Children's Dentistry in Scarborough

The cost depends on what the visit involves. A checkup and cleaning differs from one that includes fluoride, sealants, or a filling. Preventive visits are among the most affordable care and help avoid costlier treatment. Many children are covered under CDCP or family plans, and we help you navigate what applies. You'll receive a clear written estimate before treatment.

The general guidance is around your child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. That first visit is gentle and mostly about getting your child comfortable, checking that development is on track, and giving you advice on brushing and feeding. Starting early helps your child see the dentist as normal and lets us catch any concerns before they become problems.

Baby teeth do important work. They help children eat and speak clearly, and they hold space for the adult teeth developing behind them. A cavity in a baby tooth can be painful and can affect the adult tooth that follows, and losing a baby tooth too early can crowd the teeth coming in. Caring for baby teeth protects your child's comfort now and their adult smile later.

Speak positively about the dentist at home, treat the visit as routine rather than a big event, and avoid scary words like pain or needle. At our office we go at your child's pace, explain things in friendly terms, and let them see instruments before we use them. You are welcome to stay with your child. Building calm, happy early visits is the best way to ease anxiety over time.

Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the grooved chewing surfaces of back teeth, where food and bacteria easily get trapped. They can help protect those teeth from decay during the cavity-prone childhood years. Not every child needs them, so we assess your child's teeth and risk of decay and recommend sealants only where they add real benefit. They are a quick, comfortable preventive step.

Used in the right amount, fluoride is a safe and effective way to help protect children's teeth from decay by strengthening the enamel. We apply it appropriately for your child's age and advise you on the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste to use at home, since young children should use only a small amount. If you have concerns about fluoride, we are happy to discuss them at your child's visit.

For most children, every six months works well, though we may suggest a different interval based on your child's needs and risk of decay. Regular visits let us track how the teeth and jaw are developing, catch small problems early, and keep reinforcing good habits. Coming in routinely, rather than only when something hurts, is a big part of keeping your child cavity-free and comfortable.

Rinse your child's mouth gently with warm water, check for any trapped food between the teeth, and use children's pain relief as directed if needed. Avoid placing aspirin against the gum. Then call us — a toothache usually means something needs attention, and we can see your child promptly. Because we are open seven days a week, including Sunday, you do not have to wait out a weekend in pain.

The basics make the biggest difference: brush twice a day with the right amount of fluoride toothpaste, help with brushing until your child can do it well alone, and clean between teeth once they touch. Limit sugary drinks and snacks, choose water over juice and pop, and never send your child to bed with a bottle of anything but water. Regular checkups and preventive care round it out.

Children usually need help brushing until around age seven or eight, because younger children do not yet have the coordination to clean every surface properly. Let your child practise for independence, then go over the teeth again yourself to be sure they are clean. We show both of you an age-appropriate technique at each visit, so brushing becomes a habit your child can eventually manage alone.

Yes, and many families prefer it. We can often schedule appointments for children and parents together to save you trips. Because we are open seven days a week, including Saturday and Sunday, it is easier to find a time that fits around school and work. Just let our front desk know who you would like to bring and we will arrange it.

If we find a cavity, we explain it to you in plain language and discuss the gentlest way to treat it. We take time so your child stays comfortable and never rush a nervous patient. For children with significant anxiety or more involved needs, we can talk through options to help them relax, including whether sedation dentistry is appropriate. You will always have a clear estimate before we proceed.