Parent FAQs

An initial exam is recommended by your child's first tooth or first birthday. This early visit allows us to review pediatric dental development, check for early signs of cavities, and put preventative measures in place — all while getting your child comfortable with the dental environment from the start.

The dentist will conduct a visual examination of your child's gums and teeth, assess their behaviour, and may request x-rays. We keep the first visit short and fun for the child. In some cases, we may delay cleaning or more extensive dental work to a second appointment to ensure a positive experience.

The most important thing is to stay calm — children pick up on parental anxiety. Be honest and positive: frame it as something fun, like "we're going to count your teeth." Avoid using words like "hurt" or "needle" that may create unnecessary fear.

A check-up every six months is generally recommended to prevent cavities and catch any problems early. Depending on your child's individual oral health needs, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

Children retain their primary (baby) teeth until approximately 9–13 years old. These teeth play a crucial role in speech development, proper chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions. Untreated decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and affect the development of permanent teeth.

Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day — morning and before bed. Nighttime brushing is the most critical, as saliva production decreases during sleep, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Help or supervise brushing until your child is around 7–8 years old.

Start cleaning your baby's gums with a soft brush or cloth even before teeth emerge. Once teeth appear, use a smear no larger than a grain of rice for children under 2. For children aged 2–5 who can spit, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Yes — begin flossing as soon as two teeth touch, which typically happens between ages 2 and 6. Children usually develop the dexterity to floss independently around age 10. Until then, flossing is a parent's job.

Choose nutritious snacks like vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheese. Limit sugary and sticky foods that cling to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Water is the best drink between meals — juice and sports drinks should be limited.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is a rapid and destructive form of tooth decay that affects upper front teeth and lower back teeth in children as young as 2–3 years old. It is caused by prolonged exposure to sweetened liquids in a bottle, including milk and juice.

Use bottles only at mealtimes, never with sweetened drinks, and eliminate nighttime bottle use. If your child depends on a bottle to sleep, gradually dilute the contents with water over several weeks until they are comfortable falling asleep without it.

All 20 primary teeth typically appear by age 3, though timing varies widely between children. First teeth usually emerge around 6 months. Permanent teeth begin replacing baby teeth around age 6. If you have concerns about your child's dental development, we are happy to take a look.

Teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in children and in most cases does not require treatment. The majority of children naturally outgrow grinding between ages 9–12. If grinding is severe, causing wear or discomfort, speak with your dentist.

Sealants are a thin resin coating applied to the grooves of back teeth, acting as a barrier against food, plaque, and acid. They significantly reduce the risk of cavities in the pits and fissures of molars. The procedure is quick, painless, and non-invasive.

Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialty training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on children's oral health from infancy through adolescence, including children with special health needs. Family dentists like ours are trained to care for patients of all ages and provide comprehensive care for the whole family.