PRIMARY TEETH ARE IMPORTANT!
Your child's first set of teeth, called "primary teeth" are more important than most people realize. Healthy and cavity-free primary teeth are crucial in:
- speech development.
- proper feeding and nutrition. Oral issues can affect a child's physical and mental growth and development.
- the guidance and positioning of permanent teeth. They also act as "space-savers" in the jaw for they reduce the need for future orthodontic work.
- the development good self-esteem.
Your Child’s First Visit
Your child's first dental visit sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. That’s why we strive to make it a comfortable and enjoyable experience—often calling it a “tickle visit” to keep things light and reassuring. If the first visit is not an emergency, here’s what to expect:
Making Dental Visits Enjoyable for Children
Creating a positive experience at the dentist can help your child feel comfortable and develop healthy habits for life. Here are a few ways to make dental visits stress-free and even enjoyable:
By taking these steps, you can help your child approach dental visits with confidence and a sense of curiosity rather than fear.
- Friendly Introduction – We’ll welcome your child, show them around the office, and introduce them to some of our equipment, including the dental chair, light, mirror, and explorer (dental pick).
- Gentle Examination – We’ll assess their mouth, teeth, and gums to ensure everything is developing properly.
- Habit Evaluation – We’ll check for behaviors like thumb or finger sucking that may affect their oral health.
- Fluoride Assessment – Identifying their fluoride needs to help protect their teeth.
- Parent Guidance – We’ll provide parents with tips on effectively cleaning their child’s teeth and gums.
- Personalized Care Plan – Every child is unique, so we’ll suggest a schedule of dental visits tailored to their individual needs.
Making Dental Visits Enjoyable for Children
Creating a positive experience at the dentist can help your child feel comfortable and develop healthy habits for life. Here are a few ways to make dental visits stress-free and even enjoyable:
- Keep it Positive – Avoid sharing or letting your child overhear scary stories about the dentist.
- Stay Calm – If you have dental anxiety, try not to express it in front of your child. Your reassurance can help ease their nerves.
- Make It Familiar – Bring your child along for your dental visit or an older sibling’s appointment so they can observe the process in a relaxed setting. Allow them to play while they watch.
- Use Books to Prepare Them – Reading children’s books about dental visits can help set expectations and ease fears. A great recommendation is The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain, which explains the experience in a fun and engaging way.
By taking these steps, you can help your child approach dental visits with confidence and a sense of curiosity rather than fear.
Common Dental Issues
Children can experience a variety of dental concerns, ranging from cavities to injuries caused by accidents. Here are some of the most common dental issues and traumas:
Teething
Every baby experiences teething differently—some drool for weeks before their first tooth appears, while others seem to sprout teeth effortlessly. Teething can cause discomfort, leading to irritability, but there are ways to soothe sore gums and make the process easier for your child.
Soothing Tender Gums
Teething
Every baby experiences teething differently—some drool for weeks before their first tooth appears, while others seem to sprout teeth effortlessly. Teething can cause discomfort, leading to irritability, but there are ways to soothe sore gums and make the process easier for your child.
Soothing Tender Gums
- Gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger or the back of a small, cool spoon.
- Offer a clean, cold teething ring to help relieve discomfort.
- If needed, a pediatrician or dentist may recommend acetaminophen for pain relief.
- Avoid teething biscuits, as they often contain sugar that can contribute to tooth decay.
- Parents often worry about early or late teething, but there is no correlation between when teeth come in and their strength. Each child develops at their own pace.
- The first teeth generally emerge around six months, but this timeline varies widely.
- While teething can make babies cranky, it does not cause illness or fever.
- If your baby develops a fever, it is likely due to the natural loss of inborn immunity that happens around the same time teething begins.
- Never ignore a fever—always consult your physician to rule out infections or other health concerns.
Tooth Decay
The most common cause of tooth loss in children is tooth decay (cavities). Tooth decay is caused by the action of bacteria in the plaque. Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms on our teeth every day. Plaque helps the bacteria stick to our teeth. The sugar in food and drinks reacts with bacteria to form an acid that eats away the hard outer layer (enamel). Over time, this acid will make a hole or cavity in the enamel.
