Child dentistry

When to come in

The first regular dental visit should be just after your child’s third birthday. The visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination, or wait in the reception area so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.

What we will do

We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken to reveal decay and check on the progress of permanent teeth under the gums. We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect against decay. Most importantly, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth at home.

Dental sealants

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth — just one of the ways we set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

How cavities form

Most cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing. Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside the mouth as bacteria digest sugars — this reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes, during which the acid can destroy tooth structure and eventually lead to cavities.

The consistency of saliva also makes a difference. Thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. Diets high in carbohydrates and sugars tend to produce thicker saliva, which allows more acid-producing bacteria to remain on the teeth.

Tips for cavity prevention

Baby teeth matter

Baby teeth are important — they not only hold space for permanent teeth, but they are essential for chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene from an early age. Don’t worry if some teeth are a few months early or late; all children are different.