Be sure to look out for signs of trouble, as the early development of children will determine how their teeth develop. Ill-alignment, overbite, underbite and malocclusions need to be fixed with early orthodontics around the age of 8 years old.

Regular dentist visits are recommended once children's permanent teeth develop around age 6. This way, future problems can be recognised and handled.

How can I encourage good dental habits with my child?

Children from 6 months to 6 years old: While children might want to brush their teeth themselves, it is important that all teeth are brushed sufficiently. Encourage your child to do it themselves, but have mom or dad double-check by giving a quick brush, or do it alongside them to show them how.

Children between 7 and 12 years old: At this age, your child should know what to do, but it is vital to keep making sure they floss and brush each morning and night accurately.

Children between 12 and 18 years old: This is a critical time for dental health, as most children with healthy teeth don't understand the consequences of slipping up on good habits. Be sure your child is aware that not maintaining oral health will cause issues later in life.

Be sure to look out for signs of trouble, as the early development of children will determine how their teeth develop. Ill-alignment, overbite, underbite and malocclusions need to be fixed with early orthodontics around the age of 8 years old.