The three main factors that predispose some children to developing more tooth decay than others include:
The most common cause of tooth loss in children is tooth decay (cavities). Tooth decay is caused by the action of bacteria in the plaque. Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms on our teeth every day. Plaque helps the bacteria stick to our teeth. The sugar in food and drinks reacts with bacteria to form an acid that eats away the hard outer layer (enamel). Over time, this acid will make a hole or cavity in the enamel.
The three main factors that predispose some children to developing more tooth decay than others include:
- Frequent consumption of sugars.
- Low fluoride levels. Fluoride acts with minerals in saliva to restore and harden enamel damaged by the very early stages of decay. This remineralising may help to arrest the decay and to make fully formed teeth more resistant to further damage.
- Failure to brush adequately to remove all plaque and the associated bacteria.
Baby Bottle Caries
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"Baby bottle caries" (or "nursing bottle caries") refers to a pattern of tooth decay which occurs in the teeth of infants and preschoolers who are allowed to nurse from a bottle containing a sugary beverage either frequently or for prolonged periods of time (such as while napping or sleeping at night). Baby bottle caries is also observed in those infants who are breast fed frequently throughout the night.
Baby Bottle Decay can be completely avoidable
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Common Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontic issues in children can impact oral health and jaw development. We evaluate your child's orthodontic development from the first visit, identifying concerns and ensuring proper treatment. Common orthodontic problems include:
Effects of Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Use
Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond infancy can contribute to orthodontic issues. These habits put pressure on developing teeth and jaws, potentially leading to:
If necessary, a dentist may refer a child to an orthodontist, who will assess jaw growth and determine the right timing for treatment, whether through early intervention or braces later in adolescence. Addressing orthodontic concerns at the right time promotes a well-aligned, healthy smile
Pacifiers
Pacifiers are less likely to cause a malocclusion and are usually discontinued at an earlier age than is thumbsucking. It is easier to take away a pacifier then a finger or thumb. Thumbsuckers typically continue the habit until 3-5 years.
· To avoid any trauma to the gums, it's important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber
· do not use the soother around the clock, only when necessary
· in rare instances, pacifiers may cause complications, like abnormal swallowing patterns
· check the pacifier daily for breakage. They do not last forever. The child could suck a "ripped" pacifier and choke on it
· do not hang the pacifier around your baby's neck with a string. Your baby could be accidentally strangled
· to avoid improper breathing and abnormal molding of the baby's jaws, choose a soother that resembles the natural nipple and breast
· Pacifier use can cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth.
Orthodontic issues in children can impact oral health and jaw development. We evaluate your child's orthodontic development from the first visit, identifying concerns and ensuring proper treatment. Common orthodontic problems include:
- Crowding – Lack of space causes teeth to overlap or become misaligned.
- Overbite – Upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth, potentially causing wear and bite issues.
- Underbite – Lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, affecting jaw function and facial balance.
- Crossbite – Upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside, which can lead to uneven tooth wear and misalignment.
- Open Bite – Upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, often caused by habits like thumb-sucking.
- Spacing Issues – Gaps between teeth due to missing or undersized teeth, which can affect alignment and bite function.
Effects of Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Use
Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond infancy can contribute to orthodontic issues. These habits put pressure on developing teeth and jaws, potentially leading to:
- Open Bite – The upper and lower front teeth may not touch, creating a gap when the mouth is closed.
- Protruding Front Teeth – Excessive pressure from sucking can push upper front teeth forward, affecting alignment and bite.
- Altered Jaw Growth – Long-term habits may impact the natural development of the palate and jaw, increasing the likelihood of needing orthodontic treatment.
If necessary, a dentist may refer a child to an orthodontist, who will assess jaw growth and determine the right timing for treatment, whether through early intervention or braces later in adolescence. Addressing orthodontic concerns at the right time promotes a well-aligned, healthy smile
Pacifiers
Pacifiers are less likely to cause a malocclusion and are usually discontinued at an earlier age than is thumbsucking. It is easier to take away a pacifier then a finger or thumb. Thumbsuckers typically continue the habit until 3-5 years.
