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Experienced Children's Dentist in London, Ontario
Are you looking for a friendly pediatric dentist in London, Ontario, who truly cares about kids? Look no further than Cosmo Dental Centre. We specialize in providing reliable children's dentistry services, including early childhood tooth decay (ECTD) treatments, dental cleanings, and exams. If you're in London, Argyle, or Huron Heights, we can provide dentistry services for your entire family in one clinic. Contact us today to discuss your child's dental needs.
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Pediatric Dental Exams
Depending on their age, your child's first dental visit may include a comprehensive examination of their teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to assess their growth and development. If necessary, a gentle cleaning, including teeth polishing and the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains, may also be performed.
The dentist will also spend time with your child to educate them on good oral hygiene practices. By establishing excellent oral hygiene habits early on, your child can develop healthy habits that will carry into adulthood.
We Care about Your Kids
Early childhood tooth decay, also called baby bottle tooth decay and nursing bottle mouth, is characterized by cavities in newborns and young children's upper front teeth. Unfortunately, most liquids, excluding water, contain some sugar. This includes milk, formula, and unsweetened fruit juices. When these sugars interact with microorganisms in the mouth, acid destroys teeth.
Cavities can appear soon after your child's teeth start to emerge, even as early as nine months old. Due to their young age and the extent of damage, extensive and costly dental care is often necessary.
How to Prevent ECTD
There are various ways to prevent early childhood tooth decay, including:
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Avoid placing a bottle or sippy cup in your child's mouth. If they must use one, fill it with water.
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Say no to dipping soothers in sugary substances like honey, syrup or jam.
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Start teaching your child to drink from a cup around six months. By 12 months, they should be drinking exclusively from a cup.
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Introduce solid foods to your child from around six months of age. Offer a wide variety of nutritious foods with different textures and flavours.
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Regularly inspect your child's teeth and gums by gently lifting their lips. If you notice chalky, white or brown stains, visit the dentist immediately.
Remember, early childhood tooth decay can be reversed with treatment if caught early. That's why your child must visit the dentist no later than their third birthday, and yearly visits are recommended thereafter. The Canadian Dental Association even suggests infants should see a dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing. The goal is to have your child visit the dentist before any issues arise with their teeth.
How to Clean Your Child’s Teeth
Cleaning or brushing your kids’ teeth helps eliminate the bacteria responsible for decay. Here are some helpful tips for each stage of your child's dental care journey, from infancy to adolescence:
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When the first tooth emerges, clean your baby's teeth using a wet cloth or a small children's toothbrush with water.
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From 18 months to six years of age, use a small pea-sized amount of children's low-fluoride toothpaste on a soft toothbrush.
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Once your child turns six, they can use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.
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Children typically need assistance brushing until they can do it well, usually around eight years old. Show them how to brush by demonstrating the same brushing pattern to minimize missed spots.
Dental Fluorosis
According to the dental literature, there's considerable worry regarding the impact of excessive fluoride from toothpaste on the growth of children's teeth. This condition is characterized by microscopic white flecks, more significant white regions, or, in some cases, pitting or brown spots. It's impossible to anticipate if fluorosis will emerge and how it will manifest. It's important to note that fluorosis occurs while their teeth develop.
To prevent dental fluorosis, use low- or non-fluoride toothpaste until your child reaches the age of seven. You can often find non-fluoride toothpaste at health food stores or choose from popular brands like Early Years, Kidz Pre Step, or Tom's of Maine, available at most large pharmacies.
Dental Sealant for Kids
Dental sealants can be a game-changer when protecting your child's teeth. Children often struggle to brush their teeth at the back of their mouth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Dental sealants help reduce this risk by applying a long-lasting plastic adhesive to the grooves of vulnerable teeth, making it harder for plaque to accumulate and cavities to form.
How Dental Sealing Works
Here’s an overview of the dental sealing process for children:
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First, the dentist will thoroughly examine your child's teeth to assess their suitability for sealants. They'll check whether the tooth surfaces are decay-free and ensure the teeth meet the sealing criteria.
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The dentist will then meticulously clean and dry your child's teeth. Subsequently, they'll apply an etching gel to the cracks and enamel surrounding the area, allowing it to sit for approximately 30 to 60 seconds.
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Lastly, the dentist will apply the sealant to the tooth's surface and use a high-intensity light source to polymerize or harden it.
The treatment is painless and typically takes around three minutes per tooth. Sealants should be applied when your child's teeth erupt to prevent decay.
Our Children's Dental Services
We provide a full spectrum of children's dental care, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatment. Our approach is to ensure that every child feels comfortable during their visit and receives the care that suits their needs.
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Routine exams and cleanings: Regular checkups help maintain oral hygiene and identify any issues early. These appointments include teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and guidance on at-home dental care routines.
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Digital X-rays and diagnostic services: We use child-friendly digital imaging tools to ensure accurate diagnoses while minimizing radiation exposure.
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Preventive treatments: Fluoride applications and dental sealants help protect your child's teeth from decay.
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Fillings for children: Tooth-coloured fillings restore decayed or damaged teeth. We use durable, safe materials for children.
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Early orthodontic assessments: Our team monitors growth and development to identify potential orthodontic concerns that may require early intervention.
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Emergency dental care: Prompt treatment for dental trauma, such as chipped, knocked-out, or injured teeth. Visit our emergency services page for detailed information.
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Behaviour management techniques: We use evidence-informed methods to reduce anxiety and help children feel at ease during dental procedures.
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Parental guidance and education: We offer practical advice to parents on topics such as teething, thumb-sucking, and diet-related oral health.
For further insights into children care, refer to these related blog posts from our website:
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced team in London, Ontario.
Visit Our Clinic Today!
Are you seeking pediatric dentistry services in London, Argyle, and Huron Heights? Cosmo Dental Centre in London is the place to go. Our team of dedicated pediatric dentists is passionate about providing exceptional kids' dentistry services. We aim to create a safe and inviting atmosphere, so your child feels comfortable visiting the dentist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
