Acora Dental is pleased to offer Children’s Dentistry to patients of all ages, no matter what age or stage of life! We are proud to offer services tailored specifically to children and their unique needs, from birth to adolescence. As parents ourselves, we understand the unique fears and concerns that your child may have when it comes to dental visits. Visits to the dentist should be an enjoyable experience, and we do our very best to provide the highest level of dental care in a comfortable, friendly, and caring environment so that children enjoy their time here and leave eager and enthusiastic to continue with their future dental visits. Our goal is to help children develop and maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine that will continue into adulthood.
Your NW Calgary Choice for Children’s Dentistry!
Early Dental Visits Equal a Lifetime of Dental Health and Wellness!
Acora Dental believes that children should begin their dental experience at an early age; this prepares them for a lifetime of good oral care and hygiene. We follow the recommendation of the Canadian Dental Association for children to have an assessment by a dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, or by one year of age, whichever comes first.
We believe that the first few experiences at the dentist help establish a basis for a lifetime of proper and routine oral care. It should be enjoyable and fun, while at the same time educational and informative. We focus on preventative dentistry, helping your child avoid future tooth and gum problems while motivating them to take better care of their teeth. Polishing, fluoride treatments, or sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, are all part of our children’s prevention program. When the first tooth appears, it is time for the dentist to start examining the development of your child’s teeth, mouth, and gums. Healthy primary teeth are important for retaining adequate space and forming a path for the permanent teeth to follow and grow properly and beautifully. Furthermore, an earlier visit to the dentist can detect dental growth problems like crooked teeth or a bad bite so that it can start being treated.
Your Child’s First Visit
Your child’s first “regular” dental visit should be just after their third birthday. The first dental visit will usually be a very short one and involve very little treatment. It is mainly just an introduction, to familiarize them with the clinic experience and encourage them to become comfortable at the dentist. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination, to help them feel calmer and more relaxed. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a strong and comfortable relationship can be built between your child and the dentist.
We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums, ensuring it is done so in a warm and friendly way. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child’s teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most importantly, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are often asked how you should prepare your child for their first dental visit. We suggest that you prepare your child the same way you would prepare them before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Our advice is to explain it in easy-to-understand terms, describing the basics of what to expect at their dental visit, in a way that makes it sound interesting and fun! Your child’s reaction to their first dental visit may surprise you!
During your child’s first visit, the dentist will:
- Take your child for a “preview” of the office
- Read books with them about going to the dentist
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit
- Speak positively about their own dental experiences
- Examine their mouth, teeth, and gums
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
- Check to see if they need fluoride.
- Teach them about cleaning their teeth and gums
- Suggest to you a schedule for their regular dental visits
What about preventative care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At Acora Dental, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. The sealant prevents tooth decay from forming. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.
Cavity prevention
Tooth decay is considered the single most common chronic childhood disease and accounts for hundreds of hours of lost school time. By examining children regularly, we are able to identify and treat problematic areas in the mouth. Early visits also help us identify and treat any concerns related to speech development, as well as habit control for thumb sucking or other oral habits that may impact the health of the teeth and gums.
Tips for cavity prevention
- Limit frequency of meals and snacks
- Encourage brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Watch what your child drinks
- Avoid giving your child sticky foods
- Make treats part of meals
- Choose nutritious snacks
Acora Dental is committed to ensuring that children get a good start on their oral hygiene journey. We are here to encourage and foster a love of oral hygiene to last a lifetime, and we are pleased to provide dental care and education to children to ensure their teeth, gums, smile, and overall health are healthy from day one. If you have any questions about the oral health needs of your child, or you would like to set up an appointment, call Acora Dental at (403) 289-7055 and we will be happy to assist you
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Call Acora Dental at (403) 289-7055 to book your Children’s Dentistry appointment today!
