Children's Dentistry in North York

About children's dentistry

Baby teeth are small, but they do a big job. They help your child bite and chew, form clear speech sounds and hold space in the jaw so adult teeth can come in straight. Baby teeth also have thinner enamel than adult teeth, so a cavity can spread quickly. That is why regular checkups matter even before all the teeth are in.

At each visit, your child's dentist counts teeth, checks for early cavities, looks at how the jaws and bite are developing and watches for habits like thumb-sucking or mouth breathing. A cleaning removes plaque and tartar, and fluoride varnish may be painted on to help strengthen enamel. Sealants, a thin coating on the chewing grooves of back teeth, are often suggested once the first adult molars arrive around age six.

We keep the mood light. Our team uses simple words, lets children see and touch the tools first and moves at their pace. If your child is nervous, short visits that build trust are often more useful than trying to do everything at once. You know your child well, so please tell us what helps them feel safe.

Book a visit if your child

• Has white, brown or chalky spots on their teeth
• Complains about a tooth when eating or drinking
• Still sucks a thumb or soother after age four
• Has not had a dental checkup in the past year
• Has new adult molars that may benefit from sealants

Benefits

• Early cavities can be found while they are small
• Fluoride and sealants help lower cavity risk
• Growth of the jaws and bite is tracked over time
• Children learn that the dentist is a normal, friendly place

What to expect

1. Say helloYour child meets the team, sits in the chair and gets to see the light, mirror and water sprayer before anything starts.
2. Gentle examThe dentist counts and checks each tooth and looks at the gums, tongue and bite.
3. Cleaning and fluoridePlaque is brushed and polished away, and fluoride varnish may be applied if your dentist recommends it.
4. X-rays when neededSmall X-rays may be taken to check between teeth, only when the dentist feels they will be useful.
5. Talk with parentsWe share what we found and give practical tips on brushing, flossing and snacks for your child's age.

Aftercare

• If fluoride varnish was applied, your child can eat soft foods right away but should skip brushing until the next morning, unless told otherwise.
• Help with brushing until your child can tie their own shoelaces well, since young children miss many spots.
• Offer water between meals and keep sweet snacks and juice to mealtimes.

Other options

Some children with very high dental fear or special health needs may do better at a pediatric dental office with extra training and equipment. If your dentist feels this would help your child, they will explain why and help arrange a referral.

Cost and coverage

The cost of a child's visit depends on what is done, such as the exam, cleaning, fluoride, sealants or any fillings. Dentists in Ontario often use the ODA suggested fee guide to set fees, and many family insurance plans cover children's preventive care well. Children may also be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) depending on family income, so ask us how it could work for your visit. LendCare payment plans are available if more treatment is needed.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for children (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Children's Dentistry near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.