Children faqs

When should I begin cleaning my child's teeth?
As soon as your child’s teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child's toothbrush. You should use just a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

Since they’re going to come out anyway, why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?
It’s very important to maintain the baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the future eruption of the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth can be lost and only be regained through orthodontic treatment. As well, infected baby teeth may cause permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in weakness, stains or pits.

What is the benefit of Fluoride Treatments?
This treatment, usually given by special foam, dispensed in fluoride trays, which hardens the enamel on your child’s teeth to make it more difficult for cavities to start.

Does my child need sealants?
Typically used as a preventative measure, sealants are a thin plastic material that is usually applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help protect the grooves and pits of these teeth that are more prone to decay and cavity development. Once applied, the sealant hardens and provides a physical barrier against plaque and other harmful substances. Sealants may be applied to the 1st and 2nd permanent molars and appropriate premolars as soon as possible after they erupt (usually after 6 years of age).

Should my child wear a mouth guard while playing sports?
Since it is easier to prevent an injury than to repair one, we strongly recommend that your child wear a mouth guard while playing any contact sport. The earlier a child begins to wear the mouth guard, the more comfortable they become with it, making them more likely to continue wearing it as they get older.

My child has fallen and banged their tooth. What should I do?
It is very common for kids to fall and bump their front teeth. See the dentist as soon as possible. If the tooth remains in normal position and is intact and not loose, expect some tenderness for up to a week. Avoid using the teeth for biting. If the gums are cut, a warm salt water rinse will disinfect the area and help healing.

Teeth that have been bumped will sometimes discolour either yellow or grey. If there is no infection or pain, the tooth can remain healthy and fall out naturally. Some discoloured teeth will become infected. Signs of infection are pain, swelling, and a small pimple-like gum eruption (abscess) above the tooth that may exude pus. If any of these symptoms are present, see your dentist as soon as possible.