At what age should a child have their first dental visit?

The Ontario Dental Association suggests that a child's first dental visit should be around the age of one or when the first teeth appear.   

At their first appointment, we will focus on getting them comfortable with the office and helping parents establish a good oral hygiene routine for their child at home.  Infants and toddlers are at risk of cavities as early as 18 months of age.  We encourage you to bring your child along - before their second birthday - when you or their siblings come in for their routine check-ups.

Read more on dental care for newborns and infants ...

How safe are dental x-rays?

Exposure to all sources of radiation - including the sun, minerals in the soil, and appliances in your home - can damage the body's tissues and cells and lead to the development of cancer.  Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of X-rays is extremely small.

Advances in dentistry over the years have led to the low radiation levels emitted by dental X-rays. Our office is equipped with digital x-ray sensors and panoramic machine, which reduce the radiation a further 30% - 60%.  Also, the use of lead-lined, full-body aprons protects the body from stray radiation (though this is almost nonexistent with the modern dental X-ray machines.)  In addition, we strictly adhere to federal laws which require that X-ray machines be checked annually to ensure their accuracy and safety. 

How do whitening toothpastes work and how effective are they?

All toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives.  Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach.  Over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth.  None of the home use whitening toothpastes can achieve the level of whitening effect you get from the dentist's office. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's colour by about one shade.  In contrast, professional whitening can make your teeth several shades lighter.