Dental care for children

When to start

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit within six months of the first tooth coming in, or by 12 months of age.¹ The goal is to see your child before there is a problem.¹ Our article on your child's first dental visit covers what happens and how to help your child feel ready.

What a children's check-up can include

• A look at your child's teeth and gums, and a chance to see whether the cleaning you do at home is working.¹
• X-rays, when the dentist thinks they're needed. X-rays show decay between the teeth.¹
• A talk about fluoride.¹

For most children, a check-up every six months lets the dentist catch small problems early.^1,2 Your child's dental team may suggest a different schedule based on their needs.²

Preventing cavities

Fluoride helps: children who use fluoride products from an early age have fewer cavities than those who don't.²

Fluoride varnish

Fluoride varnish is a fluoride coating that a dental professional paints onto the teeth.² We offer it at our clinic. How often a child needs varnish depends on their risk of decay, so the dentist decides case by case.⁴

Habits at home

Avoid bedtime bottles of milk, juice or formula, and offer plain water instead.^2,6 From about age three or four, teach "2 for 2": brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, with you finishing the job.² Our first-visit article has the Canadian Dental Association's guidance on how much fluoride toothpaste to use at each age.

Why baby teeth matter

Baby teeth help children eat and learn to speak, give shape to the face, and guide the adult teeth into the right position.² Some stay in until about age 12.¹ If a baby tooth is lost early, the teeth on either side can drift into the gap and block the adult tooth from coming in.¹ Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and make it hard for a child to sleep, eat or concentrate.²

When to call us

• You see chalky white spots or lines near the gumline, or brown spots. These can be early decay.^2,6
• Your child has tooth pain, or a tooth has been chipped or knocked out. See what to do right away.
• Your child's gums are often swollen, sore or bleeding. Keep brushing gently; children can get gum disease too, not just adults.⁵

If you think something is wrong, you don't need to wait for a regular check-up.³ Call us at (416) 469-5279.

A word about "pediatric dentists"

For children's dental care, families can see their own dentist or a pediatric dentist, who is a specialist in treating children.³ Our dentists are general dentists who see patients of every age, from a child's first tooth onward. In cases where behavioural management is challenging or not possible, and for cases where more advanced sedation is required, our dentist will refer you to a pediatric dentist.