What to Expect on Your Child’s First Visit
The first visit to the dentist is a key milestone for your little one. It helps the dentist and child become comfortable with each other, while monitoring the development of their teeth and jaws. The dentist will check the health of existing teeth and gums, addressing any potential issues early on. This visit is also a great opportunity for parents to ask questions, learn about teething, proper brushing techniques, and how to establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Dental Insurance & Financials
Tiny teeth currently accepts all private Canadian dental insurance plans. We want to make the process as easy as possible so we provide effortless *direct billing (assignment) for most dental plans. Our team at Tiny Teeth will file your claims electronically (or by mail) on your behalf. If your insurance does not cover 100% of the services rendered and co-payments are required, we request that these co-payments be made on the date of service.
*We will not direct bill for cases under General Anaesthesia. Full payment is to be made upfront at the end of each surgery and will send a claim to your insurance on your behalf.
Navigating Dental Anxiety
Start with Positivity at Home
Talk about dental visits in a calm, cheerful way. Avoid words like "pain" or "hurt," and instead use phrases like “keeping your teeth strong” or “getting a sparkle clean.” Reading books or watching videos about friendly dental visits can help set the tone.
Bring Familiar Comforts
A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or even listening to a calming song can go a long way in easing nerves. Let your child know it’s okay to feel a little nervous and that you're there for support every step of the way.
Trust the Pediatric Dental Team
Our team is specially trained to work with children and knows how to make the experience as stress-free and even fun as possible. We take time to explain each step in kid-friendly terms and go at a pace your child is
comfortable with.
“How Can I Help at Home?”
Diet
We get it, this is hard! Kids are hungry all the time and the snacks especially the sticky/crunchy ones are the ones they love the most. BUT, ultimately what we put on our teeth is the number one source of bacteria for cavities. Space out snacks where possible, and provide the child with non-sugary alternatives like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and low-fat yogurt.
Brushing
Twice a day brushing but nights are the most important. Too often we trust our little ones with the independence to do it themselves. Proper oral hygiene requires proper manuel dexterity, patience and technique. We recommend PARENTS do the brushing.
Flossing
Cavities and tooth decay form more easily between teeth. Therefore, the child is at risk for between-teeth cavities wherever two teeth grow adjacent to each other. The pediatric dentist can help demonstrate correct head positioning during the flossing process, and suggest tips for making flossing more fun!
Oral Habits
Though pacifier use and thumb sucking generally cease over time, both can cause the teeth to misalign. The earlier the better to wean these habits. If the child must use a pacifier, choose an “orthodontically” correct model. This will minimize the risk of developmental problems like narrow roof arches and crowding. The pediatric dentist can suggest a strategy (or provide a dental appliance) for thumb sucking cessation.
Picky Eaters
While all toddlers/children go through a period of being "fussy" with the dietary choices. Continuing to offer a variety of different foods with tastes and textures is best for overall nutrition and health. If your child refuses to eat certain textures or struggles to have more then 1-2 foods getting a consolation with a pediatric occupational therapist is recommended.
Flouride
Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss and simultaneously promotes the remineralization of tooth enamel. It is important to get the fluoride balance correct and a rice grain amount is recommended before kids can spit, a pea size for older ones.
Cleaning & Prevention
It is important to have regular dental exams and hygiene appointments to help your child maintain optimum oral health through a preventive program. The regular 6-month exams and hygiene visits will allow for us to note any changes in your child’s teeth and gums. This way, we can catch problems when they are small and before they become difficult to treat, uncomfortable and often at times more expensive to repair.We usually tailor and schedule the appointments based on each patient’s individual needs. Depending on the state of oral health, some children come more frequently and others can wait a little longer between visits, although never more than one year. Parents are often concerned about what their plan will cover, and although plans may have a limit on what they will pay, this does not mean that is the best thing for your health.