Q: At what age should a child go to the dentist for the first time and what sort of dental care should parents provide prior to that time? (i.e. when do you start brushing a baby’s teeth? when should you start flossing? etc.)

A: The recommended age for a child’s first dental visit is when the first tooth comes in, usually anywhere from 6 to 12 months, or by their first birthday. Seems a bit early, but this appointment is about learning about the dentist and dental care. Children are given the opportunity to see a dental office and equipment in effort to help them feel more comfortable about future visits. Parents will learn about preventative measures that will ensure their children’s health and smile, including education about early childhood caries from baby bottles, oral hygiene instructions, harmful oral habits and much more.

When the first tooth comes in, you can start brushing their teeth with water and a soft-head infant brush to remove plaque. This should be done at least once daily at bedtime.

Beginning at ages 2-3 (when children can spit), the child can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, but may need parental guidance in using the toothbrush and in not swallowing the toothpaste (it’s ok if that does happen).

Flossing is beneficial once the adjacent teeth have come in.

Even if your child already has a set of teeth already and hasn’t seen the dentist yet, it’s never too late to start. The sooner, the better as it helps set up excellent oral hygiene habits and being comfortable with the dentist for a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles!

Q: How can I allow my child to enjoy Halloween candy knowing that it may lead to cavities?

A: The main factors that cause cavities are a susceptible tooth that is exposed to sugar over a period of time. Certain candy is more damaging than others, like sticky and hard candies, which both increase the amount of time the sugar is in contact with the teeth. Sealants, painless, tooth-colored covers placed over the biting surfaces of teeth, are preventative measure to keep sugar out of the pits and grooves of teeth.

One way to enjoy the Halloween candy is for the parent to take all the loot and allow the child to eat as much candy as they want for 30 minutes and then brush their teeth afterwards. There are three benefits to this. First, they may get sick of eating so much candy and not want to eat any for a while. Second, since they are eating the candy at one time and not snacking on it throughout the day, their teeth are not exposed to sugar over a prolonged period. Finally, brushing their teeth will clean their teeth and the fluoride will help strengthen their teeth.