Child Dentistry in Saskatoon
Benefits of Child Dentistry
We believe the best strategy for lifelong oral health starts at an early age. Prevention and education are the keys to a happy, healthy smile. We work with children and parents to make sure little ones are off to a great start in caring for their teeth.
Early Childhood Tooth Decay
Teeth are prone to decay as soon as they start to erupt from the gums. This is in part due to exposure to the sugars in breast milk, formula, fruit juices, and other foods your child may be eating at this time. This is especially true if your child goes to bed with juice or milk. We encourage all of our patients to start cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as they see them, with a soft brush or even a clean cloth.
Fluoride and Your Child
Plaque on the surface of your teeth can produce acids which cause demineralization of the enamel. This creates a weak spot in the tooth, which if left untreated can develop into a cavity.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, can prevent this tooth decay by preventing demineralization or even remineralization these damaged areas of the tooth.
Fluoride can be applied to teeth in a variety of ways such as toothpaste, mouth rinse, lozenges, chewable tablets, drops and rinses. It is also available in the drinking water of some communities. The need for topical fluoride application should be evaluated for each patient individually based on their exposure to these other sources and their current oral health status. Your dentist is able to assess you and your child’s risk of developing tooth decay and advise you of an appropriate level of fluoride.
Your Child’s First Visit
According to the Canadian dental association, an infant should have the first visit to the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. This is to ensure that the infant’s oral development is on the right track. This is an important milestone, especially for parents. At the initial dental appointment, you and the dentist will focus on the importance of prevention and will discuss oral hygiene, diet, and good habits as the building blocks for oral health. Our dentists will provide you with useful information and take the time to answer all your questions.
A Happy Visit for your child
This is a free first visit our practice offers to children under 5, to help them develop a positive association with our office, the dentist, and oral care. Great care and time is taken to introduce your child to the sounds, smells, and fun features of a dental office.
Meet the dentist and dental staff
Take your child for a tour of the dental office
Take a ride in the dental chair
Play with the ‘straws’, the ‘water gun’, and the super fast toothbrush!
If comfortable, look into their mouths with the special tooth mirror and count their teeth aloud... “How many do you think you have?”
Choose a prize from our prize box!