FOR PARENTS
Answers for your child's dental care.
Gentle, kid-friendly visits for ages one and up, with direct billing and CDCP/NIHB coverage accepted.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Have questions?
GETTING STARTED
What's the difference between a family dentist and a pediatric dentist?
We're a family dental practice that treats patients of all ages under one roof, so your child sees a dentist who also knows your family's full history, no need to switch to a separate pediatric-only office.
What age should my child have their first dental visit?
We recommend a first visit around your child's first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first.
What happens at my child's first appointment?
It's a short, gentle introduction: a look at teeth and gum development, guidance on brushing and teething, and time to get comfortable with the chair, more than a full procedure.
How can I prepare my child for their first visit?
Keep things low-pressure: talk about the visit in a positive, casual way, avoid words like "hurt," and let them know they'll get to meet a friendly team and try out the chair.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Most children do well with a check-up and cleaning every six months, though we may suggest a different schedule based on their cavity risk or development.
INSURANCE & COVERAGE
Do you accept my insurance for my child's visit?
Yes. We accept most major private insurance plans and bill your provider directly, so in most cases you only pay the difference at checkout.
Do you accept government coverage like the CDCP or NIHB?
Yes, we're enrolled in both the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, and we handle the billing directly so you don't have to manage claim paperwork.
HEALTHY HABITS AT HOME
My child's baby teeth will fall out anyway, do cavities in baby teeth really matter?
Yes. Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help with speech and eating, and untreated decay can cause pain or affect the permanent teeth developing underneath.
How often should my child brush their teeth?
Twice a day, for about two minutes each time, with a parent supervising or helping until your child can reliably brush well on their own.
How much toothpaste should I use for my child?
A smear about the size of a grain of rice for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for children 3 and older, using a fluoride toothpaste unless we've advised otherwise.
When should I start flossing my child's teeth?
As soon as two teeth touch each other, since brushing alone can't reach between them. We're happy to show you an easy technique at your child's next visit.
What foods help protect my child's teeth?
Water, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables are great choices, while sticky, sugary snacks and frequent juice or sports drinks are the biggest contributors to childhood cavities.
COMMON CONCERNS
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
It's early childhood decay caused by teeth being exposed to sugary liquids, including milk, formula, or juice, for long periods, often from bottles or sippy cups used through the night.
How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle of anything but water, start wiping gums and brushing teeth as soon as they appear, and move away from bottles by their first birthday when possible.
Is it normal for my child's teeth to come in at different times?
Yes. Tooth eruption timelines vary quite a bit between children, and a difference of several months from average is usually nothing to worry about. We'll keep an eye on it at regular visits.
My child grinds their teeth at night, is that a problem?
Grinding (bruxism) is common in young children and often improves on its own, but we'll check for wear at check-ups and let you know if a night guard or further evaluation is ever needed.
What are dental sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where cavities often start, and we typically recommend them once a child's permanent molars come in.
Easy to find,
easy to visit,
right in Orangeville.
As your local Orangeville family dentist, our Alder St. office sits minutes from downtown, with simple access for families across Orangeville and Dufferin County.
