ORAL HEALTH MONTH
APRIL 2026 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
6
GET THEM STARTED EARLY
“It allows us to catch any early signs of decay and monitor the eruption of teeth and jaws, while having conversations with parents about brushing, oral hygiene habits, feeding, and pacifier use,” Dr. Iwaszkiw said. “It sets the child up for success early on and helps them feel comfortable in the dental environment.” Dr. Iwaszkiw said these visits provide many benefits. They help reduce fear around visiting the dentist and help build posi- tive lifelong attitudes toward oral health. Brushing a young child’s teeth can be a challenging task, requiring plenty of restraint. That’s why it is crucial to have that first visit early – before the child’s full set of teeth emerge. Dr. Iwaszkiw said your dentist will show you techniques that should make it easier. “The longer you wait to introduce it, the more difficult it’s going to become,” she explained. “You want to get the child used to it as early as possible. Once they’re used to it, they’re going to be a lot more agreeable to open their mouth.” Thanks to the federal government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan, more families are eligible for dental care. That, along with the Free First Visit program, means no one should begin life without learning proper dental-care habits. “We don’t want people to avoid bringing in their toddler because they don’t have coverage,” Dr. Iwaszkiw said. “This allows people to come in and ask questions and address any concerns.” Free First Visit can cover a range of topics. Your dentist can address tongue and lip ties, bottle use, and diet. Parents will learn to avoid added sugars before their child’s second birthday and to only provide water or milk in the bottle. Brush after the nighttime bottle, and don’t let the child to take the bottle to bed.
MDA’S FREE FIRST VISIT INTRODUCES KIDS TO THE DENTIST’S OFFICE — AND GOOD HABITS
BY TONY ZERUCHA
Thanks to the Manitoba Dental Association’s Free First Visit pro- gram, new parents can get all of the information they need to help their children develop strong oral-health habits. Parents can bring children in for a free first dental visit with a participating dentist before the child’s third birthday – although the Canadian Dental Association recommends that an initial visit should occur before the child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Dr. Darryll Iwaszkiw, a dentist at Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre and chair of the Manitoba Dental Association’s commu - nications committee, explained the benefits of early dental appointments for children.
Maria Sbytova / Skylark 1952 / PureSolution / Adobe Stock
“IT SETS THE CHILD UP FOR SUCCESS EARLY ON AND HELPS THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THE DENTAL
ENVIRONMENT.” – DR. DARRYLL IWASZKIW
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