Children's Dentistry
Dental care as they grow.
From first dental visits through the school years and beyond, we provide preventive dental care for kids and families at Yonge & St. Clair, helping young patients become comfortable looking after their teeth.
Dental care for children
A good relationship with the dentist starts early.
Children’s dental visits are about more than checking for cavities. They give us an opportunity to monitor how the teeth and mouth are developing, reinforce healthy habits and help children become familiar with dental care in an environment that feels calm and predictable.
We adapt each visit to the child’s age, needs and comfort level. Some children are ready for a complete examination and cleaning right away. Others benefit from taking things more gradually.
Growing smiles
Preventive care through the growing years.
Checkups & development
Regular examinations allow us to monitor your child's teeth, gums and dental development and identify changes that may need attention.
Children's dental cleanings & healthy habits
Professional hygiene care helps keep teeth and gums healthy while giving us an opportunity to reinforce brushing, flossing and other habits at home.
Fluoride & cavity prevention for children
Preventive recommendations are based on your child's individual needs, including their teeth, development and risk of cavities.
Dental sealants
Sealants may be considered for susceptible teeth when an additional protective barrier could be helpful.
First dental visits
Their first visit doesn't need to accomplish everything.
A child's first experience at the dentist is an opportunity to become familiar with the environment, meet the people who will care for them and begin building a comfortable relationship with dental care.
We call it a “Happy Visit”: your child can watch a favourite show, sit on your lap and count their teeth with us. If it all feels like too much that day, they leave with a high five and a pick from our toy box.
What to expect at your child's first dental visit →Care that grows with them
Their dental needs change. Their dental home doesn't have to.
A child's dental needs change considerably between their first visit and their teenage years. Regular care allows us to follow those changes over time, from early preventive care and losing baby teeth to the arrival of permanent teeth and changing hygiene needs.
When something falls outside the care we provide in our office, we'll explain the next step and help coordinate with the appropriate specialist.
Common questions
Common questions about children’s dentistry.
When should my child first see a dentist?+
You may hear recommendations for a first dental visit around age one. While there can be real value in getting advice about caring for your child's teeth at that age, we find that around two to three years old is often a more productive time for a first dental appointment. If your child is younger and you have questions about brushing, fluoride, feeding habits or caring for their first teeth, we're happy to speak with you by phone. If you notice something concerning before then, please call us so we can determine whether your child should be seen.
What happens at a child's first dental visit?+
A first visit may include getting comfortable with the dental environment, looking at your child's teeth and gums, discussing brushing and eating habits and answering your questions. What we accomplish depends partly on your child's age and comfort level. We don't need every first appointment to look exactly the same.
How often should kids see the dentist?+
The appropriate interval depends on your child's oral health, cavity risk, development and individual needs. We'll recommend a schedule based on what we see rather than assuming exactly the same interval is right for every child.
What if my child is nervous about the dentist?+
Tell us before or during the visit. We can adjust the pace, explain things in age-appropriate language and give your child time to become familiar with the environment. Sometimes a successful appointment means accomplishing everything planned; sometimes it means building enough comfort to make the next visit easier.
Do you provide fluoride treatment for children?+
Fluoride may be recommended as part of preventive care for some children. Whether it is appropriate depends on factors such as age, cavity risk, tooth development and other sources of fluoride. We'll explain our recommendation before treatment.
Do you accept new child patients?+
Yes. Dr. Michael Nightingale and Dr. Ali Lubelsky are welcoming new patients, including children and families, at Chandler & Nightingale Dental.
Do you provide braces or orthodontic treatment?+
We monitor how teeth and bites develop during regular examinations, and when braces may help, we refer to an orthodontist we trust and keep caring for your child’s teeth alongside.
Related care
Looking for a dentist for your child?
Dr. Michael Nightingale and Dr. Ali Lubelsky are welcoming new patients and families at Chandler & Nightingale Dental.
Or feel free to email us at reception@smilemail.ca. We reply to appointment requests within one business day.