Children and Youth 0-17

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.

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 screening 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 care for children and preteens

By ages 7 to 12, children are typically brushing and flossing on their own, but they still benefit from reminders and guidance.

Here are some tips to help your child maintain good oral health:

Floss or use soft picks or a small interdental brush to clean between teeth every day
Brush all surfaces of the teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
Choose water instead of sugary drinks like juice or pop
Offer healthy snacks such as:
- Apples
- Raw vegetables
- Cheese
- Plain yogurt

Dental sealants

Between the ages of 6 and 12, children’s permanent (adult) molars begin to come in. These molars often have deep grooves that can trap food and bacteria, making them more likely to develop cavities.

Dental sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. They help keep bacteria out of these grooves and can protect against cavities for many years.

Your child’s dental hygienist may recommend dental sealants or other treatments, like fluoride varnish, as part of their regular check-ups. These visits also help reinforce good brushing and flossing techniques.

Orthodontic check-ups and braces

During this stage, some children may be referred to an orthodontist. This check-up helps assess:

How their teeth are coming together
How their jaws and facial bones are growing
Whether orthodontic treatment might be needed in the future

If your child has braces or other appliances, extra care is needed to prevent cavities, gum inflammation, or permanent white spots on the teeth. Tools like interdental brushes, floss threaders, oral irrigators, and power toothbrushes are helpful.

Dental hygienists can show your child how to care for their teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Contact Us

Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us

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Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) values our people! We pride ourselves on our positive and flexible work environment.

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