Leslie Family Dental is a family-oriented dental clinic in Newmarket.
We care for children’s oral health from toddlerhood through adolescence and beyond. If your child has reached the age of three years, we recommend you book their first Comprehensive Oral Examination (COE) with Dr. Weizblit. The COE appointment will include the creation of a personalized treatment plan, integrating preventive and restorative dental approaches to address your child’s specific needs. As a family-oriented dental clinic offering Children’s Dentistry in Newmarket, we aim to address dental issues and establish a positive and comfortable experience for young patients.
Dr. Weizblit suggests booking a dental check-up for your child to create an initial positive experience. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to get acquainted with the clinic’s staff and the dental environment. Early positive relationships with your dentist can help your child maintain good oral health for the rest of their life.
Our staff use specialized approaches and make accommodations to ensure children get the dental care they need tailored to their circumstances. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are vital components of your child’s dental care, enabling us to monitor the development of your child’s teeth, address any emerging issues promptly, and reinforce proper oral hygiene regimen.
Right now, Leslie Family Dental offers a limited-time special promotion for kids 13 and under. The promotion includes a Basic Checkup, cleaning, polish and Fluoride treatment for just $125.
Common Dental Matters in Children
Teeth Eruption and Exfoliation (loss) sequences
Timing is everything. The journey toward good dental health starts when the first tooth emerges – usually between 6 months and one year of age for most children, with most kids having their complete set of 20 primary teeth by about age 3. Around age 6, some primary teeth become loose and some permanent teeth erupt. Exfoliation (loss) of primary teeth and eruption of permanent teeth continue all the way to age 12-13 for all teeth except wisdom teeth (which erupt later, around age 17).
In some cases, lack of adequate space or incorrect permanent tooth position may cause permanent teeth to erupt crooked or become impacted (stuck). In some cases a primary tooth may fail to become loose because of incorrect permanent tooth position and intervention may be necessary to make space for the permanent tooth. In other cases, premature loss of a primary tooth may lead to shifting of teeth such that inadequate space is available for permanent tooth eruption.
It is beneficial for parents to be acquainted with tooth eruption timelines so they can ensure their child’s dental development is progressing properly. The key is to ensure the child is seen regularly by a dentist every 6 months to monitor eruption and exfoliation of the teeth.
Key Points:
- First tooth erupts around 6-12 months of age.
- Complete set of primary teeth present in the mouth by age 3.
- First primary teeth start to shed by age 6.
- First adult teeth erupt at age 6.
- Last primary teeth shed by age 13.
- Adult teeth continue to erupt all the way to late teenagehood.
- Primary teeth are very important in preserving space for permanent teeth
- Premature loss of primary teeth can lead to crowding of permanent teeth
- Over-retention of primary teeth can impede eruption of permanent teeth
- Regular Monitoring is necessary to identify any tooth-eruption related issues.
Dealing with Crowded Teeth
Early intervention matters. Crowding of teeth, a common issue among children, occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit. It can lead to difficulty cleaning teeth, resulting in higher risks of decay and gum disease. Early detection and intervention are essential.
Management Strategies:
- Regular Dental Visits: For monitoring tooth development.
- Orthodontic Evaluation: Recommended around age 7.
- Space Maintainers: If primary teeth are lost prematurely.
Battling Dental Decay
Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, are unfortunately quite prevalent in children. They occur due to the breakdown of tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria thrive on sugars found in food and drinks, which makes children particularly vulnerable due to a combination of poor oral hygiene and diets high in sugars.
Primary teeth are much more susceptible to tooth decay because they have thinner enamel compared to permanent teeth. Also, it is essential to recognize that primary teeth are not “disposable” teeth. It is a common misconception that “it’s OK to have a untreated cavity in a baby tooth because it is going to fall out anyways”. Primary teeth play an essential role in preserving space for permanent teeth. A premature loss of a primary tooth can seriously reduce the spacing available for permanent teeth and lead to crowding and many associated complications. Furthermore, cavities harbor bacteria called streptococcus mutans – which is the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. This bacteria can easily spread to other teeth, including permanent teeth and lead to cavities elsewhere. For that reason, it is not a good idea to ignore decayed primary teeth in the mouth.
Prevention Tips:
- Regular Brushing: Twice daily with adult assistance.
- Daily flossing, even for kids as young as 2.5 years old, before bedtime
- Diet Control: Limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: For early detection and prompt treatment.
Dr. Weizblit’s Approach to Children’s Dentistry
Dr. Weizblit and the clinic staff understand children’s unique challenges and have implemented strategies to help young patients feel more comfortable.
- Creating a Child-Friendly Environment: The clinic is designed to be welcoming and engaging for children, with giveaway toys to make them feel at ease.
- Gentle and Patient Approach: the team is trained to be patient, gentle, and communicative, explaining each procedure step in child-friendly language.
- Distraction Techniques: Distraction techniques, such as music and television featuring Netflix, keep the child’s mind off the procedure.
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewards and praise for bravery and cooperation during a dental visit significantly boost a child’s confidence.
The key to successfully managing children’s dental worries is building trust between the dentist, the child, and the parents. Regular visits help familiarize the child with the dental environment, gradually reducing nervousness. Educating children about oral health in an engaging and fun way can also make a difference.
Parents play a significant role in creating a positive dental experience for children. Effective strategies parents can use include preparing the child for a dental visit through positive conversations, reading dentistry books, and maintaining a calm demeanor. We encourage you to speak to Dr. Weizblit about other strategies available to get your child through dental treatment and having a great experience in the process.
Leslie Family Dental is pleased to provide comprehensive dental services for the entire family. Our state-of-the-art facility welcomes new patients without hassle via direct insurance billing. Please call 289-453-0606 or complete our contact form on our website to schedule your visit here: https://www.lesliefamilydental.ca/contact-us. Let us take care of your dental needs along your journey towards optimal oral health – visit us at #11 – 18075 Leslie Street in Newmarket today and discover the difference!
Written by Dr. Yan Weizblit DDS
