When should I commence taking my kid to the dentist?

It’s crucial to get children employed to going to the dentist. Photograph: Alamy

A journey to the dentist or an outing to the park? For children the choice is clear. But for numerous parents, a pay a visit to to the dentist is not high on their to-do record. A recent survey by Mintel of practically 500 mother and father of children beneath twelve years previous located that almost half did not often get their children to the dentist. Only 1 in five considered their kids needed to see a dentist once they had created little one teeth, and only 63% of mothers and 50% of fathers ensured their kids brush their teeth each and every day. No wonder that thirty% of children in the Uk have had tooth decay by the age of five. So how often do you need to have to take your child to the dentist?

Kids need to see a dentist when they have milk teeth. The dentist will then recommend stick to-ups – usually between 3 months and a 12 months. If you wait until finally your kid is about to go to school you must anticipate your dentist to appear askance – NHS tips say that, at the extremely least, youngsters ought to have at least 1 visit to the dentist prior to the age of two.

This is not only for kids to get used to the whole dental-surgical procedure experience but also due to the fact preventive treatments for decay are now accessible, this kind of as painting teeth with fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel. Dentists can also give suggestions on brushing and diet.

Children ought to start brushing with soft-bristle brushes utilizing fluoride toothpaste (one,000 parts per million to start off with – examine the packet) as quickly as they have milk teeth. Parents should do it for the initial couple of many years (sitting your child on your lap and brushing from behind is very good for toddlers) and must then supervise right up until the age of 7.

Brushing ought to be completed for two minutes in the morning and evening and children must be shown how to brush (a circular action that commences and finishes in the same area on each and every tooth) by seeking in the mirror, and be taught to spit rather than rinse as this retains the benefits of fluoride. As important as brushing is, sugary drinks are also to be prevented. Dilute fruit juice and limit fizzy drinks with artificial sweeteners as they are the two acidic and ruin enamel. Using a straw diverts drinks to the back of the mouth and could defend teeth. Eating any food items that include sugar, not just sweets, will also trigger tooth decay so try out to get your youngsters into healthful eating habits.

And if this all sounds like a bit of a hassle, as any individual who has witnessed his or her toddler having a filling will tell you, it truly is not.

When should I commence taking my kid to the dentist?