There are many reasons for kids to care for their teeth, even though they鈥檒l be replaced with adult teeth.
鈥淚f you help your child establish good habits, they鈥檒l carry those through the rest of their life,鈥� says Dr. Fatemeh Basij, DDS, dentist and the owner of .
It鈥檚 not just about creating habits for the future. Daily cleaning and regular dental visits can have immediate benefits as well.
鈥淒ental issues impact other aspects of our lives,鈥� Dr. Basij says. 鈥淯ntreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often 鈥�
Develop habits for good oral health
Limit sweet snacks and drinks, especially between meals. Demonstrate regular oral hygiene by taking care of your own teeth, and helping your child establish a routine.
- Ages 0-2: Oral hygiene starts on the day your baby is born 鈥� develop good habits by cleaning your infant鈥檚 gums in the morning and before bed. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle, and be sure to care for baby teeth when they come in. 鈥淏aby teeth hold space for adult teeth, and help children chew and speak clearly. It鈥檚 important to keep them healthy and pain free before they fall out,鈥� Dr. Basij says.
- Ages 2 and above: When your child is aged two or above they can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 鈥淵our dentist may recommend fluoride toothpaste earlier, depending on their needs,鈥� Dr. Basij says.
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, but the good news is that they鈥檙e preventable.
鈥淔luoride is an excellent tool in fighting cavities and tooth decay, so children over two should brush daily with fluoride toothpaste. At Allard Dental we can also provide fluoride varnish and dental sealants to help protect your child鈥檚 teeth,鈥� Dr. Basij says.
Make an appointment with Allard Dental Centre to find out if sealant would help your child.
3 benefits of regular dental checkups
Over the age of two, dentists recommend scheduling an oral exam every six months.
- Catch issues early: With regular visits, your dentist can identify problems early and fix them before they cause unnecessary discomfort.
- Adjust at-home habits: Your dentist will let you know if the dental cleaning you鈥檙e doing at home is effective, and offer suggestions if needed.
- Establish positive routines: Regular visits help teach your child that going to the dentist can be fun, and is an important part of keeping our bodies healthy.
Book your appointment at or call 604-882-0568. Their office is conveniently with abundant free parking, and simultaneous appointments to accommodate families. Find them on and for more dental tips.
