• Address: 3335 Yonge Street, Suite 302, Toronto, ON, M4N2M1

Children’s and Pediatric Dentistry

Children’s Dentist Yonge and Lawrence, Avenue and Lawrence

Baby’s First Teeth and Teething. A baby’s first teeth usually comes out during 5 to 12 months of age, typically being the front four teeth on the top and bottom arch. This process is also known as ‘teething’. Sometimes, the child may experience some itchiness during this process. Gently rubbing the child’s gums with a clean finger or wet gauze can help to relieve some of the mild discomfort.

Thumb Sucking. This is a natural reflex that all children exhibit, typically occurring up to age four. Whether the sucking is on a finger or a pacifier, if this habit persists past the eruption of adult/permanent teeth (typically around age 6), teeth malocclusion can occur affecting adult teeth alignment.

Diet and Decay. A good and balanced diet is essential for a child’s growth and development. However, just like adult teeth, dental decay in children’s teeth are equally as affected by diet and eating habits. Frequent snacking, large intake of sugary foods and drinks, and poor oral hygiene can increase the chances of decay and formation of cavities.

Baby Bottle Syndrome. This is a specific type of dental decay formed when children have had long exposures to sugary drinks. Most commonly this occurs when the child is put to bed for a nap or for the night with a bottle of liquid other than water. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice, and other sweetened drinks.  It is advised before bed to wipe the child’s teeth with a damp wet cloth to remove plaque that has built up.

Brushing and Flossing. Home care oral hygiene practices is an important habit to start as early as the child’s first teeth appear in the mouth. A child-size brush with soft, rounded bristles is recommended. A small pea-sized amount of toothpaste can be used once the child is capable of ‘spitting out’ the toothpaste at the end of each brushing session. Brushing on their own with adult supervision should start around age five, to ensure proper technique. Flossing, although a more difficult technique to learn, should begin once several adult teeth have erupted.

Dental Visits. Due to the extensive skeletal, jaw and dental development still to be completed during childhood years, it is important that pediatric/kid’s teeth are maintained in a healthy and cavity-free state to promote stable and ideal growth. Your child’s early experiences at the dentist can help shape the future of his or her oral health by establishing good dental habits and dietary practices. The majority of paediatric dental procedures are completed in our office. Periodically, if pediatric patients require extensive dental treatment, sedation options are available to allow for a calmer experience.

Our caring, compassionate kid’s and children’s dentist at Yonge and Lawrence, serving the Greater Toronto Area, Avenue and Lawrence, Yonge and Eglinton, Yonge and Sheppard, Lawrence Park, North York and North Toronto, offer comprehensive children’s dentistry in a warm, friendly, and comfortable office setting. Contact us!