Pediatric Dentistry

Your child's first tooth will erupt between ages 6-12 months and the remainder of their 20 primary or "baby" teeth usually erupt by age 3. During this time, gums may feel tender and sore, causing your child to feel irritable. To help alleviate this discomfort, we recommend that you soothe the gums by rubbing a clean finger or a cool, wet cloth across them. You may also choose to make use of a teething ring. Teething will not cause fevers. If your baby develops a fever or diarrhea while teething, treat it appropriately as you would at any other time. Always contact your family physician if you are concerned.

Your child's primary teeth will shed at various times throughout childhood, and their permanent teeth begin erupting at age 6 and continue until approx. age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or 32 including wisdom teeth.

Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

As new teeth erupt, examine them every two weeks for lines and discolouration which may be caused by decay. Remember that sugary foods and liquids will attack a new tooth, so be sure that your child brushes his/her teeth after feeding or eating. We recommend brushing four times a day for optimal oral hygiene: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and at bedtime. Brushing can made to be fun, and your child should brush as soon as the first tooth arrives. When a baby's tooth erupts, parents should brush the tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. Please review proper tooth brushing procedures with your child.

Flossing is also a part of good oral hygiene habits. Your dentist will discuss with you the right time to begin flossing. If you notice any signs of decay, contact your dental office immediately.

Tooth Fairy Day

The Tooth Fairy visits Appleway Dental Clinics from time to time to meet local children and help teach great dental health habits!

A visit with our Tooth Fairy is a highlight first dental experience for many children. Your child is usually ready for a first visit by the age three. Positive talk at home about the Tooth Fairy and the dentist is always helpful. It helps to avoid phrases such as ‘You don’t need to be afraid’ or ‘They won’t hurt you’. These thoughts probably never entered your child’s mind. Letting your child know what to expect in a calm and reassuring manner is the very best preparation for this special visit.

Upon your arrival on Tooth Fairy Day, your child is greeted with their nametag in the shape of a tooth. They are then introduced to the doctor. Parent and child accompany the doctor to one of his ‘special rooms’ where the youngster can go for a ride in the chair, squirt water and air from various instruments, and become familiar with our office. They are then introduced to the very lovely Tooth Fairy who will visit with them and spend some time getting acquainted! A keepsake photograph is taken with the Tooth Fairy to be taken home, and of course what party would be complete without a goodie bag!

This is a delightful experience for both the child and the parent, and we trust that your baby book will welcome the addition of a photo with the Tooth Fairy. Don’t forget your own camera for this terrific photo opportunity. Best of all, this event is completely free of charge to all! The results are always positive for all concerned making this event enjoyable for both your family and our team. All children are welcome!

Call today and get the date for our next Tooth Fairy event!