Parent FAQs

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his or her practice to treating children only. They serve as primary and specialty oral care providers for infants through adolescents, including those with special needs. A family dentist welcomes patients of all ages and provides comprehensive care for the whole family under one roof.

An initial exam is recommended by your child's first tooth or first birthday. This appointment allows the dentist and parent to discuss pediatric dental growth, check for cavities, and review preventative measures. Early detection improves overall health and can prevent more costly treatment later.

The first visit introduces your child to the dentist in a friendly, non-threatening manner. 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 keep appointments brief and fun, and sometimes postpone cleaning or treatment to a second visit so your child stays comfortable.

Avoid projecting any dental anxiety you may have onto your child. 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.

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. We will customize the frequency of visits based on your child's individual oral health needs.

Yes. We will bill your insurance company directly and collect the balance from you (if any) at the time of treatment.

Yes. We accept social services including Alberta Child Health Benefits (ACHB) plans and First Nations Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).

Your child will keep some of their primary or “baby” teeth until approximately 9 to 13 years old. Primary teeth help with speech and chewing and guide the permanent teeth into place. Untreated dental cavities in primary teeth can result in pain and infection, so it is important to care for them.

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.

Start cleaning your child's gums at birth with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriately-sized toothbrush. Use a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under 2, and a pea-size amount for ages 2 to 5. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

You should start flossing your children's teeth even when they only have their baby 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. Children typically develop the ability to floss independently around age 10.

Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. The more frequently a child snacks, the greater the chance for tooth decay, and sticky candies and mints remain in the mouth longer. If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children's teeth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is a devastating form of tooth decay that can rapidly destroy a child's four upper front teeth and lower back teeth by the age of two or three. It develops when bottles containing milk, juice, or sugary liquids remain in the mouth for extended periods.

Start early with good feeding habits. The bottle should only be used at mealtimes, not as a pacifier during the day or night. Do not bottle feed your child soft drinks, fruit juices, gelatin waters, or other sweetened drinks. Eliminate nighttime bottles immediately, or gradually dilute the contents with water.

All 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, however the pace and order of their eruption varies. The lower central incisors typically appear first around 6 months, though timing varies. Permanent teeth usually begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors.

Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding their teeth during sleep, or you may notice wear or the teeth getting shorter. The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment, and the good news is most children outgrow it. Grinding typically decreases between ages 6 and 9 and usually stops by ages 9 to 12.

A sealant is a clear or white acrylic resin material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where most cavities in children are found. Sealants act as barriers against food, plaque, and acid, effectively reducing the risk of cavities in these vulnerable areas.