Children’s Dentistry in Hamilton

It’s critical that children are taught the importance of good dental hygiene and oral care from an early age, and this includes bringing them in to see our Hamilton dentist after the eruption of their first tooth.

According to studies, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than half of young children. Furthermore, the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research estimates that children will miss 52 million hours of school every year due to oral health problems, and approximately 12.5 million days of restricted activity every year due to dental symptoms – which will have a considerably negative impact on academic performance.

These facts only further speak to the importance of making children’s oral health a priority – and this focus should begin with the child’s parents or caretakers. As adults, we’re responsible for ensuring our children learn how to practice sufficient oral hygiene daily, as well as understand the importance of it. The value of proper oral health care should be introduced early in a child's life; as early as infancy.

Below are some guidelines that will help to ensure your little one’s smile gets a healthy start:

After each feeding, thoroughly and gently clean your infant’s gums using a soft cloth or piece of gauze soaked in water. This will both stimulate the gum tissue and remove food and bacteria.

If your child has an erupted tooth or teeth, gently brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for kids, using only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If your child is old enough to know not to swallow, it is recommended to use fluoridated toothpaste.

Teach your child how he or she can properly brush their teeth on their own when they reach age 6 or so, and then introduce how they can floss on their own at around age 8.

Attend regular visits with the dentist as your child grows to check for any issues or cavities in the primary teeth, as well as for any possible developmental problems.

Encourage your little one to talk about any fears they may have about oral health visits, refraining from using any negative words such as "pain" or "hurt", as this may negatively impact the way he or she begins to think and feel about dentistry.

Determine if your local water supply contains fluoride – and if not, discuss ways you can supplement fluoride with your dentist or hygienist so that your child’s teeth can benefit.

Ask your dentist about how you can protect your infant from baby bottle tooth decay, which can occur when the teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids.

Ask your dentist about a sealant treatment designed to protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth, as your child may be more susceptible to early childhood tooth decay.

Fortunately, early intervention and treatment are successful in preventing oral problems that could otherwise have a negative effect on your child’s health, self-confidence and overall wellbeing

Is it time for your little one to visit the dentist?

If you have an infant who has already sprouted their first tooth, or, if your child last visited the dentist over 6 months ago, it’s time to book a visit! Call our friendly Hamilton dentists and team today. We’d love to see you and your little one’s smiles