· To avoid any trauma to the gums, it's important to buy a pacifier with a nipple made of rubber
· do not use the soother around the clock, only when necessary
· in rare instances, pacifiers may cause complications, like abnormal swallowing patterns
· check the pacifier daily for breakage. They do not last forever. The child could suck a "ripped" pacifier and choke on it
· do not hang the pacifier around your baby's neck with a string. Your baby could be accidentally strangled
· to avoid improper breathing and abnormal molding of the baby's jaws, choose a soother that resembles the natural nipple and breast
· Pacifier use can cause abnormal development of the jaws and teeth.
Common Dental Traumas
Accidents happen, and dental injuries are common among active children. Knowing what to do in the event of a dental trauma can help protect your child's oral health and prevent long-term complications.
Types of Dental Injuries
Accidents happen, and dental injuries are common among active children. Knowing what to do in the event of a dental trauma can help protect your child's oral health and prevent long-term complications.
Types of Dental Injuries
- Chipped or Fractured Teeth – Falls, sports injuries, or biting hard objects can cause cracks or chips in teeth. Minor chips may be smoothed, while larger fractures may require bonding or crowns.
- Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Teeth – If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, place it in milk or saliva and visit a dentist immediately—quick action may allow for successful reimplantation.
- Displaced Teeth – A tooth that has been pushed out of position due to impact may require urgent dental care to prevent further damage.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Cuts or bruises to the lips, gums, or tongue from falls or accidents may need medical attention to prevent infection.
- Root Fractures – A severe impact can cause fractures below the gum line that may not be visible but can lead to long-term damage.
- Encourage children to wear mouthguards during sports and physical activities.
- Childproof play areas to minimize falls and accidents.
- Teach children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pencils.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor oral health and catch concerns early.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants may be recommended for your child if he or she has any newly erupted molars and premolars . Dental Sealants are a white or clear plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier to protect these chewing surfaces. The chewing surfaces are very prone to decay because they have small depressions, called pits and fissures, where germs and food can pack. Sealants should be applied as soon as these teeth appear in the mouth and before they have a chance to decay.
Dental sealants may be recommended for your child if he or she has any newly erupted molars and premolars . Dental Sealants are a white or clear plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier to protect these chewing surfaces. The chewing surfaces are very prone to decay because they have small depressions, called pits and fissures, where germs and food can pack. Sealants should be applied as soon as these teeth appear in the mouth and before they have a chance to decay.
Sealant Information sheet
DENTAL TREATMENT
Fillings
White fillings or Composite Resin- To achieve an aesthetic result most cavities on front teeth are filled with white filling. Smaller cavities on back teeth can also be restored with white fillings. But compared to amalgam, white filling is generally weaker , takes longer to place, costs more and requires some cooperation from the child, as it must be placed in a dry environment without saliva.
Silver or Amalgam Fillings- Most back teeth are done with Silver filling. It is required for decay between teeth, which requires a larger restoration. Silver filling is strong, durable, cost-effective and can be placed in minutes. In baby teeth, Silver fillings generally longer lasting than white fillings. Silver fillings contain various metals such as silver, copper, tin and mercury. Mercury is necessary to chemically bind the compounds together to form a hard, stable material.
Stainless steel crowns are needed when decay has destroyed a tooth to such a degree that there is little of the tooth remaining. Amalgam or silver fillings are not recommended for large fillings in "baby" teeth because if this large filling fractures there is a greater chance that a pulpectomy or extraction will be necessary. Stainless steel crowns are highly recommended on primary ("baby") molars so they will have the benefit of a much more durable and reliable restoration.
Extensive Decay or Infection
Pulpectomy- Deep decay may reach the nerve and to restore this a pulpectomy is required. This procedure involves removing the infected nerve tissue and placing medicament directly over the nerve tissue of the roots. The tooth is then restored in the most appropriate manner (i.e. an amalgam or stainless steel crown. Because of the difficult root structure of baby teeth, the procedure has only an 80 per cent success rate.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if there is extensive damage, pain, infection or where an abscess has formed.
