Children's Dental Services

We recommend that children visit the dentist around the time their first teeth begin to appear—generally between 6 months to 1 year of age. It is essential the baby teeth are cared for in the same way you would care for your permanent, adult teeth. 

The earlier your child begins to visit the dentist, the easier they will be able to understand and become used to the routine. 

During your child's first visit we will examine their mouth for any emerging dental issues, create a treatment plan if necessary, and discuss the proper at-home care for their developing smile.  

Your child should come in for a professional dental exam and cleaning every 6 months. However, every mouth is unique! If your child has any oral health issues that require monitoring or treatment we may recommend that they visit us more often. 

Many of a kid’s dental problems are the same ones affecting adults, but as children’s teeth are still developing, untreated dental conditions can cause poor and misaligned tooth development, leading to a more serious problem as a child grows up.

Some of the most common issues with children are:

• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Thumb-sucking
• Gum disease
• Teeth grinding
• Canker Sores
• Baby teeth-loss
• Over-retained primary teeth
• Dental Anxiety

Similar to adult teeth, baby teeth need to be brushed twice each day. Start by brushing your infant's baby teeth as soon as they begin to emerge. 

You should begin flossing as soon as your child has two teeth side by side. Speak with your dentist about the tools available to help make flossing comfortable for your child. 

Children's dental services encompass a range of treatments and procedures aimed at promoting oral health and addressing dental issues in children. Here are some common types of children's dental services:

• Dental Examinations: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for children. Dentists examine their teeth, gums, and mouth to detect any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems.
• Dental Cleanings: Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and stains from children's teeth, helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Cleanings may involve scaling, polishing, and fluoride application.
• Dental X-rays: X-rays help dentists assess the growth and development of children's teeth, identify hidden cavities, and detect any abnormalities in the jaw or bone structure.
• Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Dentists may apply fluoride varnish or gel to children's teeth during routine visits or recommend fluoride supplements.
• Dental Sealants: Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay. They create a barrier between the tooth enamel and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities.
• Fillings: If a child has a cavity, the dentist may need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a dental filling. Fillings can be made from various materials, including composite resin or dental amalgam.
• Education & Preventive Counselling: Dentists provide guidance on oral hygiene practices, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and dietary recommendations to prevent dental problems. They also educate children about the importance of oral health.

If your child starts to complain about sensitivity or constant pain, or if the tissue around a tooth is swollen and painful, they may have pulp damage. Damage to the interior living part of the tooth can occur because of trauma, decay, or other infection. The ‘pulp’ refers to the live part of the tooth.

If the pulp is damaged, it is important to retain as much of the living pulp as possible, while also treating the infection or removing any damaged sections. One way we do this is with a pulpotomy.

A pulpotomy can be performed if the pulp root is unaffected, and just the tip of the pulp is damaged. If the root is healthy we will remove all the decay and then place material over the remaining pulp to protect it. Finally, we will place a crown. By saving the pulp, your child has a greater chance of producing a healthy adult tooth.

A pulpectomy is performed if the damage has extended into the tooth root. We will need to remove all of the living material and fill the space — just like an adult root canal. We will place a crown to help with spacing when the adult tooth is ready to come in.