Children's Dentistry

Baby teeth normally start to erupt at about six months of age. Cavities can begin to develop as soon as this first tooth appears, so it is important to begin cleaning the baby teeth right away. You can even get a head start on this routine in infancy by gently wiping down your child's gums with a soft washcloth. 

It's best to do this twice a day, especially before bedtime. Not only is this the best time, but it helps to develop a life-long routine. Use a soft, infant-sized toothbrush and if the dentist recommends a fluoridated toothpaste, use just a rice-grain-sized dab.

You should bring your child for their first visit to our Maple Ridge dental clinic by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth's appearance. It is important to go to the dentist before there is a problem to create a positive atmosphere at the dental office. 

We can assess any risk factors for cavities at this appointment and give parents or caregivers preventive tips. It is important not to over-prepare your child when it is time for this visit. Treat it as routine and avoid the use of phrases such as "it won't hurt," "don't worry," or "everything will be okay" that create fearful expectations.

If your toddler is ready for their first dental visit or you have an older child who's due for a dental exam and teeth cleaning, please call our Maple Ridge, BC dental office to schedule an appointment.

When a child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, our pediatric dentists in Maple Ridge will recommend restoring it with a tooth-coloured filling or dental crown as soon as possible. 

The reason is that tooth decay is a progressive disease, meaning that the cavity will only get larger with time. If we don’t remove the decay and restore the tooth promptly, the child will experience pain and discomfort and eventually an infection or abscess. 

Even though baby teeth eventually come out, it’s crucial to protect them until they’re ready to do so independently. Some baby teeth stay in the mouth until about 12 years of age and have several jobs to do: 

• Aid in speech development
• Hold space for developing adult teeth and the development of the jaw
• Enable the child’s healthy growth and development by allowing them to eat a proper diet
• Maintain the child’s self-esteem because decayed front teeth are unattractive

If your child has a toothache, we recommend you bring them in for a checkup as soon as possible. Filling a small cavity is much better for the child’s oral health and general well-being than waiting and risking the loss of the tooth. 

Please call our children’s dentist in Maple Ridge, BC and we will be happy to help you schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Unfortunately, your child typically must change providers with a pediatric dentist after the last adult tooth erupts, usually around age fourteen. However, with a family or children’s dentist, your child can remain with the same dental team from childhood through adulthood!

By keeping your child with the same children’s dentist in Maple Ridge, BC, they will not have to reacclimate to a new dental team in the future.

Additionally, you can bring your child to our dental clinic as soon as their first tooth erupts, sooner if you have specific questions or concerns.

About Children’s Dentistry in Maple Ridge, BC

We provide gentle dentistry for kids in a comfortable and friendly environment. Services may include any or all of the following:

• Comprehensive dental checkups
• Professional teeth cleanings
• Dental sealants and fluoride treatments
• Tooth-coloured fillings and restorations
• Orthodontic and gum health evaluations
• Nutritional advice for caregivers
• Brushing and flossing tips for at-home

We encourage parents and caregivers to contact our dental office for questions about oral health maintenance, nutrition, and general upkeep.

Children’s Dentistry Near Me

For more information about our treatments and services or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, contact us today. We provide comprehensive dentistry for patients of all ages.

Your three-year-old child should visit the dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups, just like you do. Regular dental visits are crucial for your child's dental health and should be a priority.   

Read on for more on the importance of children's dentistry and what to expect at your child's dental visits. 

What Happens During Your Child's Dental Visit?

First and foremost, our team makes every effort to create a positive and welcoming environment for every child. We understand that these positive first experiences at the dentist are crucial to setting your child up for successful future dental visits. 

We'll never do a procedure, including a teeth cleaning, if your little one isn't completely prepared for it. We use the show, tell, do method of explaining exactly what will happen during their procedure and showing them the tools we will use before starting any treatment. 

Most three-year-olds are usually ready for a teeth cleaning and are often excited to learn more about their dental health. This reassurance can help parents feel more confident about their child's preparedness and eagerness for the procedure. 

Need a Trusted Children's Dentist?

Your Meadow Ridge Dental Centre team welcomes families and children of all ages. Our dentists recommend that the first dental visit take place at age one. So don't hesitate to call us at (604) 467-5944 if it's time for your little one's dental appointment.