It is an exciting time when your child has their first tooth coming through. Dental visits should begin as soon as that first tooth appears, as early check-ups help establish healthy oral habits and ensure your child’s smile develops properly from the very beginning.

While many parents have been brought up with the belief that good oral hygiene should only start when your child has all of their teeth, as soon as that first tooth begins to poke through, you need to implement a hygiene regime at home and with our team at Healthy Smile Centre.

Of course, it can seem a bit odd to take a child of 12 months old to see a dental professional but, as many studies have found, early exposure to these situations can make it easier for our children as they grow up.

At the Healthy Smile Centre, we know the importance of preventive dentistry with toddlers and children, and our dentist in Green Square works alongside parents to ensure that all of our younger patients have the healthiest smiles! Everything from basic check-ups to the application of orthodontic braces, our team can help you to keep your child’s teeth in top shape!

But, what are some of the issues that can occur if your child doesn’t see our dentist in Green Square from an early age?

Misalignments

OK, so anyone who is a parent has thought about the day when their child may need braces.

But, did you know that with modern dental technologies, it is now easier to predict and prevent the use of orthodontic braces in children?

When you come to our dentist in Green Square, our team will assess the position of any erupting baby teeth and will take X-rays to predict the most likely eruption site of the adult teeth. If your child has lost their baby teeth early, this is a reliable indicator of issues such as overcrowding, which we can now correct earlier.

Tooth decay

A common issue among many children who have not been attending regular check-ups and hygienist appointments is tooth decay.

Caused by poor brushing technique or too many sweets, this can obviously lead to conditions like abscesses and swollen gums, neither of which are pleasant. Talk to our team today about the best ways to prevent your child from developing tooth decay.

Poor brushing technique

As odd as it sounds, many children and even adults do not brush their teeth using the proper technique!

This can obviously lead to issues with things like plaque accumulation and so, if you introduce your child to our team earlier, we can show them how to give their teeth a thorough clean correctly.

Enamel damage

Enamel is thinner in young children and so, bacteria can damage it more easily.

Visiting our surgery can help us to identify areas of weaker enamel and treat it using fluoride sealants. Perfect!

Tooth loss

The end result of poor oral hygiene for many children is tooth extraction.

This can impact on the emergence of adult teeth, leading to crowding issues and further orthodontic problems.

Want to book your child for a check-up? Call our team today to book their first appointment

Disclaimer

All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dental Visits

When should my child have their first dental visit?

The Australian Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits help monitor oral development and establish healthy habits.

Why are early dental visits important for children?

Early dental visits can help prevent tooth decay, identify developmental issues, and familiarise children with the dental environment, reducing anxiety about future appointments.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Most children should have a dental check-up every six months. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your child’s oral health needs and risk of tooth decay.

What happens during a child’s first dental appointment?

A first dental appointment is usually gentle and educational. The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums, discuss brushing and diet habits, and answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.

Can baby teeth get cavities?

Yes. Baby teeth are susceptible to tooth decay because their enamel is thinner than adult teeth. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, and problems with the development of permanent teeth.

How can I prevent tooth decay in my child?

You can help prevent tooth decay by brushing your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and attending regular dental check-ups.

Does my child need orthodontic treatment if their teeth are crowded?

Not necessarily. Early dental visits allow dentists to monitor tooth development and identify potential orthodontic issues before they become more severe, which may reduce the need for extensive treatment later.

What are the signs that my child should see a dentist?

You should schedule a dental visit if your child experiences tooth pain, swollen gums, discoloured teeth, difficulty chewing, or if you notice any changes in how their teeth are developing.