Understanding Children’s Dentistry: What Parents Need to Know

At Keheewin Family Dental, we offer children’s dentistry as part of our complete family dental care in Edmonton, serving patients from their first tooth through every stage of development.

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

We see children as young as one year old or within six months of their first tooth’s arrival, focusing on gentle, positive early visits. We recommend booking your child’s first dental visit around age one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early appointments are gentle, focused on building comfort, and help us monitor development as well as providing parents important preventive guidance.

How Often Should Children Visit the Dentist?

Routine check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for most children, though we personalize the frequency based on your child’s individual oral health and needs. These visits allow us to check for cavities, monitor dental development, and share advice tailored to each stage of your child’s growth.

Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

Children keep some primary (baby) teeth until age 9–13. Baby teeth are essential for eating, speaking clearly, and guiding the eruption of permanent teeth. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and potentially affect the healthy development of permanent teeth below.

Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Kids

We create a child-friendly environment, using gentle techniques and age-appropriate preventive treatments so children can feel comfortable at every visit. Our team provides guidance on habits and nutrition for every stage of childhood to support lasting oral health.

What Preventive Services Do You Offer?

Preventive services we offer to children include dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, mouthguards, and space maintainers.

• Cleanings and Oral Exams Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar, leaving teeth clean and helping to catch issues early.
• Fluoride Treatment Professional fluoride treatments at our clinic strengthen developing enamel and help protect against cavities.
• Dental Sealants Clear or white coatings applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities in those hard-to-reach areas.
• Mouthguards Custom-made mouthguards are recommended for children and teens in contact sports, significantly reducing the risk of dental injury.
• Space Maintainers Used when a baby tooth is lost early to keep the space open, ensuring the permanent tooth can come in correctly.

Support for Anxious and Special-Needs Children

We offer nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) for children who may feel anxious or have special needs, helping them relax during treatment without putting them to sleep. If your child has physical, cognitive, or sensory needs, we ask that you let us know before the appointment so we can prepare and provide the support they need.

Convenience for Families

We do our best to accommodate family appointments, scheduling multiple family members together when possible for your convenience. Our practice welcomes new patients of all ages, offering care for children, adults, and seniors under one roof.

Insurance, Coverage, and Our Mission

We accept Alberta Child Health Benefits (ACHB), First Nations Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. Our mission is to make excellent dental care accessible, comfortable, and welcoming for every patient.

Book Your Child’s Dentistry Appointment

If you have questions about children’s dentistry or want to schedule an appointment, you can reach us at 825-203-6600. We are here to support your child’s oral health from their very first tooth through every stage of growth.