Parent
FAQs.
Everything parents ask the team at Nanwood Dental in Brampton about their children's dental health: from first visits and baby teeth to home care routines and what to expect at every stage.
First Visits & Baby Teeth
When should I first bring my child into the dentist?
An initial exam is recommended by your child's first tooth or first birthday. This early visit allows us to review dental development, screen for early signs of cavities, and give parents practical preventative strategies. Early detection and management of oral conditions can improve your child's oral health and general health and well-being. Delaying treatment can sometimes result in more extensive and costly care.
What can I expect from the first visit?
This first visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. The appointment includes a visual examination of the gums and teeth, a behaviour assessment, and possible X-rays if appropriate. We want to keep the appointment short and fun for the child. This may mean we will wait until the second visit to complete a cleaning or perform any dental work your child may need.
How should I prepare my child for their first visit?
Children are often way cooler about going to see the dentist than their parents are. Try not to project any anxiety you might have onto your little one. Just relax and be honest: tell your child they are going to the dentist, which is a good thing. Keep your language positive and straightforward, and avoid sharing any personal dental anxieties.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training following dental school and limits their practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. A family dentist like ours sees patients of all ages and is fully equipped to provide excellent care for your child's routine and preventive dental needs.
Why should we fix baby teeth if they are just going to fall out?
Your child will keep some of their primary or "baby" teeth until approximately 9 to 13 years old. Primary teeth are important for many reasons: not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Untreated dental cavities in primary teeth can result in pain and infection, which can affect your child's overall health, development, and confidence.
Prevention & Home Care
How often should I be brushing my child's teeth?
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day: morning and before bed. The most important time to brush is just before the child goes to sleep for the night, as saliva production decreases during sleep, leaving teeth more vulnerable to acid and bacteria throughout the night.
Toothpaste: When should we begin using it and how much should we use?
Beginning at birth, clean your baby's gums with a soft brush or damp cloth after feedings. As soon as teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush. Use a "smear" amount (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under 2, and a "pea-size" amount for ages 2 to 5. Children should spit out any excess toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
Should I floss my child's teeth?
Yes. You should start flossing your child's teeth even when they only have their baby teeth. Begin when teeth fit closely together, which typically happens between ages 2 and 6. At first, you will need to floss for them. Children usually develop the ability to floss independently around the age of 10.
What is a good diet for healthy teeth?
Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, teeth, bones, and soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Frequent snacking increases cavity risk because it repeatedly exposes teeth to sugars and acids throughout the day. Choose nutritious options like vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and cheese, and limit hard candy, sticky foods, and sugary drinks.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD) is a serious form of tooth decay that can rapidly destroy a child's four upper front teeth and lower back teeth by the age of two or three. It develops when a bottle containing milk, juice, or sugar-containing liquids is left in the child's mouth for prolonged periods, especially during naps or overnight.
How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Use bottles only at mealtimes, not as pacifiers or comfort objects for sleep. Avoid bottles containing soft drinks, juices, or sweetened beverages. If you currently do nighttime bottle feeding, either discontinue the practice immediately or gradually dilute the bottle contents with water to transition your child away from the habit.
Growth & Development
Are my child's teeth coming in at the right time?
All 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, however the pace and order of eruption varies from child to child. Lower central incisors typically emerge first around 6 months, though the timing can vary considerably and still be completely normal. Permanent teeth usually begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. If you have any concerns about your child's tooth development, we are always happy to take a look.
Why does my child grind their teeth? Should I be worried?
Nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism) is very common in children and is usually not a cause for concern. Most children outgrow bruxism on their own: grinding tends to decrease between the ages of 6 and 9, and children generally stop entirely between ages 9 and 12. Most cases require no treatment. If you are concerned about the frequency or intensity of grinding, bring it up at your next appointment and we can assess whether any intervention is needed.
What are sealants?
A sealant is a clear or white acrylic resin material applied to the chewing surfaces (the grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where most cavities in children are found. The sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque, and acid, protecting these decay-prone areas. The application is quick, painless, and highly effective at reducing cavities in school-age children.
Appointments & Insurance
How often should I bring my child to the dentist?
A check-up every six months is generally recommended in order to prevent cavities, find them at their earliest stages, and catch other dental problems early. However, we customize the frequency of visits based on your child's individual oral health needs: some children may benefit from more frequent check-ins, while others may be fine with annual visits.
Do you accept assignment or direct billing?
Yes. We will bill your insurance company directly and collect the balance from you, if any, at the time of treatment. This means less paperwork for you and no waiting for reimbursement.
Do you accept government dental benefit programs?
Yes. We accept government dental programs including the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and First Nations Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for coverage under any program, our front desk team is happy to help you navigate your options.