Parent FAQs
Your Questions Answered
Everything parents need to know about their children's dental health — from the first tooth to the teenage years.
Your Questions Answered
Everything parents need to know about their children's dental health — from the first tooth to the teenage years.
We Know You Have
Questions
At Edgemont Dental, we see hundreds of children every year. The same questions come up again and again from parents — and we love answering them. This page covers the most common ones. If you don't find what you're looking for, call us at (780) 761-7070 or book a consultation.
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First Visits
& Timing
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by age one — whichever comes first. Starting early builds familiarity, monitors development, and lets us catch any concerns before they become problems.
My child’s first tooth just came in. Are they really ready for a dentist?
Yes, absolutely. The first visit is short, positive, and mostly educational. We count their teeth, show you how to clean them properly, and answer your questions. Your child sits on your lap — there’s nothing intimidating about it.
How often should my child come in for check-ups?
Every six months for most children. Some children with higher cavity risk or specific concerns may benefit from visits every three to four months. We’ll tell you what’s right for your child at each appointment.
What happens at a child’s first dental appointment?
We introduce your child to the clinic, show them the tools (making it fun and non-threatening), do a gentle exam, count their teeth, and clean them as far as they’ll cooperate. We discuss their diet, oral hygiene routine, and answer all your questions. It’s low-key and positive.
Baby Teeth
& Development
Are baby teeth really important if they’re just going to fall out?
Very important. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth developing beneath them, aid in speech development, allow proper chewing, and affect self-confidence. Untreated decay in baby teeth causes pain, can lead to abscess, and can damage the permanent tooth growing below.
When do baby teeth fall out?
Usually between ages 6 and 12. The front lower teeth tend to go first, around age 6. The back molars are often the last to go, around ages 10–12. Wisdom teeth (if present) emerge in the late teens.
My child has a tooth coming in behind a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out — is that normal?
This is called an “ectopic eruption” or “shark teeth” and is surprisingly common. In many cases, the baby tooth falls out on its own within a few weeks. If it hasn’t after 2–3 weeks, bring your child in — we may need to extract the baby tooth to let the adult tooth move into proper position.
My child is 7 and hasn’t lost any teeth yet — should I be worried?
Not necessarily. There’s wide variation in the timing of tooth loss. We monitor dental development at every check-up with x-rays. If there’s a concern about delayed eruption or missing teeth, we’ll let you know.
Preventing
Cavities
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Four things make the biggest difference: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day (yes, even for young children once teeth touch), limiting sugary drinks and snacks between meals, and keeping regular dental appointments so we can apply sealants and fluoride.
What are dental sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are thin plastic coatings painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. Studies show they reduce cavity risk in back teeth by up to 80%. We recommend them when the first permanent molars erupt, usually around age 6–7, and again around age 12–13.
Is fluoride safe for my child?
Yes. Fluoride is one of the most studied substances in dentistry and is safe and effective at the doses used in toothpaste and professional treatments. The Canadian Dental Association and Health Canada both endorse its use. Children under 3 should use a rice-grain amount; ages 3–6 a pea-sized amount.
My child drinks juice every day. Is that really a problem?
Unfortunately, yes. Juice (even 100% fruit juice) contains significant sugar and acid that erode enamel and feed cavity-causing bacteria. The problem is compounded when it’s sipped throughout the day. Water and milk are the best drink choices for children’s teeth. Juice as an occasional treat, served at mealtimes, is a reasonable compromise.
Anxiety
& Behaviour
My child is terrified of the dentist. What do you do for anxious children?
We specialise in exactly this. Our approach is unhurried and child-centred — we use the tell-show-do technique, never rush, and never perform treatment a child isn’t ready for. For children who need extra support, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, which is safe, effective, and completely reversible.
Should I tell my child what to expect before their appointment?
Yes, with positive framing. Avoid words like “needle,” “hurt,” or “shot.” Say something like: “The dentist is going to count your teeth and give them a special cleaning.” Let us take it from there — we’re trained to introduce each step in an age-appropriate, non-threatening way.
My child cried and wouldn’t cooperate at their last appointment. Will you still treat them?
Yes. Uncooperative behaviour is normal and not a reflection on you or your child. We have many strategies for different situations. We may choose to do less at one appointment and build trust over time — that’s often the right approach. We never force treatment.
At what age can children have nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is safe for children from a very young age — we use it for children as young as 3 when needed. It’s administered through a small, comfortable nasal mask and wears off completely within minutes. There are no lasting effects.
Dental
Emergencies
My child knocked out a baby tooth. What do I do?
Don’t try to re-implant a knocked-out baby tooth — there’s a risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth below. Keep your child calm, apply gentle pressure if there’s bleeding, and call us. We’ll assess whether a space maintainer is needed to hold the position until the adult tooth comes in.
My child knocked out a permanent tooth. What do I do?
Act fast — this is a true dental emergency. Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse gently with milk or saline (not water), and either re-insert it into the socket or keep it in milk or inside your cheek. Get to our office or an emergency dentist within 30 minutes. The sooner the tooth is re-implanted, the better the outcome.
My child’s tooth is chipped. Is that an emergency?
It depends on the size of the chip and whether there’s pain. A small chip with no sensitivity can wait for a regular appointment. A large chip, significant pain, or any sign of the tooth being loose should be seen the same day. Call us and describe the situation — we’ll advise you.
Insurance
& Cost
Do you bill insurance directly for my child’s treatment?
Yes. We direct bill all major insurance providers. Bring your insurance card to your child’s first appointment and we’ll take care of the rest. You only pay any balance not covered by your plan.
My child has no dental insurance. Are children’s appointments expensive?
Basic preventive care (exam, cleaning, x-rays) is very affordable, and the cost of prevention is far less than the cost of treatment. We also offer payment plans for larger treatments. Please ask at reception — we believe cost should never be a barrier to a child getting the care they need.
What does the Alberta Child Health Benefit cover for dental?
The Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB) covers basic dental services for children in lower-income families, including exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions. We accept ACHB. If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, visit alberta.ca or call us and we can help you find out.
A Waiting Room
Kids Actually Like
We built our space with young patients in mind: tablets in the waiting area, a small play corner, and a team that talks to kids like people instead of patients. It's part of how we make dentistry feel ordinary instead of scary.
Many of the questions on this page come directly from parents across Edgemont and the surrounding neighbourhoods. If yours isn't answered here, Dr. Nicole L'Heureux and our team are always happy to talk it through before your child's first visit.
More for Your Child's Smile
Sealants & Fluoride
Preventive treatments that dramatically reduce cavity risk in children.
Learn More
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer them. Book a no-pressure consultation for your child today.