We love kids!  From balloon animals to a ‘ride’ in the dental chair, we will create positive experiences for your precious little ones.  In a fun and interactive learning environment, we will give them the ‘know-how’ to keep a long-lasting healthy smile!

CALL US TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN OUR CHILDREN’S PROGRAM!

We know we’ve done our job when your child looks forward to their NEXT visit to the dentist.  Here are a few commonly asked questions by some of our patients (adapted from the Ontario Dental Association: www.youroralhealth.ca).

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD’S FIRST DENTAL VISIT OCCUR?

When establishing a lifetime of healthy habits, it’s best to bring your child to the dentist upon arrival of their first tooth.  Be a model patient for your child (older siblings are even better)!  Having your child accompany you to the dentist office during your dental cleaning is a great way to acclimatize them to the staff and surroundings.  A more comprehensive visit may occur as early as 1 year of age.

WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE MY BABY’S FIRST TOOTH?

Baby teeth start to erupt through the gums between six and nine months of age. These milk teeth or first teeth help your child eat and speak and also help the adult teeth come in straight.  Below is a chart for the approximate arrival of baby teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW DO I CLEAN MY BABY’S TEETH?

Even tiny teeth must be cleaned. INFANTS CAN GET CAVITIES JUST LIKE OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Following all feedings, you should clean your baby’s mouth and teeth.  If the teeth are not large enough for an infant toothbrush, then simply use a piece of gauze or a wet facecloth to wipe teeth and gums. This prepares baby early for what should become a lifelong habit.

 

HOW DO I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR HIS/HER FIRST VISIT?

Generally, it’s best to treat a trip to the dentist’s office as if it were a trip to the grocery store.  If they ask questions or look anxious, try to avoid over-explanations.

Keep it simple…”I know you’re curious about where we’re going.  The dentist’s office is where people go to keep their teeth clean…like when we take our car to a car wash.  If you have any questions, we can ask the dentist together.”

 

If you’re reading to your child, there are a number a great storybooks that are available for purchase at your local bookstore:

1. Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer) by Christine Ricci and Robert Roper
2. The Tooth Book (Dr. Seuss) by Theo Lesieg
3. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain

 

WHEN WILL MY CHILD LOSE THEIR FIRST TOOTH?

Around the ages of six to eight years, the first teeth start to fall out and the permanent teeth erupt through the gums. By the age of 13 years, most of the permanent teeth, except for the wisdom teeth, should be in.  Below is a chart of arrival of the adult teeth (ie. loss of baby teeth).