Good oral health is an important part of the infant’s and child’s overall health. In fact, the foundation of good oral health in adults is established right from the infant stage. Inculcating good lifestyle habits and regular dental care for kids goes a long way to creating a strong foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. With that said, when should a child’s first contact with the dentist be? Learn more about a child’s first dental visit in Singapore here.
Paediatric Dentistry: When Should a Child See a Dentist?
In paediatric dentistry, we recommend that a child be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth erupts.
Visiting the clinic at a young age allows the dentist to educate parents about basic oral health care and also assess the dental development of their child. It also helps identify and correct some habits and conditions that might have long-term detrimental effects on oral health early. This includes tongue tie, thumb sucking, and poor weaning habits.
Remember: it is not advisable to wait until there is a problem before visiting the dentist. A child in pain is more likely to be anxious, resist treatment, and develop a dislike for the clinic.
But, Shouldn’t We Wait Until The Child Has Permanent Teeth Before They Visit The Dentist?
No, parents shouldn’t wait until their child has a permanent set of teeth before going to the dentist. Please keep in mind that their baby or primary teeth are just as important.
Primary teeth allow the child to eat and chew properly, which is critical for maintaining good nutrition for the growing child. Baby teeth are also important for speech development and for maintaining the space required for the eruption of the permanent teeth into their ideal positions at the right time. Not having teeth can also have deleterious effects on a child’s self-esteem.
Dental Care for Kids: A Note on Early Childhood Caries
One common issue in paediatric dentistry is Early Childhood Caries (ECC), which is defined specifically as the presence of dental caries on one or more surfaces in the primary tooth of children below 6 years old.
Decay or caries of the primary teeth is usually painless when it first develops and therefore easily missed by parents in the early stages when conservative treatment like fluoride therapy, silver diamine application and ICON resin infiltration therapy which is fast and painless can be initiated. So don’t wait till it is too late when the tooth decay may be so extensive as to require root canal treatment or even extraction. Badly decayed primary teeth can also give rise to infections which can then affect the development of the underlying permanent teeth. These affected permanent teeth may become discoloured or have surface defects.
Likewise, early loss of baby teeth disrupts the eruption pattern of permanent teeth and may give rise to crooked and/or impacted permanent teeth which will need expensive orthodontic or surgical treatment in the future to correct.
What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Visit in Singapore
Give your baby a head start by making their first visit to the dentist BEFORE there is decay, preferably age 1yr. Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone in their healthcare routine, setting the tone for lifelong dental health. Paediatric dentists are trained to manage your precious one and will teach you how to hold your child so that we can do the examination quickly and comfortably. Here’s what you can generally expect during this initial appointment:
Introduction to the Dental Office: Infants and toddlers are preco-operaative. This means they are not socially developed enough to cooperate with the Dental Team. But not all will struggle and cry because we will teach you how to hold the infant comfortably and safely.
The first visit is often short and involves very little treatment. It primarily serves to acclimatise your child to the dental office environment and the staff. The dentist will likely spend time making your child feel comfortable and building a rapport.
Examination: The dentist will examine your child’s mouth, teeth, oral tissues, and jaws to assess growth and development, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. This is also an opportunity for the dentist to check for early signs of dental issues such as cavities or developmental anomalies.
Guidance on Dental Hygiene Practices: The dentist will provide advice on dental care for kids, such as recommendations on brushing, flossing, and whether to use fluoride toothpaste. They will also discuss dietary habits that affect oral health, including bottle use and sugar consumption.
Discussion about Dental Development: You will learn about the development of future teeth, including timing and any potential issues to watch for as your child grows.
Scheduling the Next Visit: Before you leave, the dentist will discuss the appropriate schedule for regular dental checkups. Typically, visits are recommended every six months but based on the clinical findings, high-risk children may be reviewed more closely to monitor development and promptly address any concerns.
Depending on your child’s comfort level, dental care for kids on the first visit may also include a gentle cleaning. This involves removing any plaque, tartar, and stains that have accumulated on the teeth. Additionally, fluoride may be applied to the teeth to help harden the enamel and prevent decay. These treatments help to establish a foundation for healthy teeth and introduce your child to routine dental care practices.
Key Takeaways
A child’s first dental visit is essential not just for good oral health but also for their overall well-being. Paediatric dentistry experts typically recommend having the first visit around the first birthday or after the eruption of the first tooth. This initial appointment focuses on acclimating the child to the dental environment, assessing dental and jaw development, and providing parents with guidance on proper dental hygiene practices. Establishing a positive relationship with dental care early on can help prevent future dental issues and promote regular, routine check-ups.
Reference:
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=a-childs-first-dental-visit-fact-sheet-1-1509
