Dental Services

Regular dental visits are the foundation of lifelong oral health. Our pediatric dentists perform thorough examinations and gentle cleanings tailored specifically for children, from the eruption of the first tooth through the teenage years.

What We Check

During each visit, our team assesses:

• Tooth development and eruption patterns
• Bite alignment and jaw growth
• Signs of early tooth decay
• Gum health and soft tissue
• Oral hygiene habits and technique

Professional Cleaning

Our hygienists use child-friendly tools and techniques to make cleanings comfortable and even enjoyable. We remove plaque and tartar build-up that at-home brushing cannot reach, then polish teeth to a smooth, clean finish.

How Often Should My Child Visit?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visits every six months starting at age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Children with a higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent appointments — we’ll guide you based on your child’s individual needs.

Fluoride is one of the most effective and safe tools available for preventing tooth decay in children. Professional fluoride treatments deliver a concentrated dose directly to the teeth, significantly strengthening enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods.

How It Works

After a cleaning, we apply a fluoride varnish or gel to all tooth surfaces. The fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, remineralising areas that may be weakening and reinforcing the structure of developing teeth.

Who Benefits Most

• Children with a history of cavities
• Kids who drink well water without fluoride
• Children with orthodontic appliances
• Those with dry mouth conditions
• Any child whose diet includes frequent sugary foods or drinks

Safety

Professional fluoride treatments are safe and evidence-based. The concentrations used in our clinic are appropriate for each child’s age and weight. We follow the guidelines of the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These surfaces have deep grooves and pits that trap food and bacteria — the perfect environment for cavities to form. Sealants seal off these vulnerable areas before decay has a chance to start.

When Should Sealants Be Applied?

• Ages 6–7: When the first permanent molars come in
• Ages 11–13: When the second permanent molars erupt
• Premolars as needed, based on individual assessment

The Application Process

1. The tooth is cleaned and dried
2. An acid solution is briefly applied to roughen the surface
3. The sealant material is painted onto the tooth
4. A curing light hardens the sealant in seconds
5. Bite and comfort are checked

The entire process is quick, painless, and requires no freezing.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants typically last 5 to 10 years with proper care. We check them at every routine visit and reapply if needed. According to the Canadian Dental Association, sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80 percent.

When decay does occur, prompt treatment prevents it from progressing into more serious problems. We use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with natural tooth colour — no silver amalgam.

Our Approach to Restorations

We prioritise a calm, positive experience. For children who feel anxious, we offer:

• Tell-Show-Do technique — explaining and demonstrating each step before doing it
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) — a safe, mild sedation to ease anxiety
• Oral conscious sedation — for children who need deeper relaxation

Types of Restorations

• Composite fillings — tooth-coloured, mercury-free
• Stainless steel crowns — durable protection for severely damaged primary teeth
• Strip crowns — tooth-coloured crowns for front primary teeth
• Pulp therapy — treating the inner tooth when decay reaches the nerve

Treating primary (baby) teeth is important — they hold space for permanent teeth and affect speech, chewing, and self-confidence.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, the first permanent molars and incisors have typically erupted, giving us a clear picture of how the bite is developing.

What We Look For

• Crowding or spacing issues
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Jaw growth asymmetries
• Early or late loss of primary teeth
• Thumb or finger sucking habits affecting tooth position

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early evaluation does not always mean early treatment. In many cases, we simply monitor development and begin treatment at the optimal time. However, for certain conditions — such as crossbites or jaw discrepancies — early intervention can guide growth and simplify or even eliminate the need for more extensive treatment later.

We work closely with trusted orthodontic specialists and will refer your child when treatment is indicated.

Dental emergencies happen — a knocked-out tooth during sports, a cracked tooth, or a sudden severe toothache. Kids Corner is here to help. We make every effort to see urgent cases the same day they call.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

• Knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth) — time-critical, call immediately
• Cracked or chipped tooth
• Toothache or abscess
• Lost filling or crown
• Soft tissue injuries (lip, tongue, cheek lacerations)
• Dental trauma from falls or sports injuries

What to Do in an Emergency

Knocked-out permanent tooth:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (top), never the root
2. Rinse gently with milk or saline — do not scrub
3. Try to reinsert it into the socket, or store in milk
4. Call us immediately and come in right away

Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress for swelling, and call our office. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum.

After Hours

If a dental emergency occurs outside of office hours and involves significant trauma, bleeding, or a swallowed tooth, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.