Pediatric Dentistry in Southeast Edmonton: Dental Care for Kids
Kids can get nervous about dentists. However, with the parents’ support and our expertise, we can make their dental experience positive and rewarding, encouraging them to take care of their dental health later in life.
Pediatric dentistry is the examination and management of dental health for children. At Ellerslie 66 Dental, we promote dental care for infants, children, and teenagers, with a focus on their comfort. As pediatric dentists in Edmonton, we help promote oral health and confident smiles at any age.
As parents, your participation in helping care for your child’s teeth at home plays a crucial role. We strongly encourage parents to support their children in maintaining their dental health at an early age.
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Home Preventive Care in Pediatric Dentistry
Young children often struggle with cleaning their own teeth. Often, parent(s) start their pediatric dental care by doing it for them and helping them as they get older.
Even before infants have teeth, parents should start cleaning their tongue and gums using a soft gauze, which can continue after teeth appear. Parents can also begin using an infant toothbrush with infant toothpaste to prevent baby bottle tooth decay..
When children possess good motor skills, they are ready to brush their teeth independently as part of a daily dental routine. Still, parents should check to ensure they clean thoroughly.
Furthermore, public water in Edmonton is fluoridated, so let your children drink it as it can help prevent cavities. Alberta Environment and the Regional Health Authorities ensure the water is safe to drink by setting standards for water treatment facility operators.
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care for Children
At Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic, we provide gentle and friendly pediatric dental care tailored to the unique needs of children—from their first dental visit as infants to comprehensive dental care for teens. Our goal is to help kids of all ages maintain healthy teeth and gums through every stage of growth.
Regular Pediatric Dental Examination
Visiting a pediatric dentist within six months of the first tooth appearing is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), as preventive dentistry care is necessary before problems occur or get more serious. A dental exam every six months is recommended if your child has a history of cavities; otherwise, an appointment every 12 months should be scheduled. Another important reason for regular dental visits for children is to teach them good oral habits and to instill the importance of oral healthcare from a young age.
Digital X-Rays for Children
At Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic, we offer digital X-rays as part of our pediatric dental care when your child is able to tolerate the digital sensors. These X-rays help our pediatric dentists detect tooth decay between teeth—areas that can’t be seen with a visual exam—and monitor how your child’s teeth are developing.
PFS (pit-and-fissure sealants)
Pits and fissures are natural, although they vary in size and depth. If the pits are wide and large, but the fissures are narrow and small, food and bacteria can easily become trapped in them, causing decay. In these cases, we recommend cleaning sealants, which are non-toxic resin or plastic materials that seal the pits and grooves, preventing cavities.
Child Tooth Brushes
Our pediatric dental specialists recommend child-friendly toothbrushes with soft bristles and an age-appropriate size to prevent gum irritation and ensure effective cleaning. Toothbrushes should be replaced regularly—especially when the bristles appear bent, worn, or frayed—to maintain proper dental hygiene for kids of all ages.
Toothpaste for Kids
Once your child can confidently spit out toothpaste, we recommend switching to a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities and strengthen enamel. For toddlers or infants who can’t spit yet, training toothpaste without fluoride is a safe and effective alternative. Be sure to use a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing to ensure proper use and minimize the risk of swallowing excess toothpaste.
Space Maintainers
When kids lose their milk teeth, spaces in the gums are left behind. Some kids may lose their milk teeth prematurely before their primary teeth are fully developed. This phenomenon can lead to complications later, including an uneven bite, pain, and other issues. Under children dentistry, our dental specialists use space maintainers to leave enough space for the adult teeth to grow out.
Emergency Dentistry
Accidents can happen at any age, and children are especially prone to dental injuries during play or sports. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, knocked-out tooth, or gum injury, our team provides emergency pediatric dentistry in Edmonton with walk-in availability for urgent dental concerns.
