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Small teeth, big welcome
We like to meet children by their first birthday. Early visits are short and playful, and they make every visit after easier.
What happens at which age
- Age 1
First hello
Your child sits on your lap. We count teeth, look at the gums and show you how to brush.
- Age 3
Their own chair
A ride in the big chair, a polish, and a look for early cavities between back teeth.
- Age 6
First molars
Sealants on new back teeth, and the first X-rays if we need them.
- Age 12
Teen years
Checks on growth and bite, sports guards, and a referral to an orthodontist if braces may help.
What we do for kids
- Tell-show-doWe name each tool, let them touch it, then use it. Nothing is a surprise.
- SealantsA thin coating on the grooves of back teeth, where most kids' cavities start. $40 to $60 per tooth.
- Fluoride varnishPainted on in seconds after a cleaning. It tastes a bit like candy.
- Parents in the roomYou are welcome to stay for the whole visit, at any age.
Tips for parents
- Brush from the first toothA rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste until age three, then a pea-sized amount.
- Help until about age eightKids can't reach every surface well until then. Let them go first, then you finish.
- Water in the bedtime bottleMilk or juice sitting on teeth overnight is the most common cause of early cavities.
- Talk about the visit simplySkip words like "hurt" or "needle". Say we'll count their teeth and make them shiny.
- Book mornings for little onesToddlers do best before a nap. Saturday morning spots go first.
- Floss once teeth touchUsually by age two or three. Floss picks are fine.
Parents often ask
Do baby teeth really need fillings?
Often, yes. Baby molars stay until about age 12, and a cavity left alone can become painful or infected. Sometimes we can watch a small spot instead; we'll explain the choice.
Can siblings be seen together?
Yes. Ask for back-to-back appointments and we'll book the whole family in one trip.
Is my child covered by insurance?
Most family plans cover children's checkups and cleanings. Ask us whether your treatment is covered, including under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and we'll check before the visit.