Children's Dental Care
What Do Parents Need to Know
About Children's Dental Care
at Royal Oak Smiles in Calgary?
We understand that your child's dental health raises a lot of questions. The team at Royal Oak Smiles makes children's dental care approachable and comfortable — from the very first tooth through the teenage years. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from Calgary parents.
Parent FAQs
Common Questions From
Calgary ParentsAbout Children's Dental Care
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete 2 to 3 years of specialty training after dental school, focusing exclusively on children including infants and adolescents. Family dentists like the team at Royal Oak Smiles care for patients of all ages, bringing a dedicated, child-friendly approach to every young patient while also treating the whole family.
When should I first bring my child to the dentist?
Royal Oak Smiles recommends an initial exam by your child's first tooth or first birthday — whichever comes first. This early visit allows Dr. Khattra to review development, check for early signs of decay, and discuss prevention strategies tailored to your child.
What can I expect from the first visit?
The appointment includes a visual examination, behaviour assessment, and possibly X-rays. First visits are intentionally brief and friendly — we may defer a cleaning to a follow-up appointment so your child can build a comfortable relationship with our team before any treatment begins.
How should I prepare my child for their first visit?
Be honest and positive — tell your child they are going to the dentist and that it is a good thing. Avoid projecting parental anxiety, as children pick up on it quickly. Reading picture books about dental visits or doing a pretend "dentist" game at home before the appointment helps.
How often should I bring my child to the dentist?
A check-up every six months is generally recommended to prevent cavities and identify problems early. Some children at higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent visits. Royal Oak Smiles will advise on the right schedule for your child based on their individual oral health status.
Does Royal Oak Smiles direct-bill for children's dental care in Calgary?
Yes. Royal Oak Smiles bills your insurance company directly and collects any remaining balance at the time of treatment. The practice accepts most major Alberta dental insurance providers, NIHB (Non-Insured Health Benefits) for eligible First Nations and Inuit children, and is a CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan) participating clinic.
Does Royal Oak Smiles accept government dental programs for children in Calgary?
Yes. Royal Oak Smiles accepts Alberta Child Health Benefits (ACHB) and First Nations Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), billed directly to the respective programs. The practice is also a CDCP participating clinic. Call (403) 374-6161 to confirm coverage before your appointment.
Why should we fix baby teeth if they are just going to fall out?
Children keep their primary teeth until ages 9 to 13. These teeth enable clear speech, natural chewing, and guide permanent teeth into proper position. Untreated cavities in baby teeth cause pain, infection, and can affect developing adult teeth — and early tooth loss due to extraction creates crowding that often requires orthodontic treatment later.
How often should I brush my child's teeth?
Brush at least twice a day — morning and before bed. The bedtime brushing is the most important, as bacterial activity is highest while sleeping and there is no saliva flow to dilute acids. Parents should brush for children until around age 7 to 8.
When should we start using toothpaste and how much?
Use only CDA-approved fluoride toothpaste. For children under 2, a grain-of-rice-sized smear is sufficient. For ages 2 to 5, use a pea-sized amount. Children generally cannot brush effectively on their own until around age 8.
Should I floss my child's teeth?
Begin flossing when baby teeth fit closely together — typically around ages 2 to 6. Brushing alone does not clean between teeth where cavities commonly start. Children develop independent flossing ability around age 10.
What is a good diet for healthy teeth in children?
Offer a variety of foods from the major food groups and limit frequent snacking. Nutritious options like vegetables, low-fat yogurt, cheese, and water are far gentler on teeth than hard candy, sticky foods, or frequently sipped juice. The frequency of sugar exposure matters as much as the quantity.
What is baby bottle tooth decay?
Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is a serious form of decay that can rapidly destroy a child's upper front and lower back teeth by age 2 to 3 — caused by prolonged contact with sugary liquids from a bottle or sippy cup, particularly when used as a sleep aid.
How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Use bottles only at mealtimes, never as pacifiers or sleep aids. Avoid juice, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages before age 1. If weaning from nighttime bottles, gradually dilute the contents with water over several weeks until only water remains.
Are my child's teeth coming in at the right time?
All 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3. First teeth typically emerge around 6 months, though earlier or later is normal. Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6. Significant delays or gaps in eruption are worth discussing with Dr. Khattra at your child's routine visit.
Why does my child grind their teeth? Should I be worried?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) in children is common and usually requires no treatment. Most children outgrow it — grinding typically decreases between ages 6 and 9 and stops by ages 9 to 12. If you notice wear on your child's teeth or they report jaw pain, mention it at their next check-up.
What are dental sealants and does my child need them?
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, sealing the deep grooves where cavities most commonly form. They are painless, require no drilling, and reduce cavity risk by up to 80%. Royal Oak Smiles recommends sealants when back molars first erupt — typically around ages 6 to 7 for first molars and ages 11 to 13 for second molars.
Have more questions? Call us at (403) 374-6161 →