ArtSmiles Family Dentistry

“A stitch in time saves nine,” we foster prevention of disease by offering biannual exams and cleanings, complete home care and diet instructions. We look at the total person, medical health histories, stress levels, and diet routine. We want all our patients to be healthy and happy.

At ArtSmiles, we offer both adult and paediatric patients the most thorough dental check-ups to help ensure any oral health issues are caught in its earliest and most treatable stages. Both adult and paediatric check-ups begin with a medical history to look for any problems that could increase the risk of dental diseases, including diabetes, which can increase the chances for both tooth decay and gum disease.

It’s recommended that children visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or when they reach the age of two. Much of the first visit is spent giving them a ride in the “big chair” and teaching how to care for their teeth properly. We will also clean their teeth if they feel comfortable, but it is more important early on to make sure that they feel welcome and at ease.

Children should visit the dentist every six months, just like adults. This gives us the opportunity to monitor your child’s oral development so any concerns can be addressed early on.

There are few things a parent can do to ease the angst of the children’s dentist visit. Role-playing “dentist-patient” is an excellent way to prepare your child for the upcoming appointment. Count each other’s teeth while looking in the mirror.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Visit:

• Schedule it during a time of day when your child is happiest
• Stay positive about the experience
• Practice good dental hygiene at home
• Play “dentist-patient” with your child at home
• Have your child count their teeth

We recommend both adults and children visit the dentist every six months to have dental check-ups and routine cleanings. After your first paediatric dental visit, your dentist will recommend the appropriate frequency for your child’s appointments.

Some may think that since baby teeth are not permanent, the care for them is optional. Baby teeth are essential in the development of speech, proper nutrition and digestion, and development of the permanent teeth. Thus good home care that includes daily cleaning of baby teeth is required. Nowadays the market is full of products to care for baby teeth. Find what suits your style of parenting best. You can use baby toothbrush or cloths and water. The most important thing to remember here is that you are building a lifelong habit, so do it regularly. 

Typically baby teeth get loose, fall out, and permanent teeth start coming in around six years old. The change may take place as early as four years old or as late as 8. If your baby’s teeth erupted early, they are likely to fall out earlier. In case of late teethers, they may fall out later. The process of primary tooth getting loose and permanent tooth erupting lasts several months. The full mouth transition happens in a matter of several years starting with the front incisors & ending with molars by the age of 12. If you observe that baby teeth not falling out and new teeth are coming in, please call the dental office to book an appointment for your child. Your family or paediatric dentist may have to “assist” in this transition by making the baby tooth “go to sleep and sending it to the tooth fairy” so the “big boy or big girl tooth” could come out.