Children’s Dental Care at St. Leonards Green Dental

Bringing your child to the dentist at a young age helps protect their smile against common problems like cavities and premature tooth loss. Our practice has a lovely oral hygiene therapist who is great with kids! We make it convenient for everyone in your family to get quality, gentle care in one location.

Dental Care for Children

Young smiles require proactive care, as primary (baby) teeth are not as strong as their permanent replacements. We recommend booking a checkup for your child every six months, starting around their first birthday or whenever their first tooth erupts.

Checkups and Cleanings — During your child’s exam, we’ll assess the health of their teeth and gums to get ahead of any potential concerns. A gentle scale and clean is followed by age-appropriate oral hygiene instruction to teach your child how to properly care for their smile between checkups.
Dental Fillings — Catching tooth decay early is important, especially for children. Since primary teeth are less dense than adult ones, it’s vital to fill the cavity before it has a chance to spread. Our minimally invasive fillings are made from tooth-coloured composite, which is free of mercury and blends in with the shade of their natural smile.
Orthodontic Evaluations — Orthodontists recommend an evaluation on every child by the time they’re 7 years old. At this point in their oral development, we can start to see how adult teeth are erupting and catch a glimpse into future biting patterns. If there are concerns, early intervention can help to limit the need for complex orthodontic therapy later on.

Fissure Sealants — Surfaces with deep grooves, pits and fissures are some of the easiest places for cavities to form. Placing a protective sealant over them makes brushing more efficient and safeguards your child’s smile. Sealants are usually recommended on the permanent molars, which erupt around ages 6 and 12, respectively.
Fluoride — This natural mineral helps build strong teeth and bones. When applied directly to your child’s tooth surfaces after a scale and clean, fluoride strengthens enamel to make it more resistant against cavities.

Happy Gas for Anxious Patients

Some children feel nervous about seeing the dentist, especially if they’re in pain due to a toothache or dental emergency. Gentle nitrous oxide sedation can help them relax quickly so that we can comfortably provide the treatment they need.

Home Care and Dental Habits

Most children love to be independent. But until your child can tie their shoes, parents should be helping them brush and floss thoroughly. Over time, you can let your child take over (but it doesn’t hurt to double check or go behind them and re-brush their teeth at night before bed).
Encourage your child to:

Brush in a circular pattern, focusing on only 1-2 teeth at a time and cleaning along the gums
Spend at least two minutes brushing (use a timer if needed or play a song on the radio)
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste (letting them pick the flavour may help)
Select a small, age-appropriate toothbrush that will fit comfortably in their mouth
Floss once per day, cleaning between each of their teeth that touch one another

SCHEDULE YOUR FAMILY’S NEXT VISIT

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.