Children's Dentistry
Children's Exams & Cleanings
Regular dental visits from an early age help children develop healthy habits and give our team the opportunity to monitor their developing teeth and jaws over time.
Dental services for children at Wildwood Dental Clinic are provided by our general dentist team. Our dentists are not licensed specialists in pediatric dentistry.
What a child's dental visit involves
Children's appointments are paced differently from adult visits. Our team takes a patient-first approach, moving at a speed the child is comfortable with, explaining what we are doing in simple, age-appropriate terms, and keeping parents present for younger children whenever that is helpful.
The goal of each visit is not only to clean teeth and check for problems, but to help children build a positive association with dental care over time. A child who has had many routine, comfortable dental visits is far less likely to experience anxiety about dental care as they grow older.
Why regular checkups matter for children
Primary (baby) teeth serve important functions beyond simply allowing a child to chew. They play a role in speech development, support facial structure, and, perhaps most importantly, hold space in the jaw for the permanent teeth forming beneath them.
Decay in baby teeth is not simply a cosmetic issue. Untreated cavities can cause pain, affect a child's ability to eat and speak, and may impact the health or positioning of the permanent teeth that will eventually replace them. Regular checkups allow our team to catch decay early and address it before it progresses.
When to start dental visits
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that a child's first dental visit happen by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This may feel earlier than expected, but starting young allows us to establish a baseline, provide guidance to parents on home care, and begin building a comfortable relationship with your child.
What we check at each visit
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Tooth decay
We examine all erupted teeth for early signs of decay, using visual inspection and x-rays when appropriate.
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Eruption pattern
We confirm that teeth are coming in at roughly the expected sequence and timing, and flag any concerns for monitoring.
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Bite development
As more teeth erupt, we assess how the upper and lower teeth come together and watch for any developing alignment concerns.
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Gum health
We check that the gums are healthy and that there are no signs of inflammation or infection.
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Oral habits
We ask about habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use that may affect tooth and jaw development if they continue beyond a certain age.
Cleaning for children
Professional cleanings for children involve gentle scaling to remove any tartar buildup, followed by polishing to leave teeth smooth and clean. The cleaning is tailored to the child's age and level of comfort.
For very young children, the cleaning component may be brief, more important is helping them become comfortable with the process so that as they get older, thorough cleanings feel familiar and manageable.
How often should children come in?
Every six months is a common starting point for most children. Some children, particularly those with a higher cavity risk, may benefit from more frequent monitoring. Our team will recommend a recall interval based on your child's individual needs.
Book your child's next visit
Call 306.374.7272 or request an appointment online.