About Preventive Dental Care for Children
Preventive dental care is the everyday care that keeps children's teeth and gums healthy and catches small problems before they become painful ones. At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our children's care program focuses on prevention, with regular exams, gentle cleanings and education for both children and parents.
We keep the atmosphere calm and friendly, with a chair-side approach geared to first visits. Parents are welcome in the room, and we explain everything in simple language, so your child knows what to expect and feels at ease.
Good dental habits start early. Preventive dental care for kids builds the routines, and the comfort with the dentist, that last a lifetime.
Benefits of Preventive Care
- Catches problems early: Regular exams find cavities, gum problems and bite concerns while they are small and simple to treat.
- Protects growing teeth: Cleanings, fluoride and sealants help defend teeth against decay.
- Builds healthy habits: Children and parents learn simple routines for brushing, flossing and snacking.
- Makes the dentist familiar: Regular, friendly visits help children feel comfortable and less anxious over time.
- Saves time and money: Preventing problems costs far less than repairing them later.
What Is Included in a Preventive Care Visit
- A gentle exam of your child's teeth, gums, jaw and bite
- A professional cleaning to remove plaque and buildup
- X-rays, if they are needed
- A fluoride treatment, when recommended, and sealants for the back teeth if your child would benefit. You can read about Dental Sealants and Fluoride on their own page
- A review of your child's oral hygiene routine, with simple advice for brushing, flossing and snacks
- Time to answer your questions
- A written estimate if any treatment is recommended
When Should Kids First See a Dentist?
Dental associations, including the Canadian Dental Association, recommend a first visit within six months of your child's first tooth appearing, and no later than their first birthday. An early visit is usually short and gentle, and it lets us check how your child's teeth are coming in and answer your questions about feeding, teething, pacifiers and thumb sucking.
If your child is older and has not yet been to the dentist, it is never too late to start. Book a visit, and we will begin with a friendly introduction to the clinic.
Healthy Habits for Growing Smiles
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and help your child until they can do it well on their own
- Start flossing as soon as two teeth touch
- Offer water between meals, and limit juice, sports drinks and sticky snacks
- Keep sweets to mealtimes instead of grazing all day
- Do not put a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice
- Talk with us about pacifiers and thumb sucking if they are lasting beyond the toddler years
- Book checkups and cleanings about every six months, or as often as your dentist recommends
What to Expect at Your Child's Visit
- A friendly welcome. We take things at your child's pace, and parents are welcome in the room.
- A gentle exam. We check your child's teeth, gums and bite and explain what we see in simple language.
- A cleaning. We gently clean away plaque and polish the teeth.
- Protection if needed. If your child would benefit, we talk with you about fluoride or sealants.
- Tips for home. We share simple advice on brushing, flossing and snacks that suits your child's age, and we help you book the next visit.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Your Child's Preventive Care
- A dedicated children's care program covering preventive care, sealants and space maintainers
- A calm chair-side approach geared to first visits, with parents welcome in the room
- Regular exams, gentle cleanings and education that set kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- Care for parents and siblings at the same clinic
- Evening hours until 8 PM Monday to Saturday and Sunday hours from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers
Related Treatments
- Dental Sealants and Fluoride: Extra protection for the back teeth.
- Dental Cavities Treatment: Gentle repair if a cavity has formed.
- Space Maintainers: Hold space for permanent teeth after an early baby tooth loss.
- Oral Exams and X-Rays: Routine exams for teens and adults in the family.
Cost of Preventive Care in NE Calgary
The cost of a preventive care visit depends on whether it includes a cleaning, X-rays, fluoride or sealants. After your child's exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.
We direct bill most major insurers, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers exams, cleanings, fluoride and sealants for eligible patients. Coverage varies by plan and eligibility, so call us at 403-300-2233 and we will verify it before your child's visit. Flexible payment options are available for larger treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a preventive dental visit for kids?
A preventive visit typically includes a dental cleaning, an exam, X-rays if they are needed, a fluoride treatment and a review of your child's oral hygiene routine. We also answer your questions and share simple tips for home.
How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?
Help your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, offer water between meals and book regular checkups. Fluoride treatments and sealants add extra protection for the back teeth.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth help children chew and speak, and they hold space for the permanent teeth that follow. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, and losing a baby tooth too early can lead to crowding later.
How much fluoride toothpaste should my child use?
For children under three, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. From age three, use a pea-sized amount. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
How do I choose a kids dentist in NE Calgary?
Look for a clinic that welcomes children, keeps a calm and friendly pace, lets you stay in the room and has hours that suit your family. At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental, parents are welcome in the room, we are open seven days a week including evenings, and we accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Book Your Child's Checkup
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.