Baby dentist calgary NE

Dental hygiene is important for everyone – including babies! It's important for parents and caregivers to take an active role in caring for their baby’s teeth by cleaning them at home, providing a balanced diet, and scheduling regular dental check-ups.

A common misconception is that baby (or "primary") teeth are not important because they will eventually fall out. On the contrary, a child’s first set of pearly whites sets the stage for good overall health. 

Primary teeth are important for facial development, preparing the jaw for the arrival of permanent teeth, chewing, and maintaining a healthy diet. So when to make baby's first dentist appointment?

Tooth decay can begin as soon as the teeth emerge, as early as six months of age. Decay in the primary teeth may cause pain, and can also harm erupting permanent teeth developing inside the gums.

First, never allow a baby to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, juice, sweetened liquids or a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey. This causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) or more commonly known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC). This is the leading cause of dental decay in young children.

Second, start oral health care early. Even before the first tooth comes in, wipe baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad or towel after each feeding. Begin brushing the teeth with water as soon as the first tooth appears in the mouth.

Finally, talk to a baby dentist Calgary NE about when to book baby's first dentist appointment. Regular dental checkups at an early age get your child comfortable with visiting the dentist, and play a big role in preventing tooth decay. It’s an important step in building healthy, beautiful smiles for life.

The Canadian Dental Association, Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages the assessment of infants by a baby dentist within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age. By this time, all the factors exist for a cavity to potentially form (i.e. a tooth, sugar and cavity-causing bacteria). It’s best for your child to visit the dentist before there's a problem with their teeth.

During this first exam, we will give your child a comprehensive dental check-up that includes an assessment of the health of the mouth, including the: teeth, gums, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, and overall bite development. We also perform an evaluation of the extra-oral (outside of the mouth) environment. Our staff will discuss baby dental care, including ways to help reduce or remove items in the diet (such as breast milk and bottles containing milk or juice before bedtime) that may lead to decay at an early age.

Tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood illness and the most common disease in children today. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay-fever (common allergies). It's also a totally preventable disease.

We always try to involve parents in an infant oral exam by having them assist in the knee-to-knee exam. This partnership sends the message to your child that dental care is important. It also stresses to parents that infant oral care needs a team approach.

If you have been searching for a "baby dentist near me" or "baby dental care near me" look no further! 

Dr. Cameron Zealand is also serving the communities of Beddington Heights, Huntingdon Hills, Country Hills, Country Hills Village, Harvest Hills, Panorama Hills,  Thorncliffe, Coventry Hills,  Edgemont, Arbour Lake, Ranchlands, Dalhousie, Brentwood, Tuxedo Park, Montgomery, Bowness, Silver Springs, Varsity, Evanston, Sage Hill, Simons Valley, Nolan Hill, Royal Vista, Skyview Ranch, Saddle Ridge, Martindale, Taradale, Falconridge, Temple, Vista Heights, Sunridge, Pineridge, Monterey Park and surrounding Calgary areas.