Parent FAQs
What You Need To Know
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.
When should I first bring my child into the dentist?
An initial exam is recommended by your child’s first tooth or first birthday. This first exam can give both the dentist and the parent an opportunity to review some fundamentals of pediatric dental growth and development, check for cavities, and review some important preventative measures. Early detection and management of oral conditions can improve your child’s oral health and general health and well-being. Delaying treatment can sometimes result in more extensive and costly care.
What can I expect from the first visit?
This first visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. We will complete a visual examination of the gums and teeth, assess your child’s behaviour and may request necessary x-rays to evaluate areas we cannot see visually. We want to keep the appointment short and fun for the child. This may mean that we will wait until the second visit to complete a cleaning or perform any dental work your child may need. We may ask you to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and the dentist.
How should I prepare my child for their first visit?
Children are often way cooler about going to see the dentist than their parents are. Try not to project any anxiety you might have onto your little one. Just relax and be honest – tell your child he or she is going to the dentist, which is a good thing. You can even say: “the doctor will count your teeth”, and that it will be fun – we’re pretty sure it will be!
How often should I bring my child to the dentist?
A check-up every six months is generally recommended in order to prevent cavities, find cavities at their earliest stages, and catch other dental problems. However, we will recommend to you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.
Do you accept assignment or direct billing?
We will bill your insurance company directly and collect the balance from you (if any) at the time of treatment.
Do you accept government social services insurance plans?
Yes, we accept social services including Alberta Child Health Benefits (ACHB) plans and First Nations Non Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
Why should we fix baby teeth if they are just going to fall out?
Your child will keep some of their primary or “baby” teeth until approximately 9 – 13 years old. Primary teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Untreated dental cavities in primary teeth can result in pain and infection.
How often should I be brushing my child's teeth?
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, morning and before bed. The most important time to brush is just before the child goes to sleep for the night.
Toothpaste: When should we begin using it and how much should we use?
Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. When looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure to pick one that is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association as shown on the box and tube. These toothpastes have undergone testing to ensure they are safe to use.
Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriately-sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old patient who can spit, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s tooth brushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
Should I floss my child's teeth?
You should start flossing your children’s teeth even when they only have their baby teeth. Children are prone to cavities between their teeth. Tooth brushing alone will not adequately clean these spaces, and food and bacteria can build up between those teeth. Once a child’s teeth start to fit closely together, usually between the ages of two and six, parents should start to get their children in the habit of flossing daily. As they develop dexterity, you can help them learn to floss. Children usually develop the ability to floss on their own around the age of 10.