What is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists are dental specialists who focus on oral care for children—from infants to adolescents. In addition to dental school, they complete several years of advanced training and must pass qualifying examinations to become certified. Their education places strong emphasis on preventive care, growth and development, and the connection between oral and overall health. Dentists who dedicate their practice to children often bring added experience and creative, age-appropriate solutions to situations where traditional adult dental approaches may not apply.
Why are baby teeth important? Don't they just fall out?
Baby teeth begin to appear around six months of age and many remain until approximately 13 or 14 years old. These early teeth help children eat, speak, and support proper development of their adult teeth. Although baby teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, the process happens in phases. If baby teeth are lost too early, it can take years for the adult teeth to emerge—potentially leading to difficulties with eating and complications in jaw development.
When should you start brushing your childs teeth?
You can begin by using a soft, moist cloth to gently wipe your baby’s gums and tongue—even before any teeth appear. This helps your baby become familiar with the sensation of oral care. Once the first tooth comes in, you should brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use toothpaste with fluoride if your drinking water is not fluoridated. The ideal times for brushing are after breakfast and after their final meal before bedtime. It’s especially important to clean your child’s teeth before bed, as the risk of cavities is highest during sleep.
should I floss my child's teeth?
Yes, flossing at least once a day helps prevent plaque buildup between your child’s teeth. Nearly 50% of the tooth surface is located between the teeth—an area that can’t be reached with a toothbrush alone. Brushing without flossing leaves half the job unfinished, which may increase the risk of cavities and gum issues over time.
My child is scared of the dentist. What can help?
It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous about visiting the dentist. When fear or anxiety makes it difficult for your child to cope with treatment, sedation dentistry can be a safe and effective solution.
When Is Sedation Recommended?
There are several reasons sedation may be considered during dental procedures:
- Age and developmental stage – Very young children may not yet have the ability to understand or cooperate during treatment.
- Amount of treatment required – Children may struggle to sit still for long appointments or multiple visits, especially if extensive work is needed.
- Complexity or invasiveness of the procedure – Some treatments may be more difficult for a child to tolerate without support.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Children
- Helps your child feel safe, calm, and comfortable during treatment
- Allows more treatment to be completed in fewer appointments—often just one
- Can help prevent long-term dental anxiety by blurring the memory of the procedure
Types of Sedation Available
At our practice, we offer different levels of sedation tailored to your child’s needs:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A mild form of sedation that helps your child feel relaxed while remaining fully awake. It’s safe, fast-acting, and wears off quickly.
- Moderate sedation (oral medication + nitrous oxide): For children who need a deeper level of relaxation, combining laughing gas with an oral sedative allows them to feel drowsy while still able to respond. They may not remember much about the appointment.
- General anaesthesia (hospital setting): In certain cases, such as with medically complex children or highly invasive treatments, general anaesthesia may be required. This is done in a hospital environment where your child is fully asleep and unaware of the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is used carefully and intentionally to make dental visits easier, safer, and more positive for children who need extra support. If your child is anxious or has had a difficult experience in the past, we’re here to talk through the options and help find the right path forward.
Let us know if you’d like to learn more about how sedation may help your child feel more at ease during their dental visit.
What is the benefit for early first dental visits?
Did you know your child should see a dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday—whichever comes first? Early visits help build positive dental habits and allow your dentist to monitor growth, development, and oral hygiene right from the start.
Studies show that children who have their first dental visit by age one may have up to 40% lower dental costs over time compared to those who wait until after their second birthday. Early prevention and education can make a big difference—for your child’s health and your peace of mind.
Why go to the dentist regularly?
Regular dental examinations are essential for maintaining good oral health. Many dental issues develop silently and may not cause pain until they become more serious. By identifying concerns early during routine checkups, your dentist can offer more effective, preventive solutions. Ongoing visits also allow your dental team to monitor your child’s growth and development over time, helping to ensure their smile stays healthy at every stage.
How Can I help my child with a positive experience?
- Schedule the appointment when your child is well rested and relaxed.
- Talk about the visit casually—there’s no need to over-explain or create unnecessary worry.
- Bring a comfort item, like a favourite toy or blanket, to help your child feel secure.
- Avoid using words that might sound scary, such as “needle,” “drill,” or “medicine.”
- Try role-playing a dental visit at home to help your child know what to expect.
- Stay calm and positive—your child will pick up on your mood.
For more tips on how to make your child’s dental appointment a success, visit our blog.
is it okay for my child to suck their thumb or pacifier?
Babies often suck their thumbs even before they’re born—as seen in many prenatal ultrasound images. Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are completely natural behaviours in young children, but it’s important to monitor how these habits may affect jaw development over time. Most children stop on their own by age two, and in many cases, any minor changes to the jaw can reverse naturally. However, if your child continues thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond age four, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist. Early guidance can help prevent those jaw changes from affecting the alignment of the adult teeth.