Children
We delight in the many children who are part of our practice. They truly are our most treasured patients.
Children require as much time and attention as adults. Their examinations must include an evaluation of facial growth patterns, a check for potential orthodontic problems, and continual monitoring of permanent tooth development and eruption patterns as they grow up.
Parents should also check their children's mouths on a regular basis to see if there are any obvious problems. This should be routine from the appearance of the first tooth in the first year of life. After their first birthday, the child's teeth should be brushed with a small soft brush, but almost no toothpaste in the beginning. In fact, until the child is old enough to spit properly and brush without help, use very little toothpaste. This will ensure that excessive amounts of fluoride will not be ingested.
We feel children should have their first dental visit as early as 3 years of age. Examining children at a young age can reap bonuses in better dental health and avoidance of future extensive treatment.
Before the visit, avoid using negative words such as ''hurt'' or ''cry''. Better to say the dentist wants to ''count your beautiful teeth'' or ''check your lovely smile''. Often, the first time, that's all we will do unless the child is older or exceptionally good.
Remember, our goal is to ''turn on'' the child to good dental health.
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5 Park Home Ave., Suite 130
Willowdale, Ont. M2N 6L4
Telephone: (416) 221-6333