It's a great day at Carlton Dental!
Gentle, fun and modern dental care and education for kids – and parents!
Show us those teeth!
From the first tooth to the wisdom teeth, we are here every step of the way.
Stress-free Visits
Gentle, fun and modern dental care and education for kids – and parents!
CHEESE!
Gentle, fun and modern dental care and education for kids – and parents!
Welcome to Carlton Kids Dentistry!
From their first tooth through wisdom teeth in their teenage years, we’re here for your child’s dental health every step of the way. We specialize in the highest quality dental care for children and teens.
At Carlton Dental, we want children to have positive dentist experiences. Our team is committed to fostering healthy smiles by building trust, and making dental visits fun and anxiety-free. This is why we invite you to bring your children in to say hello at any time; they should feel safe, comfortable, and even have some fun with us.
Just so you know, Dr Neha has a treasure chest of goodies from which patients can always select a new item to take home!
Whether your visit is for a routine checkup, a dental emergency, or one of our educational events, we treat every patient like family–with warmth, understanding, and patience.
Caring for Your Child’s Smile
When should your child first see a dentist?
First visit is at age 1, or 6 months after the first tooth comes in.
The Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist by age 1 or when their first tooth erupts. Early visits set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health, prevent problems before they start, and ensure your child becomes comfortable with the dental office environment. Even if your child is older, it’s never too late to schedule that first visit. At Carlton Kids, we offer complimentary “happy visits” to introduce your child to the office in a gentle, low-pressure way.
Why are regular dental visits so important?
Preventative care is the cornerstone of pediatric dentistry, and regular visits are essential for healthy teeth and gums. Your child’s dental health affects their overall well-being, and early intervention is key to avoiding bigger problems later on.
What regular visits can do:
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Keep Teeth Clean & Healthy: We remove plaque and tartar buildup to prevent cavities.
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Monitor Growth & Development: We track your child’s tooth eruption and alignment to ensure everything is on track.
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Prevent Dental Issues: Sealants, fluoride treatments, and early intervention can prevent problems before they start.
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Encourage Positive Habits: We support both you and your child with tips for healthy brushing, flossing and maintaining a balanced diet.
Why should cavities in baby teeth be treated if they eventually fall out?
Baby teeth play an important role in your child's overall oral health and development. They help with proper chewing, speaking and guiding permanent teeth into the correct position. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, and even affect the permanent teeth underneath. Treating cavities early protects your child's smile, prevents complications and ensures healthy oral development.
Tips for keeping your child’s teeth healthy at home:
Brushing
Brush your child’s teeth twice daily using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for children’s smaller mouths. Until they’re about 7 years old, you should supervise brushing to ensure they’re brushing thoroughly.
Flossing
Flossing is essential as soon as your child’s teeth begin to touch. Brushing alone won’t remove plaque and food between teeth. Use floss holders or pre-threaded flossers to make flossing easier for little hands. Show your child how to gently guide the floss between teeth and at the gumline.
Healthy Snacks
Choose snacks that are healthy for both your child and their teeth. Opt for tooth-friendly snacks like string cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit, and vegetables. Avoid sugary snacks, which can contribute to cavities. If your child insists on snacking between meals, be sure the snacks are nutritious.
Hydration
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to wash away food particles and bacteria. This helps to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
How should I brush and care for my child's teeth if they won't let me?
It is common for young children to resist brushing. Try these strategies:
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Make it fun: Use songs, timers, or a favourite toothbrush to turn brushing into a game.
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Lead by example: Brush your own teeth alongside your child to model the habit.
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Let them take the lead: Allow your child to hold the brush first, then you can finish gently.
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Use positive reinforcement: Praise or reward them for cooperating.
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Keep sessions short: Even 30-60 seconds of brushing is better than skipping it completely. Consistency matters more than perfection–the goal is to gradually build a routine and a positive attitude toward oral care.
What kind of toothpaste should I use for my child as they grow?
The type and amount of toothpaste depends on your child's age:
Under 3 years old
Use a tiny smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste.
3–6 years old
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing to minimize swallowing.
6 years and older
Use a regular pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and encourage independent brushing with good technique.
