Children's Dentistry in Maple Ridge, BC

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.

Yes! Your child is generally included in your plan if you have dental insurance. Every dental insurance plan is unique; however, most provide coverage for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups for children bi-annually. This means you'll likely have little to no out-of-pocket expenses for your child's preventive care.

Dental insurance companies also tend to consider sealants for your child's teeth a preventive procedure, so you may have minimal expense if you choose sealants for your child's smile.

Our dentists often recommend tooth sealants for children to cover and protect the chewing surfaces of their teeth. Sealants are thin plastic coatings we apply to fill in the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces and keep out the plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.

Contact Your Meadow Ridge Dental Centre Team

If you're unsure about your dental insurance and what it covers for your child's oral health, our friendly and knowledgeable team is happy to help! We can help you understand your insurance benefits and clearly understand your out-of-pocket expenses to protect your child's smile.

We pride ourselves on offering fun and friendly children's dentistry in Maple Ridge, so if it's time for your child's next dental appointment, call (604) 467-5944. We would love to care for your child's smile!

Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay when combined with brushing and flossing. It can also aid in the slowing down and reversal of early stages of tooth decay. We can all benefit from fluoride to some extent, so fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended for everyone.

For young children and infants, fluoridated toothpaste should be used very sparingly—just a rice grain-sized amount for a child up to three years of age and a pea-sized amount after that. In addition, you should carefully monitor your child to ensure they spit the toothpaste out rather than swallow it.

If we determine that your child is at high risk for cavities, our Maple Ridge children's dentist may recommend a supplemental form of fluoride. This type of fluoride is available in several applications, including drops, a varnish that is painted on the teeth, and a mouth rinse for older children.

The best way to see if your child can benefit from fluoride is to schedule an appointment at Meadow Ridge Dental Centre. We love welcoming children to our dental clinic and helping them get a positive, healthy start for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.

We are open Monday through Saturday, so you can schedule appointments for your child at your convenience.

The Canadian Dental Association and our dentists agree that children should have their first dental visit when they get their first teeth or by the age of one, whichever comes first.

While this may seem early, there are several benefits of early dental care for children:

• Creates Comfort — Children feel more comfortable in the dental chair for future visits when they have early appointments.
• Early Development — Starting dental visits early on allows us to monitor your child's dental development.
• Eliminates Anxiety — Early visits create stability, relieve fear, and help eliminate anxiety about future appointments, as your child knows and understands what to expect.
• Easier Treatment — Treatment procedures are typically more straightforward and less invasive if we identify treatment needs early.

Future Recommendations for Children

As your little one gets older and more comfortable with their Maple Ridge children's dentist, we may recommend fluoride treatments to help strengthen their teeth and dental sealants to guard against tooth decay.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps to rebuild small areas of tooth decay and strengthen developing teeth. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your little one's molars to guard against plaque and bacteria causing tooth decay.

If it's time for your child's next dental visit, contact Meadow Ridge Dental Centre at (604) 467-5944 to schedule.

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.