Smile Town Dental Group - Blog

As a kids' dentist team at Smile Town Dental Group, we receive many of the same questions from worried parents during appointments. It's completely natural to have questions about your child's oral health—after all, developing good habits early will lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We're addressing the five most common questions we receive from parents about their children's oral health today.

1. How Old Should My Child Be for Their First Meeting with a Kids Dentist?

This is by far the most frequent inquiry we receive, and our answer often astonishes parents. The Canadian Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist when the first tooth has come in within six months, or at one year of age—whichever happens sooner.

These early visits have a number of positive functions:

• Make your child comfortable with dental appointments
• Allow us to assess early development
• Let us demonstrate for you how prevention can avoid trouble
• Let us assist in identifying any concerns that may develop early

Most parents are surprised at the young age at which we recommend the initial appointment, but these first appointments are often brief, gentle, and designed to create positive experiences with the dentist. At Smile Town Dental Group, we are highly skilled at providing the first visits as comfortable and pleasant for kids and adults.

2. How Do I Help My Child During Teething?

Teething may be hard on both parents and children alike. As the first teeth begin to erupt through the gums, most children are sensitive to pain, cranky, and some even develop a low-grade temperature or disrupted sleeping patterns.

Below are some suggestions from dentists on how to alleviate teething discomfort:

• Rub your baby's gums with your clean finger gently
• Offer an ice-cold (not really cold) teething ring or a clean damp washcloth
• For bad pain, talk with us about using proper children's pain medicines
• Do not use teething gels that contain benzocaine in children under 2 years
• Keep the area clean by wiping the gums gently with a soft cloth after feedings

Remember that teething is a normal developmental process. If your child seems to be experiencing extreme discomfort or has symptoms like high fever or diarrhea, it's important to consult with your pediatrician as these are not typically associated with teething alone.

3. Is Fluoride Safe for My Child?

There are quite a few concerns regarding fluoride safety here at our Grimsby practice. The short answer is yes—fluoride is safe and healthy in children when delivered in the appropriate amount and method.

Enamel is fortified with fluoride, making teeth stronger against decay. Fluoride has even been proven to reverse early stages of decay in some cases. We do take fluoride worries into account, though, so we work using a tailored method:

• We assess each child's unique risk factors for cavities
• Consider their overall fluoride exposure (including water source)
• Prescribe individualized fluoride treatments as necessary
• Provide guidance on the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste to use

For most kids, we recommend using only a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount for children between the ages of 3-6. As your kids dentist, we're delighted to discuss with you any specific issues you might have regarding fluoride during your child's next appointment.

4. Why Do Baby Teeth Require Fillings If They'll Come Out Anyway?

This is something we get asked a lot, and it's a good question. I mean, baby teeth are going to be replaced by adult teeth at some point, so why bother fixing them?

There are several important reasons why it's worth fixing cavities in baby teeth:

• Pain and infection prevention: Pain caused by cavities can be severe, and if left untreated, can lead to infection with implications for overall health.
• Space maintenance: Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth. Losing them early may result in spacing difficulties when permanent teeth come in.
• Speech development: The front teeth play a key role in proper speech development.
• Eating and nutrition: Damaged teeth can make eating difficult, and this could affect nutrition at significant developmental stages.
• Forming good habits: Drilling cavities is a reminder of the importance of oral care early in life.

At Smile Town Dental Group, we use child-friendly techniques and materials specifically designed for children's teeth, and we try our best to make the filling process as painless as possible for our young patients.

5. How Do We Prevent Cavities in Children?

Prevention is always better than cure, and most parents want to know what the best way to keep their children cavity-free is. As your partner in your child's oral health, we recommend a holistic approach:

Establish a routine oral hygiene practice:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (quantity according to age)
• Floss once daily as soon as the teeth touch each other
• Supervised brushing might be an option until around the age of 7–8

Monitor diet:

• Limit sweet snacks and drinks
• Eliminate constant sipping on juice or milk throughout the day
• Choose tooth-friendly snack foods like cheese, nuts, and crunchy veggies

Consider preventive treatments:

• Sealants for molars can provide extra protection
• Routine fluoride treatments during visits to the dentist
• Ask questions about other preventative options specific to your child

Regular dental checkups:

• Schedule six-month appointments
• Do not skip them even if teeth are healthy-looking
• Catch them early before they develop into issues

Remember that every child is different, and with Smile Town Dental Group, we tailor our preventative recommendations to each child's special needs and risk factors.

As your Grimsby kids dentist, we're dedicated to ensuring dental treatment is an enjoyable experience for your children and keeping you well informed and supported as a parent. If you do have other questions beyond these standard ones, we're always glad to answer them at your child's visit.

Have additional questions about your child's oral health? Contact Smile Town Dental Group at 289-235-9292 or visit us at 520 North Service Rd., Grimsby, ON L3M 09C. We have additional hours on Wednesdays until 7:00 pm to accommodate busy family schedules!

At Smile Town Dental Group in Grimsby, we’re passionate about helping our patients achieve not just a beautiful smile—but a healthy one. And that all starts with healthy gums. While teeth often get the spotlight, your gums are the foundation that supports them. When your gums are healthy, your whole mouth thrives. When they’re not, you may be at risk for periodontal (gum) disease—one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

Why Are Healthy Gums So Important?

Gums do more than keep your teeth in place—they act as a protective barrier, shield your jawbone, and play a critical role in your overall health. Research continues to show strong links between gum disease and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications in pregnancy.

Healthy gums should be:

• Pink and firm
• Not tender or swollen
• Free of bleeding when brushing or flossing

If your gums don’t meet this checklist, it may be time to come in for a periodontal checkup.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It usually begins as gingivitis—inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Common signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Gum recession (pulling away from teeth)
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in your bite

Prevention: Your Best Line of Defense

The good news? Gum disease is largely preventable with consistent oral hygiene and regular dental care. Here’s what we recommend:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
• Avoid smoking, which significantly increases the risk of gum disease

Treatment Options at Smile Town Dental Group

If you’re already dealing with gum disease, don’t worry—early intervention makes all the difference. Our team offers a full range of periodontal treatments tailored to your unique needs:

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) – Removes plaque and tartar below the gumline
• Antibiotic therapy – To reduce bacterial infection
• Surgical options – In advanced cases, procedures like flap surgery or bone grafting may be recommended
• Ongoing maintenance – Regular periodontal maintenance visits are crucial to keeping the disease under control

Let’s Keep Your Smile Healthy from the Gums Up

At Smile Town Dental Group in Grimsby, we’re here to support your journey to optimal oral health—starting with your gums. Whether you need help preventing gum disease or managing an existing condition, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help.