Pediatric Dentistry
As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life. An important part of this is taking care of their dental health from a young age. At Tuli Dental in Embrun, ON, Dr. Kanika Sabhlok is passionate about empowering both children and their parents about their oral health
The toddler years are an exciting time as your little one begins to get their first teeth. Suddenly, naptime is filled with tears and there's a lot more drool than before! Teething can be uncomfortable but having those first pearly whites appear is a huge milestone. Once the first few have popped through, it's time to begin a simple oral care routine. Our dentists recommend starting to brush baby teeth twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as they erupt. Regular brushing prevents plaque buildup and decay right from the start.
Around age one or when the first tooth erupts, we recommend your child's first dental visit. We'll do a quick check for any issues and talk to you about tooth eruption order, nutrition, habits like thumb sucking, and preparing for any major milestones like weaning from bottles. It's also a great chance for your child to meet us and have a positive first experience in the dental chair! We focus on making our pediatric patients feel comfortable and secure.
The primary teeth continue to come in until around age three, when your child has a full set of 20 baby teeth. Proper care now ensures they remain healthy and firmly in place until they naturally fall out. We can advise on proper brushing techniques and recommend fluoridated toothpaste. Regular checkups every six months will allow us to monitor dental development and spot any concerns early. Prompt treatment prevents more invasive procedures down the road.
Around six years of age, your child's mouth will start the transition to permanent teeth. The first molars erupt behind the last baby molars, pushing them forward. Shortly after, the lower central incisors start to wiggle as the permanent ones push up to take their place. The upper and lower teeth generally switch off in this eruption sequence. Losing those first teeth is exciting but can also cause anxiety about a "visit" from the tooth fairy! We reassure children about this natural process and why it's important to care for both tooth sets during this time.
Mixed dentition continues as more adult teeth slowly replace baby teeth. Proper spacing is important to prevent crowding or misalignment. We monitor progress and can provide early orthodontic guidance or intervention like palate expanders if needed. With the right habits, your child can continue to have a healthy and beautiful smile into the tween, teen, and adult years.
In addition to regular exams and cleanings, our pediatric services include:
No parent looks forward to their child needing dental surgery or extensive treatment. Our focus is on early intervention and instilling excellent home care habits. We want to ensure your child has a low risk of significant dental problems as they grow.
At Tuli Dental, we view working with children as an honor and take a gentle, positive approach. Our goal is for every patient to feel comfortable, secure, and confident in our pediatric dental office. We build relationships through the years as your child progresses from first tooth to permanent smile. Let us be your partner in giving them the healthiest start possible.
We have created an integrated medical and dental facility to serve your family and we're excited to get to know you!
