Your child’s first visit to the dentist

You can visit the dentist for the first time in the six months after your child’s first teeth come in, or before his or her first birthday.

 

It is strongly recommended that this first visit be made before the child reaches the age of two. If you suspect a problem, though, you should not hesitate to consult a dentist, no matter how old the child is.

 

As soon as a dental chart is opened, your child will benefit from comprehensive periodic evaluations to monitor not only the health of his or her teeth but also the overall growth of all oral structures.

 

Preventive examinations will allow the dentist to check the growth of your child’s jaws and the position of the teeth and tongue when swallowing. This way, speaking, chewing and esthetic problems can be detected and sometimes corrected at an early age.

 

Your dentist may also suggest means of dealing with potential future problems. In some cases, he or she may recommend that you see a pediatric dentist (a specialist in dentistry for children), an orthodontist (a specialist in matters of teeth and jaw positioning), or other professionals such as a speech therapist or a physiotherapist.

Your dentist will advise you on the appropriate preventive care for your child, including :
  • regular professional cleaning
  • fluoride applications to strengthen enamel and help remineralization
  • sealants to protect teeth against cavities
Dental examinations
Régie de l’assurance-maladie du Québec

Covered dental care for children under 10

Children under age 10 are entitled to a number of free services. For more information, click here.

Relevant articles