ORAL HEALTH MONTH
APRIL 2025 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
4
THE EARLIER, THE BETTER
BY TONY ZERUCHA W hen it comes to children’s dental care, the earlier parents start, the better. Dentists say taking children to the dentist early helps build good habits and reduces fear. Canadian Dental Association President Dr. Joel Antel said some literature suggests starting dentist visits when children are three. That’s far too late, he said. “The recommendation going back 25 years or more is that the first visit should be before the first birthday and within six months of the eruption of that first tooth,” Antel said. “As soon as that first tooth erupts, it’s subject to the same procedures as when they are older because the teeth are subject to the same decay as they are throughout our lifetime.” Dr. Alan Grant, of Sunrise Dental Centre, said that the first visit could be with an older sibling, so the younger child can see what is involved. They can sit safely in a parent’s lap. Many dentists participate in the Manitoba Dental Association’s Free First Visit program, which provides free dental appointments to children under three. After that visit, schedule appointments for your children every six months because changes
can happen quickly. Grant said he spends a child’s first visit doing a general checkup and discussing proper care with parents. Early efforts can begin with gently wiping the child’s teeth and gums with a cloth, dental thimble, or a wet toothbrush. Use the smallest amount of toothpaste as possible so the child doesn’t swallow it. Model proper techniques by brushing teeth together as a family. That modelling should also include flossing, which Grant said is a habit best formed young. He said dental flossing is best, as water flossers are roughly 80 per cent as effective. “Flossing is one of the best habits you can start early,” he said. “It pays big dividends down the road. A lot of people don’t like to floss, so if you can encourage a little bit of flossing and make it fun, go very gentle with it, it creates a good habit.” Limit your child’s sugar intake, even with healthier foods such as apple juice. Grant suggested diluting the juice with water. If children want something to drink at near bedtime, use water to avoid sugar and acid buildup. Stress that a bedtime drink is about hydration, not flavour. After eating or drinking, especially when you’re on the go as a family, rinse your mouth with water. Bring a toothbrush with you and use a dry brush while driving home.
If your children are playing sports, ensure they have a mouthguard and that it stays in their mouth. Injuries can happen between plays, when their guard is down. Off-the- shelf models provide adequate protection, and custom ones can be even better. “A professionally made mouthguard helps avoid concussions and damage to the teeth as well,” said Manitoba Dental Association president Dr. Jeff Hein. “Anything we can do to prevent a problem is a heck of a lot better than trying to fix it.” Most young athletes don’t need sugary and acidic sports drinks to perform. Hein and Grant said water
is best. If the child insists on a sports drink, dilute it and ensure they rinse with water after drinking one. Grant suggested bringing cheese to snack on, as it helps restore a healthy pH balance in the mouth. It’s also important to properly care for mouthguards and removable liners. Grant said if left unchecked, bacteria will collect, so use a toothbrush and clean the mouthguards before putting them away. He also sees significant vaping use among teens. Parents should do everything they can to discourage it. “It can really cause problems for their teeth and gums.”
“ Flossing is one of the best habits you can start early.”
— Dr. Alan Grant
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