Markham Gate Dental Centre | Healthy teeth for smiling children

From the smallest to the tallest — dental health is our priority

From the time your children are born, you only want the best for them. This includes strong and healthy smiles. By working one-on-one with you, the parents, we at Markham Gate Dental Centre are pleased to offer education and treatments for children to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy as they grow.

By helping our kids learn positive brushing and flossing habits from a young age, we help create a lifelong commitment to healthy teeth and gums. Take the time to chat with your dental care provider at Markham Gate Dental Centre, because we want all of our patients — the smallest to the tallest — to learn about the importance of good dental health.

At Westdale Dental Centre, we have a special Brown Bag program that is especially helpful for children. We encourage you to bring along your child’s dental care supplies from home. We’ll show your child how to properly use their toothbrush, floss, electric toothbrush, floss threaders, Waterpik -- anything they have! Sometimes a little help in learning the proper technique can go a long way.

Here are some ways you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with dental care:

Discussion

Introduce the idea of dental health with your child by discussing the reasons why it’s important to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Explain to them that sugar can stick to our teeth if it isn’t brushed away.

Demonstration

Be a role model. Show your children what good brushing and flossing looks like, and help them learn to do it themselves.

Attitude

Be positive when you talk about going to the dentist. Try to keep all conversations light and relax so that your child will see that the dentist is not something they should fear or feel anxious about.

Education

Visit our Kids Zone with your child. Watch videos, play games and print colouring pages to help educate our young patients in a fun way about the basics of dental hygiene. It's all about keeping it fun and cheerful.

FAQs -- Click to reveal the answers to family dentistry questions

Q: I often hear my nine-year-old son grinding his teeth, and I’m afraid he’s damaging them. Should he be fitted for a bite appliance?

A: Every patient is different and you should first discuss the possibility of your child's clenching or grinding with your dentist. Bite appliances are not often recommended for children with primary or mixed dentitions, as they can restrict the growth of their jaw and the normal exfoliation of their teeth.

Q: My baby is almost one year old. When should she come in to Markham Gate Dental Centre for her first dental visit?

A: Your child will need to be able to sit up comfortably in the examination chair, as well as sit still long enough to have a check up. We usually recommend a child waits until his or her second birthday to come in for their first dental visit. Contact us if you’re not sure if your child should come in for a visit.

Q: I’m really scared of going to the dentist, and sometimes I get panic attacks before my appointments. How do I prevent my children from being afraid, too?

A: Try to be positive about the dentist by maintaining light, relaxed conversations with your children. It is important for them to see that going to the dentist as a fun experience -- not cause for anxiety.