Pediatric Dentistry | Your Child's First Dental Visit

Pediatric dentistry is the fancy term we use to describe “taking care of children’s teeth,” also known as children’s dental care. So, what do you need to know about taking care of your child's teeth? Let’s start at the beginning. Baby teeth begin erupting between 6-12-months, following the baby teeth eruption timeline, and continue until your child is 3-5-years old as part of the primary teeth development stages. Throughout this period, their gums may feel tender and sore as a result of the physical pressure that new teeth create while erupting. You can soothe their gums by rubbing them with a clean finger or with a cool or wet cloth. If you are wondering how to relieve teething pain in babies, teething rings may also help with gum soreness. As your child gets older, their baby teeth will begin falling out, typically starting at age 6, which answers the common question when do baby teeth fall out.

Teething Child

All twenty primary (or baby) teeth should be in by the time your child is 2-3-years old. Having a teething child can be stressful, especially if your child is in pain from their teeth coming in. It does not have to be a painful experience though. According to the Dental Association, some methods to make the teething process easier include rubbing your child’s gums with a clean finger, damp cloth, or with the back of a small, cool spoon. If these methods do not work, our dentist can recommend solutions for dental care for infants and toddlers.


Small children and babies are likely to chew anything they can get their hands on; walls, seatbelts, table edges, etc. Try to ensure your child stays away from materials that are hard enough to break their teeth or make their gums bleed. It is also important to avoid certain methods while handling a teething child; do not use a liquid painkiller that can be rubbed on your toddler’s gums – your child could ingest some of it; avoid teething biscuits with sugar; and do not dismiss a fever, as it is not part of the teething process.

First Dental Visit

The common question all new parents have is when should a child first go to the dentist and what is the first dental visit for child like?


It is recommended by the Dental Association to assess your child within 6-months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by age 1. This is often referred to as a baby first dental visit. However, at our office, we recommend parents bring their children in by 2-years of age for their child dental visit. Even if your child cannot sit still in the chair, we like to familiarize children early on with the office environment and get them as comfortable as possible. Children who attend a kids dental checkup near me early are less likely to fear the dentist later in life.


Preventative screenings may be all that is required at such an early age; however, at this time, our team is able to help counsel parents on feeding methods and thumb sucking and oral habits that will help build healthy hygiene habits. This type of guidance is part of a pediatric dental consultation and supports early oral health education for kids. To get your child ready for their first visit, we suggest allowing your child to attend a hygiene visit with a parent or sibling to become familiar with the office and team. It is also helpful to encourage regular tooth care at home and understand what to expect at a child’s first dental visit.

Toothpaste and Toothbrush

For young toddlers, brushing with a toothbrush and water is usually sufficient. Parents often ask how to brush toddler teeth properly, and the key is to use a gentle technique. Non-fluoridated toothpaste can be used but you should always encourage your child to spit it out to help build proper oral habits. Start brushing with a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste and be sure to watch for any discolouration of their teeth. Until your child can completely spit all the toothpaste, fluoridated toothpaste should not be used.


For infants, a damp or wet cloth is more than enough for cleaning baby gums after feeding until their first tooth begins erupting. Once that happens, switch to a finger-brush. As your child grows, transition to a soft-bristle toothbrush and reinforce habits on how to care for baby teeth.

Children’s Dental Care

As parents, we are so concerned with the overall health of our children that we tend to overlook what we deem to be the little things. The health of our teeth is extremely important, especially for children. Pediatric dental services help ensure children receive proper care early on. Children are not immune to dental and oral health issues simply because they are young. Many parents ask, can babies get cavities, and the answer is yes if proper care is not followed.


It is never too early to start teaching the importance of oral health to your child. If you instill proper oral care in your child early, they are much more likely to have healthy teeth and gums throughout their life. This includes preventing cavities in children and encouraging consistent oral habits. Here are some great ways to keep your child’s oral health in great shape:

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