We treat little ones as young as 6 months of age. Our team blends education, technology, and good old-fashioned know-how to start kids on the path to lifelong oral health.
Nurturing growing smiles
At Kits Family Dental, we specialize in providing top-notch dental care specifically tailored to our littlest patients. From gentle cleanings to tips and tricks for parents, we know exactly how to ensure your child’s journey starts off with a big smile.
We focus on prevention, and our kid-friendly services are designed to make dental visits fun, educational, and anxiety-free. Our dedicated team ensures every child leaves with a healthier smile and happy memories.
Builds Rapport
Routine dental check ups in early childhood help little ones get used to the sights and sounds of the office and build a positive relationship with the dentist.
Prevents Oral Disease
Cleanings and exams, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants go a long way in preventing cavities and gum disease in children.
Detects Problems Early
Regular check-ups ensure we catch problems in their earliest stages when they can be treated more easily or, sometimes, even reversed.
Preventive services for kids
Cleanings & Exams
Dental cleanings and exams are the superheroes of preventive dentistry. Cleanings send plaque packing, while exams are the key to avoiding problems altogether or, at least, catching them in their earliest stages.
Our experienced dentists make check-ups engaging and interactive. They also take the time to educate kids and parents about good brushing and flossing habits. Our goal is to create the foundation for a lifetime of amazing oral health.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens kids’ enamel and helps it better fight off decay. At visits, the dentist will chat with you about how much fluoride your child is getting and may recommend a topical fluoride treatment.
Fluoride treatments are quick and easy. The dentist simply paints the gel or varnish onto your child’s teeth at the end of their appointment.
Protective Dental Sealants
Dental sealants form a protective layer over the chewing surfaces of kids’ permanent molars. This keeps food particles, plaque, and acids from getting into the pits and grooves of the back teeth and causing cavities.
Getting sealants is painless, fast, and affordable. The dentist paints a BPA-free coating onto the teeth (usually when the 6- and 12-year molars come in). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this prevents up to 80% of cavities.
Sports Mouthguards
Sports account for their fair share of oral and facial injuries in kids, but wearing a mouthguard is a cost-effective, simple solution. Unfortunately, this important piece of protective equipment isn’t required in many sports.
If your child engages in physical activity that could result in a blow to the face, we recommend they wear a mouthguard. Our custom sports mouthguards offer optimal protection and comfort.
When should my child have their first dental check-up?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends babies have their first dental check-up within six months of getting their first tooth or no later than age 1. That might sound young, but as soon as a tooth erupts, a cavity can happen.
The goal is to have that first exam before any issues come up. This way, with routine check-ups, we’ll catch problems early when they’re easy to fix.
What happens at a child’s first dental visit?
We let your child set the pace of the first visit. If they’re an infant or young toddler, we might even have them sit on your lap in the dental chair.
The dentist will come in and say hi and explain to your child what they do in kid-friendly terms. They’ll show your kiddo any instruments they’ll be using and demonstrate how they work.
From there, the dentist will do a quick exam, constantly chatting and explaining things to your child as they go. If your child is comfortable, we’ll perform a gentle cleaning.
Depending on your little one’s age and needs, we may or may not take digital x-rays and do a fluoride treatment at this visit.
The dentist will wrap things up by answering any questions and providing recommendations for keeping your child’s smile healthy. Finally, your child will get to go claim their prize.
When should I start brushing and flossing my child’s teeth?
Start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in using a soft-bristled, infant-sized toothbrush. Begin flossing once any two teeth are touching.
Does my child need fluoride supplements?
If your child has no cavities, it is recommended to brush their teeth with a very small amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride. For little ones under 3, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice. You can graduate to a pea-sized amount once they turn 3.
What’s the best way to prevent cavities in kids?
Keeping little teeth healthy and strong is easier than you think! Here are some simple cavity-prevention tips:
- Brushing and Flossing: Brush twice a day. Making it fun will encourage cooperation. Turn it into a game or sing a silly song while they brush. And don’t forget to floss once daily when any two teeth are touching.
- Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks, as well as foods that get stuck in the teeth (i.e., crackers, raisins, etc.). When kids do have these types of foods, serve them with a larger meal. Encourage a balanced diet rich in vegetables, firm fruits, protein, whole grains, and dairy. Ensure they drink plenty of water (it doesn’t cause cavities and it rinses away bacteria, acids, and food bits).
- Regular Dental Visits: A dental checkup and cleaning every six months helps keep kids’ teeth in tip-top shape.
- Fluoride: Ask us about fluoride treatments. Fluoride is like a shield for your child’s teeth, making their enamel stronger and more cavity-resistant.
- Dental Sealants: Sealants keep pesky cavities away by sealing the chewing surfaces of kids’ back teeth where food and plaque love to hide.
Have questions or need more tips? Give us a call – we’re here to help!
