One of my favourite things to do is see a child for their first visit!

I get to show them all the fun things dentists use, like the magic chair, the air and water gun, and the suction that gives kisses! I understand that it’s hard for a child to sit still and they can be intimidated by a new environment, but I enjoy engaging them in the process and proving to them it can be fun! 

It is recommended to have your child see a dentist by the age of 1 year old. More about that in my next blog post!

Great Books for Kids

Visiting the dentist can be easier when your child knows why their teeth are so important.

These books are a great way to get them excited about their teeth! 

Free Dental Care for Kids

In the province of Quebec, every child under 10 years old with a medicare card has access to free dental care!

Teeth are important to eat well, speak properly and smile confidently. Bringing your child for routine dental check ups is a crucial part of keeping them healthy!

The procedures that are covered by the medicare card are:

• Dental exam and X-rays once per year
• Emergency exam
• Silver (amalgam) fillings for back teeth
• Stainless steel crowns
• White (composite) fillings for front teeth
• Extractions
• Root canals

The procedures not covered by the medicare card are:

• 6 month check up
• Cleanings
• Fluoride application
• Sealants
• Braces or other orthodontic appliances
• Space maintainers

For more details, visit the RAMQ website

Do you know when you child should start going for dental check ups? If you’re not sure, read my blog post about why I see children as soon as they are 1 year old.

The Key to Preventing Dental Decay

Visiting the dentist at 1 year old, or 6 months after their first tooth!

A child doesn’t need to have all their baby teeth in to see the dentist. It’s best to get advice on how to brush, what foods to eat, and whether or not they need fluoride as soon as their first teeth come into the mouth. That way we can prevent cavities before they have a chance to start!

Don’t worry if your child isn’t ready to “sit still.” When they are very young I do a lap exam, like you see in the photo above. It’s a comfortable way to do the check up because the child has the security of seeing and holding hands with their parent. Also the parent can see everything I see, so it’s a great way to go over brushing and show any areas of concern.

Start your child’s oral health off on in the right direction! Celebrate their first dental visit with their first birthday!

Want to know more? Visit the Canadian Dental...