FAQs

The Canadian Dental Association recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur by age 1. This gives you the opportunity to meet Dr. A. and discuss things like diet, thumb/pacifier habits, fluoride, and other oral care subjects to help set your child up for a healthy lifelong smile. Many dental conditions can be avoided or reduced through early detection and education.

We encourage the presence and participation of parents during the entirety of their child’s dental visit.

• For preschool children, we recommend scheduling appointments in the morning when kids are fresher, and we can work at a relaxed pace to make kids more comfortable.
• For school children, we recommend mornings as well, so children have time left in the day for schoolwork, activities, and other things.

Cavities are the result of certain bacteria that live in our mouths. When these bacteria (a.k.a. plaque) meet sugary foods left in our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack and eat through tooth enamel to create holes in teeth called cavities.

Regular brushing and other good oral hygiene practices help protect teeth from cavities by removing bacteria and food particles.

 

• For infants: Use a wet washcloth to wipe plaque from the gums and teeth.
• For older children: Brush at least twice per day and limit sugary snacks. Flossing should begin once there is no longer space between your child’s teeth.
  To further help protect teeth and prevent cavities, make sure your child gets enough fluoride through drinking water, fluoride toothpaste, or supplements if needed.

Oftentimes, children with special needs are more susceptible to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health risks. Because of this, it’s important that special needs children are seen early and started on a preventive oral health program. Dr. A. has extensive training in the treatment of special needs children and understands that all children deserve a healthy, beautiful smile.

If your child has a dental emergency, please call (905) 332-8880 as soon as possible.
During regular office hours, we will see your child immediately. For after-hours emergencies, our answering service will connect you with Dr. A.

To help create a positive oral health foundation for your child, speak with your child in a positive, matter-of-fact way, just as you would about any important new experience. Tell your child that we will count their teeth and show both of you how to effectively clean teeth. Prior to any procedure, we thoroughly explain the procedure in terms that children can understand. In preparation for your visit, we urge you to refrain from using words around your child that may cause unnecessary fear, such as “needle,” “shot,” “pull,” “drill,” and “hurt.” If you approach your visit in a casual and confident manner, the chances are much better that your child will do the same.

Our goal is to make dental visits fun, quick, and easy for kids and parents. Depending on need, diagnostic x-rays may be taken to determine your child’s current dental condition. Dr. A. will then provide a thorough examination and chat with you about any issues of concern. If no treatment is needed and your child is of appropriate age, your child’s teeth will be cleaned, and a professional fluoride solution will be applied. Also, if needed, additional services will be scheduled for a later visit.