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Dentistry for Children
Because prevention is always better than a cure, it’s never too early for your child’s first visit to the dentist.
In fact, the best time for their first trip to the chair is around six months of the first tooth emerging – usually by the time they’re one year old. Their first experience can be a daunting one, which is why we’ve made special efforts to put them at ease.
In the waiting room and over the dentist’s chair itself, flat-screen televisions playing cartoons keep the kids relaxed and entertained. Our ‘Wall of Smiles’ shows all the happy faces who have previously enjoyed dental treatment with us and now have zero cavities! It’s an area where we teach them how to properly look after their teeth and gums, making sure that it’s a learning experience as well as a comfortable one.
A lifetime of happy smiles is a great reward for getting ahead on good oral hygiene. Contact us today to make your child’s first appointment, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have without obligation.
Everyday tips for healthy teeth
- Supervise
- Go electric
- Train technique
- 3 mins, twice daily
- Always brush before bed
- Avoid sugary treats at night
- Praise their good work
We’re always available to provide great advice on proper oral hygiene for children, so feel free to get in touch.
Is it safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can sometimes increase the risk of conditions such as gingivitis, bleeding gums and dental decay as a result of dietary changes. It’s important, therefore, that women continue to visit their dental practice regularly during pregnancy. After becoming pregnant, you should inform your dentist and dental centre of your condition. The dentist and staff have the knowledge and experience to provide the appropriate level of care, and advise of any special procedures required in good time. They’ll also be able to provide advice and recommendations regarding relevant medications during this time.
For patients concerned about radiation levels from X-Rays, standard diagnostic X-Rays do not expose either the patient or fetus to a harmful level of absorbed radiation.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric is a specialist who has qualified to perform dental care for young children and teenagers. The additional training required takes several years and, in Canada, includes a specialty board exam. Those who pass become a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD(C)). In Canada, in addition to the extra training to be a specialists one must pass the specialty board exam and become a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada — FRCD(C).
Why are the Primary Teeth so Important?
The Primary teeth serve several important purposes in a child’s oral development. They form part of the growth process that involves the jawbones and muscles, help speech development and also guide adult teeth into position. A child will keep his or her front teeth until the age of 7, while the back teeth – molars and cuspids – will last until the child is between 9 and 13.
What are dental radiographs (X-rays), and are they safe?
A child will be required for a dental X-Ray (radiographs) about every 1 to 2 years, as an important part of the pediatric dentistry process, and may be more frequent depending on the patient. Radiographs see things that cannot be detected during an oral examination and are essential to ensuring that a variety of dental conditions are properly assesses and/or identified. Radiographs are used to identify cavities, bone disease and cavities; for injury and orthodontic assessment.
The risk to a patient from radiation is very small, and minimized further by the pediatric dentist, who uses a number of protective measures, such as lead aprons, that block uneccessary X-Rays and limit exposure to the required area. Dental X-Rays expose the patient to significantly less radiation than medical X-Rays, since the thin tissue of the dental region is easily accessed.
Is there a ‘best’ tooth paste to buy for my Child?
Tooth paste reinforced with fluoride is a smart choice, given that most municipal water is not fluoridated. It is recommended that when a child’s teeth start to show – usually by around one year – you brush their teeth once per day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Look for the Canadian Dental Association seal of approval, and avoid toothpastes containing abrasives. To begin with, you’ll only need a little toothpaste – a small smear on the bristles will suffice. Leaving some of the toothpaste residue in the mouth after brushing helps retain some fluoride which will strengthen the teeth.
Should I stop my child from thumb sucking?
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for many children. During the suckling phase, which may last up to the age of 4, sucking a thumb or pacifier is used to calm children and often encourage sleep. When thumb sucking continues, by or beyond the age of 5, come issues can arise with tooth alignment. Talk to us about your child’s situation and we’ll be able to advise the best course of action on a case by case basis.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit – Establishing a “Dental Home”
You should plan on establishing a ‘dental home’ for your child by the time of their first birthday – that’s the opinion of both the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) and The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD). Achieving this means that your child will receive the dental care they need when they need it. Prevention is always better than cure.
When do children’s teeth start to show?
While the age varies, most babies first teeth will appear between 4 and 8 months.
