The Difference Pediatric Dentistry Makes
Our aim is to give children the best start with dental care that’s tailored just for them. By focusing on kid-friendly approaches, we build a positive bond between our dental team and young patients. This helps children feel involved, confident, and motivated to take care of their oral health. Establishing happy, healthy habits early on paves the way for a lifetime of dental visits they’ll genuinely look forward to.
From the very first appointment, pediatric dental care is all about creating a positive experience. Routine cleanings are designed to be kid-friendly, celebrating every milestone as your child grows. We’re here to support your little ones as they discover new teeth, lose their baby teeth, and grow their adult teeth. Whether it’s getting a filling (which isn’t as scary as they might think!) or choosing orthodontics as they become young adults, we’re committed to making every step a comfortable and engaging experience.
Why Is Children’s Dental Care So Important?
It might surprise you, but some people wonder about the importance of children’s dental care since primary teeth eventually fall out. By around age 3, most children have their full set of baby teeth, which start to fall out by age 6. By their early teens, they usually have all their adult teeth (except for wisdom teeth). However, those early years of gaining and losing primary teeth are foundational, and the state of a child’s dental health can have lasting consequences for their overall well-being.
Poor Dental Health Hurts
Just like adults, kids can face tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. The tricky part? Children may not know how to explain their pain, so they often accept discomfort as normal. But if you notice them avoiding hot or cold foods, skipping chewy snacks, or favouring one side when chewing, they might be dealing with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby teeth set the stage for adult teeth
Baby teeth aren’t just temporary; they play a big role in guiding adult teeth into place. When a baby tooth loosens and falls out, its root is reabsorbed, making room for the adult tooth. But if a baby tooth is lost too early, it can lead to issues like crowding or crooked teeth down the road. Keeping those baby teeth and gums healthy is key to giving adult teeth the best possible start.
The Cornerstone of Confidence
Healthy teeth play a big role in how kids learn to speak, smile, and connect with others. From a young age, children start developing social skills and forming attachments. If they struggle with dental issues like pain or sensitivity, it can impact their ability to express themselves comfortably and how they’re seen by their peers.
Good Eating Habits for Growing Bodies
Children need a variety of foods to support their growth, which can already be tricky for parents managing picky eaters. When dental pain is involved, it becomes even more challenging. Discomfort might cause kids to avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods altogether. This can lead to habits like chewing on one side of the mouth, eating in ways that aren’t ideal, or not wanting to eat much at all.
Your Child’s First Appointment
No matter the age, our goal is to ensure your child’s health, comfort, and happiness during every visit. In pediatric dentistry, we understand that our youngest patients need a bit of extra care when they sit in the dental chair. We pay close attention to their unique oral health needs and milestones, all while speaking to them in a kid-friendly, reassuring way that makes them feel safe and involved.
Show and Tell
Every child is different—some are curious explorers with endless questions, while others might feel shy, cautious, or even nervous about new experiences. Our aim is to make every child feel safe, involved, and positive about their dental visits. To help them feel at ease, we always start by chatting in terms they understand. We take time to listen to their thoughts and concerns, explain what’s going to happen during the appointment, and answer any questions they may have.
Gentle Examination
During the exam, we pay special attention to the unique oral health markers of children. We gently check their gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health, keeping a close watch on the development of both their baby and adult teeth. This careful examination helps us spot any areas that may need a little extra care, either at home or in future appointments.
Keeping You in the Loop
After the exam, we’ll share our advice with both your child and you, their parents or guardian. We often have helpful tips for brushing those tricky spots at home and suggestions to keep oral care fun and effective. If there are any areas of concern, we’ll let you know what we’re monitoring and what to watch for between appointments. Together, we’ll make a great team in keeping your child’s smile healthy!
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric dentists focus on dental care for children from infancy through their teenage years. They are specially trained to handle the many changes that occur as children grow, guiding them through the transition from baby to adult teeth.
Typically, your child’s first teeth begin to appear around 6 months of age. It’s recommended to schedule their first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. If you suspect any issues or notice discomfort, don’t hesitate to book an appointment—it’s never too late to start.
A pediatric dentist generally provides care for patients until they reach the age of majority. They specialize in dental health from infancy, around 6 months, up to 18 years old.
The frequency of dental visits for toddlers is similar to that of adults—typically every 6 months unless the dentist recommends otherwise. Some may choose visits every 3 to 8 months based on personal needs and budget. However, it’s important not to let more than a year pass between appointments. If your child is experiencing any discomfort or pain, schedule a visit as soon as possible.