Positive first visits
Short, friendly appointments where nothing is forced. Your child sets the pace.
Family dentistry
Small patients, big first impressions.
A child's early dental visits shape how they feel about the dentist for life. We keep them short, friendly and positive.
Starting early, and starting gently
The usual advice is a first visit within six months of the first tooth, or by age one. That may feel early, but the first appointment isn't about drilling anything. It's a chance for your child to meet us, sit in the chair, and have a quick look while you hold them. We check that teeth are coming in as expected and talk through brushing, bottles, thumbs and snacks.
As children grow, visits settle into a familiar rhythm: a check-up every six months, a gentle cleaning, fluoride to strengthen enamel, and sealants on the back molars when they arrive around ages six and twelve. Catching a small cavity early means a small filling, or sometimes none at all.
We see children from across Owen Sound and Grey-Bruce, and we know every child is different. Some hop into the chair. Some need a few visits to warm up. Both are fine.
Why it matters
What we focus on with kids
Prevention first
Fluoride and sealants stop most childhood cavities before they start.
Parents in the room
You're welcome to stay with your child for every part of the visit.
Healthy Smiles Ontario
Free care for eligible children 17 and under. We bill the program directly.
What to expect
A typical children's visit
- 01
Meet and look
We start with a chat and a show-and-tell of the tools. A count of the teeth is often all a first visit needs.
- 02
Clean and fluoride
A gentle polish, then a fluoride varnish painted on. It takes a minute and tastes better than it used to.
- 03
Sealants when molars arrive
A thin protective coating brushed into the grooves of new adult molars, with no freezing and no drilling.
- 04
Tips to take home
We show you and your child how to brush and floss for their age, and which snacks and drinks to watch.
Good to know
Coverage for children
Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free preventive and routine dental care for children and youth 17 and under from lower-income households. If you think your family qualifies, ask us; we can point you to the application and we bill the program directly once you're enrolled.
Children may also be covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan or a parent's private plan. We'll check what's covered before treatment so there are no surprises.
Common questions
Children's Dentistry, answered.
If your question isn't here, call us. A real person picks up during office hours.
When should my child first see a dentist?
By their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are mostly about getting comfortable and catching habits early.
What if my child cries or won't open their mouth?
That happens, and it's okay. We never force a child. Sometimes we simply do what we can that day and try again next time, which builds trust for the long run.
Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
We use digital X-rays, which use very low radiation, and we only take them when there's a reason, such as checking between back teeth once they touch.
Do baby teeth really need fillings?
Often, yes. Baby molars can stay in place until around age 12, and untreated decay can cause pain, infection and problems for the adult teeth underneath.
Is fluoride safe?
In the amounts used in a dental office, fluoride varnish is safe and is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in children.
Book your visit
Ready to talk about children's dentistry?
Send a request and Sandy or Shantell will call you back during office hours to find a time that fits. Emergencies: please phone us directly.
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