Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on the dental needs of children. Like general dentists, pediatric dentists can provide a wide range of dental services. Unlike general dentists, pediatric dentists undergo additional schooling after dental school that is focused on the dental needs of children, as well as on child behavior. This additional experience allows them to provide precise and compassionate dental care for your child.  

Did you know…

Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children. There are more cases of dental cavities than there are of other common childhood illnesses, such as asthma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child a candidate for pediatric dentistry?

Yes! Pediatric dentistry is for all ages of children, from the eruption of their first tooth into their teenage years. In fact, your child’s first visit to the dentist should be just after the eruption of their first tooth or before their first birthday. Has your child been to the dentist yet? Schedule a consultation at Danforth Dental today!

How often does my child need pediatric dentistry?

Your child should be visiting the dentist at least once every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. This is because a large part of pediatric dentistry is preventative in nature. Since children generally start their lives with healthy teeth, the goal of pediatric dentistry is to maintain their healthy teeth for as long as possible.

Regular dental checkups allow our dentists to monitor your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and overall function for any changes or signs of possible complications. When detected early, proactive measures can possibly be taken to eliminate or decrease the severity of possible dental issues. Regular teeth cleanings are also an important part of preventative dental care, as they keep your child’s teeth clean and remove additional plaque and tartar.

How can I prepare for my child’s pediatric dental appointment at Danforth Dental?

If you are a new patient, you can prepare for your child’s pediatric dental appointment by arriving to our office about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to fill out any necessary paperwork. To avoid the stress of getting lost or being late, we also recommend looking up directions ahead of time.

For new and returning patients, you can prepare for your child’s pediatric dental appointment by making a list of questions and concerns to discuss with our dentists. Making a list of dental questions or concerns beforehand is helpful because then you won’t forget anything and can get the most out of your child’s dental appointment.

How can I prepare my child for their dental appointment?

With children that are young enough, such as young toddlers, there may not be much you can do to prepare them. However taking your child to the dentist when they are this young establishes a routine and will make future dental visits easier for them.

For children that are a little older, such as preschool age, you can prepare them for their dental appointment by explaining what is going to happen and why going to the dentist is important. You can even use positive reinforcement and pick a special toy or activity that your child only gets when going to the dentist.

You will also need to keep your own emotions in check. If you have dental anxieties yourself, it is important that you do not pass these on to your child. Finding a good dentist that you trust is an important part of this. During your child’s dental appointment, you will need to remain calm and positive so that their experience is as positive as it can be. 

What should I expect during my child’s dental appointment at Danforth Dental?

Your child’s dental appointment will likely be divided into three main parts: dental x-rays, dental exam, and dental cleaning. Depending on your child’s dental health, dental x-rays may or may not be needed at every appointment. Even if they are needed at every dental appointment, however, they emit an extremely low amount of radiation and are completely safe for your child. While dental x-rays will not cause your child any pain, they may be scary for them because of the machinery used.

Before your child’s dental appointment, you may want to prepare them for dental x-rays by explaining what they are and that they will not hurt. During your child’s dental x-rays, you can be nearby and they only take a few minutes.

Next, comes the dental exam. During your child’s dental exam, our dentists will look into their mouth at their teeth, gums, and bite. Special dental tools may be used to hold their cheeks out of the way or to test their teeth. Because these tools can look scary to a child, you may also want to explain this ahead of time. Our dentists will also take the time to explain everything they are doing to your child to help them feel more at ease. Once the dental exam is over, our dentists will discuss their findings and make their recommendations moving forward. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

The final part of your child’s dental appointment is the dental cleaning. During your child’s dental cleaning, a special tool called a scaler will be used to gently scrape off any plaque, tartar, or bacteria from the surface of your child’s teeth. While this generally does not hurt, it can be alarming to a young child. Sometimes listening to a favorite song or watching a favorite show can help distract them during this process. After all the plaque, tartar, and bacteria have been removed, a fluoride polish will be brushed onto your child’s teeth.

For dedicated and caring dental care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Claudia Wood of Danforth Dental Solutions. Danforth Dental Solutions is proud to serve Toronto and the surrounding areas.

Dental sealants are clear coatings applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. children ages 6 to 12 currently have sealants on their teeth.

Did you know…

that sealants can last as long as 5 to 10 years pediatric dental patients? Depending on a child’s oral development and risk factors for tooth decay, sealants may be applied to the teeth as young as age 6. It is at this time that the first molars typically appear. Additional molars erupt at approximately age 12. If possible, sealants should be applied to a child’s teeth immediately after any molar has appeared to reduce the risk of early decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will dental sealants affect the feel or appearance of my child’s teeth?

Sealants bond directly to the teeth, where they harden to a clear or tooth-colored coat. This makes them virtually undetectable to others. Though it is normal to feel new sealants with the tongue, most children quickly adapt to their presence.

What will my child experience when getting sealants?

The process of getting sealants is fast and painless. The tooth is cleaned before the dentist paints the sealant onto the enamel. The sealant will immediately harden, acting as a barrier between bacteria and the chewing surface of the teeth. In most cases, sealants will last several years before needing to be reapplied. However, regular visits to the dentist will be necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and examine their effectiveness.

Will sealants prevent all cavities?

While sealants are extremely effective for preventing tooth decay in children, they do not replace other forms of preventative oral health care. Children should still brush and floss each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Regular dental exams and a balanced diet low in sugar are also essential for good long-term oral health.