When Should Kids See the Dentist?
Before there’s a problem — and ideally before their 1st birthday.
Early visits build strong habits (and stronger teeth).
We know the thought of taking your little one to the dentist can feel… a little daunting. Will they cry? Will you cry? Will someone end up with toothpaste in their hair? (Maybe. But we’ve seen it all.)
At My Smile Health Centre, our goal is to make your child’s dental visits positive, stress-free, and even fun. And more than that — we’re here to help guide their oral health and overall development as they grow.
Because the mouth is the front door to the body, and a healthy start sets the tone for lifelong wellbeing.
What we focus on in children’s dentistry:
Healthy Start – We recommend their first visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth. It’s more about prevention, guidance, and helping them get comfy in the chair.
Habit Correction – From thumb sucking to tongue thrusting, early habits can affect how your child’s mouth grows. We gently help guide better patterns.
Guided Growth – We track how your child’s face, jaws, and airway are developing — because early intervention can prevent bigger issues later on.
Phase I Orthopedics – We offer early orthodontic guidance if needed, to support proper bite and jaw alignment.
Palatal Development – A narrow palate can impact breathing, speech, and sleep. We monitor this closely and offer solutions if expansion is needed.
This is dentistry that doesn’t just focus on the teeth. It supports the whole child — including how they breathe, sleep, eat, and thrive.
What if kids don’t see the dentist early?
Waiting too long can mean:
Cavities that grow quietly
Crowding that becomes harder to fix
Speech and airway issues that go unnoticed
Dental fear that builds up
But when we start early, we can:
Catch problems before they start
Teach good habits from day one
Make dentistry feel safe, normal, and even fun
Set the foundation for lifelong health
Early dental care isn’t just about protecting baby teeth. It’s about setting your child up for a healthy, confident life.
A different approach to children's dentistry
At My Smile Health Centre, we blend modern pediatric techniques with a holistic lens. We talk nutrition, breathing, sleep, and posture — not just brushing and flossing. Because we’re not just checking teeth… we’re looking at the big picture.
And don’t worry — we make it gentle, playful, and easy to understand. (Even for grown-ups.)
Ready to give your child a healthy head start?
Let’s make their first — and every — dental visit a positive one. Book a children’s dental exam at My Smile Health Centre in Burnaby today. We’re here for your child’s smile, growth, and whole-body health.