Sedation Dentistry for Children
There are cases in which we may recommend sedation for children undergoing long procedures or who have high anxiety about dental care. For sedation, we give a mild sedative to keep them calm but awake. It is different from anesthesia, which would numb the teeth and gums that would need to be treated. The sedation medicine can last for up to six hours, and the child will need to rest for the remaining time of the day.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist in Edmonton for Your Child
As pediatric dentists, we understand children’s anxieties when visiting our Edmonton dental clinic. Our team is trained to cater to the unique needs of children, from those with sensory sensitivities to those who require additional care and attention. Parents will not require a referral from their family physician to see us for their first dental visit with their children.
We ensure that their dental environment is quiet and private and that there is a comfortable chair for a parent if the child wants them for support. As our team is diverse and comes from all walks of life, our combined expertise and experience make for outstanding dental services for children and parents of different backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions in Pediatric Dental Care for Children
What Age Should a Child Start Going to the Dentist?
A child’s first tooth typically erupts between 3 to 14 months of age. According to pediatric dental specialists, children should visit a pediatric dentist by the time they are 12 months old—or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early pediatric dental care helps detect potential issues, such as baby bottle tooth decay, and sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.
How Often Should My Child Have Dental Check-ups?
Regular pediatric dentistry check-ups are essential. Most children should see a children’s dentist every six months to prevent cavities, monitor dental development, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. If your child experiences a dental emergency, such as a chipped tooth or gum injury, our pediatric dental clinic in Edmonton offers emergency dentistry with walk-ins welcomed.
How Can I Help My Child with Dental Anxiety?
At Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic, we specialize in creating a comfortable dental environment for infants and children. Still, parents play a crucial role in helping their child overcome their fear of the dentist. Here are three practical ways to support your child through pediatric dental visits:
- Talk Openly and Stay Positive
Encourage your child to express any fears or concerns they may have about visiting the pediatric dentist. Use age-appropriate language to explain what to expect during their appointment, and focus on the positive aspects of the visit. At our child-friendly dental clinic, we reward young patients with fun stickers after their check-ups to make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
- Schedule a Pre-Visit
Bringing your child for a short visit to the dental office before their actual pediatric dentistry treatment can help reduce the fear of the unknown. Familiarizing your child with our friendly team and the welcoming dental environment can make future visits more comfortable and predictable.
- Bring Distractions
Age-appropriate distractions—like a favorite toy, book, or handheld game—can help redirect your child’s attention during their dental care. These familiar comforts provide a soothing presence, especially for nervous kids undergoing dental exams or pediatric sedation dentistry.
What Is the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a General Dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in pediatric dental care for children, from infants and toddlers to teenagers. In contrast, a general dentist provides dental care to patients of all ages but may not have specialized training in treating children.
In addition, a board-certified pediatric dentist must pass both written and oral exams through the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, ensuring they’re fully equipped to meet the unique dental needs of children in a safe and caring environment.
Do Pediatric Dentists Take X-Rays?
Yes, pediatric dentists routinely take dental X-rays to support early diagnosis and preventive care for children. At Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic, we use safe, low-radiation imaging to support the unique oral health needs of children at every stage of development. Here are a few reasons why pediatric dental X-rays are important:
- Detect tooth decay and dental diseases that are not visible during a standard visual examination.
- Monitor spacing in the mouth to ensure there is enough room for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
- Evaluate whether baby teeth (milk teeth) are falling out in time to make way for adult teeth.
- Check if all permanent teeth are developing properly below the gum line, and identify any extra or missing teeth.
- Determine the position and development of wisdom teeth, including whether they are impacted or blocked by bone or adjacent teeth.
- Assess whether a child may need orthodontic treatment in the future.
Early detection through dental X-rays enables our team to provide gentle and proactive pediatric dental care that promotes your child’s long-term oral health.
Do You Accept Insurance for Pediatric Dental Payments?
Yes! Ellerslie 66 Dental Clinic accepts dental insurance for all pediatric dental treatments. We also offer a variety of other convenient payment methods, including:
- e-Transfer
- Cash
- Visa / MasterCard
- Debit cards
To learn more about coverage and eligibility, please visit our Billing page or contact us directly. Our team is happy to help you understand your options and make child-friendly dental care accessible and affordable.