Good oral health begins at home with good eating habits and daily cleaning of teeth and gums. Mouths go through many changes during childhood so it is important to see a dental professional regularly for information and support. Please connect with us or contact your dental professional to learn more.
Free dental health screening for ages 0-17
At our dental clinics, we make sure your child’s teeth are developing in a healthy way. At the visit, a Registered Dental Hygienist will:
- Screen for cavities and signs of tooth decay
- Screen for healthy tooth development
- Provide tips on how to keep your child’s mouth clean and prevent injuries
- Provide information about using soothers, sippy cups, etc.
- Provide a free fluoride treatment if needed
- Provide a free baby or child oral health kit with a toothbrush, information booklet and other oral health items
- Enroll your child in Healthy Smiles Ontario or make referrals as appropriate
Please call us to book an appointment.
Healthy Smiles Ontario program
Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a program for kids ages 0-17 that belong to lower-income households or households having challenges with money. Please call us, or apply to the program and learn more about teeth cleaning, check-ups and dental treatments for kids from the Ontario government.
See our Q & A resource to learn more about the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.
Do you live in Oxford County? We have appointments available now in our Woodstock clinic to see children ages 0 - 17. Call our office to find out if you qualify for this program.
Canadian Dental Care Plan
Starting June 27, applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan will open for two groups:
- Children under 18 years old.
- Adults aged 18-64 who have a valid Disability Tax Credit.
Learn more and find out how you can apply.
Dental screenings in schools
We provide yearly dental screenings to support oral health in schools.
Oral care for infants and toddlers
You should start to clean your baby’s mouth soon after birth. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums twice a day from back to front. As they grow, follow these tips to keep their mouth healthy:
- Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle
- Give water in between meals
- Have a dental screening by their first birthday
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, including juice
A child’s first birthday is the perfect time for their first visit to one of our dental clinics or to a dental professional of your choice. By age two, children should brush their own teeth alongside an adult who will make sure the whole mouth is clean. You can use a very small amount of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Make brushing a happy experience and set an example by brushing your own teeth.
Teething
A baby’s teeth usually start to come in between six and 12 months. A teething baby may be fussy and cranky, drool, have trouble sleeping, or not want to eat if their gums are sore. If teething is making your baby unhappy:
- Rub their gums with a clean finger or a small, cool spoon
- Rub their gums with a soft, wet wash cloth
- Give them a clean, safe teething ring
New teeth do not make babies sick or give them a fever. If your baby is showing signs of sickness, take them to a doctor.
Do not give your baby painkillers or gels that can be rubbed on the gums. No gels or tablets are safe for children under two years old. You should also avoid giving them teething biscuits or cookies that may have hidden sugar.
Early childhood tooth decay
Early childhood tooth decay, once called baby bottle tooth decay, is a cavity in the tooth of a toddler or baby. Cavities can spread to other teeth and cause pain and other serious sicknesses.
Check for tooth decay by lifting the lip and looking for any white, yellow, brown or black spots on the teeth. Please call us if you have any questions about your child’s teeth.
Oral Health Tips
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association has provided Oral Health Tips for Children Aged 7-12. Find out more about how to prevent cavities, dental sealants, orthodontic treatment and more.