Pediatric Dentistry in Burlington

Children have unique dental needs that require a different approach to ensure they keep smiling for years to come. At Pearl Dental, we believe in a gentle approach that ensures children feel comfortable and leave excited about their pearly whites.

When it comes to pediatric dentistry in Burlington, Pearl Dental offers a safe calming environment. Dr. Daniel Currie has been practicing for over 20 years, and the entire Pearl Dental team will make your child’s visit special. Our soothing environment allows kids to approach the dental experience with an open mind, and we do everything we can to make sure they remain calm and happy throughout the entire visit.

From helping baby teeth come loose, to educating children about how to best care for their teeth, Pearl Dental is available for your child’s pediatric dental needs in Burlington.

At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

We look forward to meeting your little one for their first dental exam within 6 months of seeing their first tooth or by their first birthday. A brief look will allow us to check and monitor oral development, possible eruption patterns, and the risk of early cavities. This can be a short and simple exam at the end of your own regular visit.

By three years of age, your child can graduate to having their own dental appointment and cleaning. Having their own appointment and cleaning can be a source of pride for them and allows them to develop a relationship with our dental team should any interventions be required in the future. Providing your child with a calm and inviting environment is paramount to ensuring they do not develop a fear of the dentist and can continue to benefit from modern pediatric dentistry in Burlington for years to come.

How can I prevent cavities for my child?

Healthy teeth and gums start at home, and good oral hygiene can start even before eruption of the first tooth. Start cleaning your child’s gums gently with a soft damp gauze cloth before teeth come in and continue with a soft toothbrush once he or she has a first tooth.
Here are some additional tips to prevent cavities for your child:

• Avoid putting a young child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice or sweetened liquid. While a child sleeps, any residual sugar in the mouth feeds bacteria that produce acids and attack the teeth.
• Put your child to bed with nothing more than a pacifier or bottle of water.
• Limit the number of sugary treats you give your child, and focus on healthy food choices from the very beginning. This sets your child up for not only a set of healthy teeth, but general good health overall.

Ensuring your child sticks to a regular teeth cleaning schedule is vital in developing good lifelong oral hygiene. Pediatric dentistry guidelines suggest having your child brush their teeth for two minutes, as well as flossing at least once a day. Try making a game out of the process, or even offer a little reward for every week completed of brushing and your little one will be loving their teeth in no time.

How can fluoride affect my child’s dental health?

Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in plants, soil, water and various foods that provide a great benefit to oral health. This natural substance can strengthen enamel to protect against tooth decay and even reverse decay in the early stages. There has been some controversial discussion of the safety of fluoride on the internet especially, which has led to many parents questioning its efficacy. Countless studies have shown fluoride to be safe in the appropriate concentrations and contribute greatly to your child’s oral health.

Here are some tips to ensure your child is receiving the right amount of fluoride:

Birth to 3 years of age

Tap water provides a free and convenient source of fluoride for Canadians. During the first few years, the consumption of tap water will provide an adequate amount of fluoride to protect your child from tooth decay. According to pediatric dentistry guidelines, children of this age should have their teeth brushed by an adult using a toothbrush moistened only with water. Children at higher risk of decay should have their teeth brushed by an adult using a minimal amount (a portion the size of a grain of rice) of fluoridated toothpaste.

3 to 6 years of age

By age three, your child should be brushing their teeth with a small amount of low-fluoridated toothpaste. Parents should supervise their children while brushing their teeth and follow these suggested tips:

• Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles
• Encourage children to spit out the toothpaste to avoid swallowing
• Ensure that only a small amount of toothpaste (a portion the size of a green pea) is smeared onto the toothbrush

Do all children need Braces?

Braces (or orthodontics) are used to align misaligned, spaced or crowded teeth. Although not all children need orthodontic treatment, it is important for all children to have an orthodontic screening exam at 6-7 years of age. This exam can be completed at a regular dental visit and an appropriate referral for further evaluation will be made if necessary. Our team is experienced at identifying any risk factors that could be addressed by braces, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve made the right decision for your child.