We are a family dentist at Pavilion Dentistry, and we talk to patients of all ages every day. One thing we’ve learned? You all ask similar questions! That’s why We’ve put together this useful guide to address those common dental questions that get asked in our St. Catharines office.

When Should Kids First See a Family Dentist?

“My baby has only two teeth. Is it too soon to have a dental visit?”

Not on your life! In fact, the Canadian Dental Association suggests bringing your little one in within six months of the arrival of their first tooth or by their first birthday—whichever is sooner.

These are relatively relaxed visits. We will examine your child’s gums and teeth, talk through options for cleaning, and cover any questions regarding your child’s dental growth. Consider this building a foundation for a lifetime of healthful smiles!

Making Dental Visits Fun for Little Ones

Let’s face facts—dental clinics can be scary for kids. That’s why at our family dentistry, we go the extra mile to make good things happen.

“My son was nervous before his first visit, but now he actually looks forward to having his teeth cleaned!”

We hear comments like this on a regular basis, and it’s because we take the time to:

• Talk in simple language with kids
• Show and tell our equipment
• Give positive reinforcement and little treats
• Create a warm, welcoming environment

A small tip from our family dentist staff: speak positively about dental appointments in the home. You will tend to influence your children in a similar manner when you are comfortable and positive about dental care.

How Often Should We Go to Our Family Dentist?

For the average person, twice-yearly visits are ideal. Yet, your family dentist may prescribe more regular check-ups if you have:

“I have gum disease, so I come in every three months instead of six. It’s made such a difference!”

Some conditions that may need more frequent visits are:

• Active gum disease
• High cavity risk
• Certain medical conditions such as diabetes
• Ongoing orthodontic treatment

Keep in mind, if something doesn’t feel right between visits—a toothache, sensitivity, or bleeding gums—don’t wait for your routine visit. Early treatment can save you time, discomfort, and money!

What Actually Happens During a Family Dentist Visit?

Ever curious about what we’re really doing during those visits? Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek:

First, we’ll go over any changes to your health history and address any questions you’ve had floating around in your head. Then comes the cleaning—removing that annoying plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach.

Then I’ll examine your teeth and gums, searching for decay, disease, or other issues. Sometimes we’ll take X-rays to spot problems that lie beneath the surface.

“I like how Dr. Saj explains to me what she’s seeing in my mouth. It makes sense of why certain recommendations are required.”

We finish by discussing our findings and creating a plan for your continued oral health. Sometimes that means scheduling treatment, but often it’s simply reinforcing good home care habits.

Family Dental Concerns Through the Ages

What Parents Ask Our Family Dentist

“My three-year-old refuses to brush. Help!”

This is just one of many questions parents bring to our family dentist team. Others include:

• “When should my child stop using a pacifier?”
• “How do I reduce teething pain naturally?”
• “Do my children need soccer mouthguards?”
• “Why does my child get so many cavities despite brushing?”

Each question gets a customized response based on your child’s specific situation.

Teen Dental Issues

Teenagers have their own unique issues:

“My 14-year-old feels self-conscious about her smile. What do we do?”

We commonly discuss:

• Braces and clear aligner options
• When wisdom teeth will need treatment
• How to fix persistent bad breath
• Ways of protecting teeth during sports
• How snacking and energy drinks affect teeth

What Adult Patients Ask

Adults come to see our family dentist with the following questions:

“I’ve noticed my teeth look longer. Is that normal aging?”

We often discuss:

• Alternatives to whitening smiles
• Solutions for sensitive teeth
• Fixing receding gums
• Replacing missing teeth
• Managing nighttime grinding
• Keeping Healthy Smiles Between Visits

Your family dentist sees you only a handful of hours each year—the rest is up to you! We recommend:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Daily floss or interdental brushes between your teeth
• Daily mouth rinse using an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Be mindful of how many sweets and soft drinks you consume
• Hydrate well, especially after eating
• Replace your toothbrush often—every 3-4 months

“Since following your precise instructions for my receding gums, I’ve had much less sensitivity. Thanks!”

Individualized guidance really makes a difference—that’s why we spend the time offering individualized recommendations to every member of your family.

When to Contact Your Family Dentist Now

Some dental problems can’t wait until usual office hours. Call us as soon as possible if you’re experiencing:

• Severe, persistent toothache
• A knocked-out or extremely loose tooth
• Swelling in the face, especially if it’s obstructing breathing
• Exposed nerves on broken teeth
• Ongoing bleeding from the mouth

At Pavilion Dentistry, we take emergency care very seriously for our patients. We also offer after-hours contact information because dental emergencies are not exactly timed to be convenient!

Your family’s smiles are important to us at Pavilion Dentistry. Got questions I haven’t addressed here? Call our family dentist staff at 905-641-2242. We’d be delighted to discuss keeping your smiles healthy and shining!