Family Dentistry

Children’s Dentists: What to Look For

As a child, going to the dentist for the first time might seem intimidating and even a bit scary. Dentist offices are filled with large equipment, busy professionals in masks and uniforms and all kinds of sounds and sensations. For a child, this new experience can be overwhelming -- which is why you want to have the right children’s dentist by your side.

Children’s dentists are dentists that are trained to work with infants up to kids that are in their teen years. This means they know how to communicate with kids in a way that makes sense to them. They are also well-versed in all areas of family dentistry that impact the stages of your child’s growth, and ensure that parents are kept up-to-date on their child’s oral health. Here are some qualities we have as a children’s dentist in Toronto.

We put the time and effort into making your child comfortable

A children’s dentist should take the time and effort to create a comfortable experience for your child. This means they should be able to engage with your child, listen to their concerns if any, and help smooth out any worries.

Children’s dentists also understand how a child thinks and they use elements of child psychology to gain their trust. Child-friendly offices with toys, models and books are just some of the tools that child dentists use to create a warm and inviting environment. When your child is comfortable, going to the dentist will become a positive experience for them and encourage good oral health habits.

Information for New Parents

Contact Riverside Dental with any additional concerns and/or to book your child's first fun dental visit. They'll get to receive stickers, toys from our treasure chest and get to play with some dental tools in order to become familiar with the dental setting.

Do we make visits an educational experience?

Going to the dentist is not only a great preventative health measure but should also be an educational experience for your child. A children’s dentist will have an interest in explaining why dental care is important to your child, and how to best care for their teeth. They will explain concepts, answer questions along the way and ensure that your child understands all the necessary information for good oral health as they develop. Learning these lessons from a young age can avoid a host of dental issues that can arise during childhood development including dental caries, tooth decay, gum disease and more.

As children’s dentists we provide a thorough list of exams and treatments that are relevant to your child’s oral health. This includes:

• Infant oral health exams and risk assessment (mother and child)

• Cleaning and fluoride treatments

• Cavity and tooth decay solutions

• Diagnosis of oral health problems related to specific health conditions

• Nutrition and diet recommendations

• Management of existing dental problems (gum disease, ulcers, short frenulae etc.)

• Care for dental injuries (knocked out teeth, cracks, chips)

• Early assessment and correction of bite problems and misaligned teeth

• Habit counseling (for thumb-sucking and pacifier use)

Seeing a dentist from an early age is extremely important in maintaining good oral health for life. While many children dislike the dentist, it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience for them or even for you, the parent! Choosing a children’s dentist that cares about your child’s experience will help them feel safe, connected and engaged.

Is your child ready to see a dentist? Give us a call today to book an appointment!