Why do I need regular dental visits?
In order to keep your whole body healthy, it’s important to have your teeth and mouth checked regularly. Dental care is very important for reasons such as:
- Preventing tooth decay
- Protecting and preventing gum disease – which can lead to bone and tooth loss
- Preventing bad breath – caused by bacterial overgrowth in the mouth
- Boosts your self-confidence by improving your smile
- Preventing your teeth from becoming stained
- Strengthening your teeth so you enjoy your smile and eat well
Why do I need to see a dentist if my teeth feel okay?
Regular visits to the dentist are important even if your teeth feel fine. By visiting the dentist regularly, the dentist can spot problems early on and prevent small issues from becoming larger and more difficult ones to treat. Prevention is key in helping to provide long-term dental health. A dental professional can provide many different treatment options to help you boost both your smile and your confidence. Some options they may suggest includes:
- Teeth whitening by a dental professional
- Tooth-coloured fillings that look more like your natural teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
- Enhancing your smile
What should I think about when choosing a dentist for my oral care?
It is very important to choose a dentist that you feel comfortable with and who can relate and talk to you about your concerns. Here are some things that should be considered when choosing a personal dentist:
- Is it easy to schedule an appointment and do they work with your schedule too?
- Is the office conveniently located?
- Is the office clean and neat?
- Are you comfortable and relaxed in the dental office?
- Were your dental and medical records stored in a permanent file?
- Did the dentist explain how to maintain good oral health?
- Does the dentist get involved in continuing dental education?
- Is the dentist a member of the Quebec Dental Association?
How often should I see a dentist?
In most cases, it is a good idea to schedule regular check-ups every six months. For those who are high risk for developing tooth diseases or tooth decay, more frequent visits may be advisable.
What happens during my child’s first visit to the dentist?
The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. The doctor will check your child’s teeth for placement and health, and will look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we may do a bit of cleaning. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child’s teeth as they develop.
How can I prepare my child for his first dental appointment?
The best preparation for your child’s first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults’ apprehensions, and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist you can be sure that your child will fear an unpleasant experience and act accordingly. Show your child the pictures of the office on the website. Let your child know that it’s important to keep his/her teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help to do that. Remember that your dentist is trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.
Baby teeth aren’t permanent. Why do they need special care?
Although they don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important role in development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early (due to damage or decay) nearby teeth may encroach on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums. If decay on a primary tooth encroaches onto the nerve, an infection may result causing pain and swelling. Bring your child in for an assessment, and we’ll let you know if there are any areas of concern and how best to look after your child’s teeth.
When should my child have dental X-rays taken?
We recommend taking X-rays around the age of two or three. The first set consists of simple pictures of the front upper and lower teeth, which familiarizes your child with the process. Once the baby teeth in back are touching one another, then regular X-rays are recommended. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and X-rays help us make sure your child’s teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned.
How do I get started for my next checkup?
Give us a call and our friendly staff with help schedule a dental checkup appointment for you and your family at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.