Fluoride is important at all ages to prevent cavities, but the quantity should be age-appropriate to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Common childhood dental issues:
Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers
Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are perfectly normal habits for babies, but they can cause problems if they continue past age 3. Extended thumb-sucking can lead to crooked teeth and bite problems. While most children stop on their own, it’s important to gently discourage the habit by age 3. If your child is having trouble breaking the habit, we can offer helpful strategies and, in some cases, appliances to remind them to stop.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding is fairly common in children, especially at night. While it may be temporary, frequent grinding can wear down teeth, cause jaw or facial pain, and disturb sleep. Signs may include clicking sounds, sore jaws, sensitive teeth or morning headaches. If you notice these symptoms, the dentist can help identify the cause and suggest gentle, age-appropriate ways to protect your child's teeth.
Cavities and Gum Disease
Did you know that 50% of children will have a cavity by age 13? Cavities can occur in both baby teeth and permanent teeth, so it’s essential to stay on top of your child’s oral hygiene routine. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious issues like gum disease, which can cause red, swollen gums that bleed and even bad breath. Regular check-ups help us catch any issues early before they become bigger problems.
Dental treatments we offer:
Dental Sealants
Sealants are a simple yet effective way to prevent cavities in permanent molars. These teeth are prone to cavities because of the deep grooves where food and bacteria can get trapped. Sealants are a thin plastic coating that covers these grooves, protecting the teeth from decay. Research shows that sealants reduce cavities by 86% in the first year and 58% over four years.
Sports & Mouthguards
If your child plays high-impact or contact sports like hockey, soccer, football or basketball, a mouthguard is essential to protect their teeth from injury. In fact, 50-80% of all dental injuries affect the front teeth. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent broken teeth, mouth cuts, and even help reduce the risk of concussions. At Carlton Kids, we recommend custom-fitted mouthguards for optimal protection and comfort.
Laughing Gas
Fillings, extractions, cleanings, space maintainer adjustments and happy first time dental chair visits can be made easier and fun for young ones with gentle and calming nitrous oxide.
Orthodontics: Early intervention matters
When should your child see an orthodontist?
A dentist can identify issues like crooked teeth or abnormal bites early on, helping to guide your child’s development and prevent more extensive orthodontic treatment later. We recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 8. Early intervention can make future treatments easier and more effective.
Why do straight teeth matter?
Braces do more than just improve appearance, they also:
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Make teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
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Correct bite issues, like crossbites, that can lead to jaw pain or problems with chewing.
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Prevent long-term damage from misaligned teeth, including abnormal wear and tear on enamel.
Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays are safe, essential and helpful:
At Carlton Kids, we use dental X-rays as a valuable tool to evaluate your child’s dental health. They help us detect cavities, assess the development of their permanent teeth, and identify any underlying issues before they become bigger problems.
What type of X-ray do you use?
We use two types of X-rays:
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Bitewing X-rays: These are necessary when your child’s baby teeth begin touching. They allow us to see cavities between the teeth that cannot be detected with visual examination.
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Panoramic X-rays: These are used to evaluate the growth and development of your child’s jaw and teeth, as well as check for any abnormalities.
We use minimal radiation and provide protective lead aprons to ensure your child’s safety during these procedures.
Braces
Keeping teeth clean with braces:
Braces can make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene. The brackets and wires create small spaces where food can get trapped, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. We recommend brushing after every meal and flossing regularly, especially using floss threaders or water jets to clean between braces. We also suggest more frequent professional cleanings for children who have braces to help maintain optimal oral health.
Dental Emergency
What to do in a dental emergency:
If your child experiences a dental emergency, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what to do:
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Knocked-Out Tooth: If it’s a permanent tooth, try to reinsert it into the socket or place it in milk and come see us immediately. If it’s a baby tooth, don’t try to reinsert it.
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Loose Tooth or Displaced Teeth: If a tooth is loose or displaced, call us right away. If it’s a baby tooth, we will likely leave it alone, but a permanent tooth may need immediate care.
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Pain or Swelling: Persistent pain or swelling should not be ignored. Call us to discuss next steps.
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Lacerations: For cuts inside the lips or mouth, call us for care instructions.
Book Your Appointment Now
Experience our easy appointment booking – by phone, email or online.
We conveniently provide direct insurance billing.
Take the first step towards a healthy smile today!
905-984-6000