FAQ

You should start cleaning your child’s mouth even before you see signs of their first tooth. Use a soft damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s mouth after feedings. You can continue with a soft toothbrush with the appearance of their first tooth.

We believe an early start on dental care will set the tone for your child’s oral health for life. We suggest your child see us within six months of the eruption of your baby’s first tooth or by one year of age as recommended by the Canadian Dental Association. We ensure your child’s first appointment provides a positive experience to encourage a healthy relationship that makes them comfortable with their dental visits.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps keep bone and teeth healthy. It can be found in foods and drink including tap water, tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. City water contains fluoride, which provides you with protection for your teeth, but supplements are also available.

Children who drink water containing fluoride have been shown to have less tooth decay. If you lack fluoride it can put you at risk for increased tooth decay. Fluoride helps to keep your tooth enamel more resistant to acid that can be found in plaque bacteria — it can even help reverse early tooth decay and help prevent bone loss.

In some cases, we might recommend using sealants to help prevent tooth decay for your child. This thin coating is painted on molar and premolar surfaces to form a protective barrier against bacteria. This helps your child avoid cavities and the need for costly fillings. Ask us at your next appointment if sealants are right for your child.

Bleeding gums are a symptom of gingivitis, the onset of periodontal disease. Although you can experience gum bleeding due to aggressive brushing, we always recommend you come in right away if you experience gum bleeding. When gums are inflamed, it is important to continue brushing and flossing to help reduce the inflammation and remove bacteria that can make things worse. We will provide a periodontal screening and recording to determine the level of disease present and provide a treatment plan to help prevent any further progression.

Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums that can also affect the supporting bone structure. This is a serious condition that can lead to permanent jaw bone destruction and tooth loss if not treated. It has also been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus around the teeth
• Pain chewing
• Tender, red, swollen or bleeding gums

If you have signs of periodontal disease, call us to book an appointment as soon as possible. We can develop a treatment plan to halt the progression and minimize damage to your oral health.

If you knock out your tooth, you require immediate attention. You can call our office right away and follow these steps to help save your tooth:

• Find your tooth and gently rinse it to remove debris
• Store the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze
• Bring the tooth to our office, for immediate attention

Yes. We provide services that can address issues such as ill-fitting appliances as well as problems associated with dentures, like mouth sores. You should still have regular visits at least once per year to receive screening for oral cancer, a head and neck exam, as well as an evaluation of your dentures.