Space Maintainers- If a child loses a primary back tooth prematurely, crowding of the future permanent teeth may occur. A space maintainer may be recommended to prevent teeth moving and allow adequate space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Even with a space maintainer, crowding may need to be corrected later with orthodontic braces. However, a space maintainer is not usually required for missing front teeth, as these tend to align themselves correctly in most cases.
White fillings or Composite Resin- To achieve an aesthetic result most cavities on front teeth are filled with white filling. Smaller cavities on back teeth can also be restored with white fillings. But compared to amalgam, white filling is generally weaker , takes longer to place, costs more and requires some cooperation from the child, as it must be placed in a dry environment without saliva.
Silver or Amalgam Fillings- Most back teeth are done with Silver filling. It is required for decay between teeth, which requires a larger restoration. Silver filling is strong, durable, cost-effective and can be placed in minutes. In baby teeth, Silver fillings generally longer lasting than white fillings. Silver fillings contain various metals such as silver, copper, tin and mercury. Mercury is necessary to chemically bind the compounds together to form a hard, stable material.
Stainless steel crowns are needed when decay has destroyed a tooth to such a degree that there is little of the tooth remaining. Amalgam or silver fillings are not recommended for large fillings in "baby" teeth because if this large filling fractures there is a greater chance that a pulpectomy or extraction will be necessary. Stainless steel crowns are highly recommended on primary ("baby") molars so they will have the benefit of a much more durable and reliable restoration.
Extensive Decay or Infection
Pulpectomy- Deep decay may reach the nerve and to restore this a pulpectomy is required. This procedure involves removing the infected nerve tissue and placing medicament directly over the nerve tissue of the roots. The tooth is then restored in the most appropriate manner (i.e. an amalgam or stainless steel crown. Because of the difficult root structure of baby teeth, the procedure has only an 80 per cent success rate.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if there is extensive damage, pain, infection or where an abscess has formed.
Space Maintainers- If a child loses a primary back tooth prematurely, crowding of the future permanent teeth may occur. A space maintainer may be recommended to prevent teeth moving and allow adequate space for the permanent tooth to erupt. Even with a space maintainer, crowding may need to be corrected later with orthodontic braces. However, a space maintainer is not usually required for missing front teeth, as these tend to align themselves correctly in most cases.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If your child requires one or two short visits to complete small fillings or an extraction and is a little anxious nitrous oxide sedation maybe recommended. Nitrous Oxide will calm them enough to safely complete the procedures.
If your child requires one or two short visits to complete small fillings or an extraction and is a little anxious nitrous oxide sedation maybe recommended. Nitrous Oxide will calm them enough to safely complete the procedures.
Hospital Dentistry
However if work is more extensive or cooperation is poor it may be recommended your child’s treatment be referred for dental treatment to be done under deep sedation where an anesthesiologist will put your child to sleep utilizing a general anesthetic so the dentist can do all necessary dental work. The main advantage of having your child placed under general anesthesia is all procedures can be done at once. This is much easier on your child than enduring the long hours in the dental chair, or repeated visits. It is so important young children develop a health attitude toward dentistry and dental visits. Dental visits must remain positive or at least negative ones minimized. Numerous long visits to do extensive treatment can negatively impact a young child’s attitude to dentistry. These attitudes can affect them for life and in turn have a negative impact on their future dental health.
However if work is more extensive or cooperation is poor it may be recommended your child’s treatment be referred for dental treatment to be done under deep sedation where an anesthesiologist will put your child to sleep utilizing a general anesthetic so the dentist can do all necessary dental work. The main advantage of having your child placed under general anesthesia is all procedures can be done at once. This is much easier on your child than enduring the long hours in the dental chair, or repeated visits. It is so important young children develop a health attitude toward dentistry and dental visits. Dental visits must remain positive or at least negative ones minimized. Numerous long visits to do extensive treatment can negatively impact a young child’s attitude to dentistry. These attitudes can affect them for life and in turn have a negative impact on their future dental health.
