Kids First Dental Visit in Peterborough, ON

Gentle care for confident starts. We make first visits positive, informative, and age-appropriate—so your child builds healthy habits and you leave with clear next steps.

Pediatric Care for Peterborough Families

Early dental visits help prevent problems and reduce anxiety. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we guide parents on brushing, diet, fluoride, and growth milestones while helping kids feel relaxed and curious—not scared.

Why Early Visits Matter

Spot issues before they hurt or spread
Establish a simple home routine that fits your family
Track jaw growth, spacing, and eruption timing
Build trust so future visits feel easy

Comfort Comes First

We use calm voices, “tell-show-do,” and short appointments. You can stay with your child. We celebrate small wins and never rush.

Parent Guidance You Can Use Today

You’ll get practical tips on brushing technique, fluoride amounts, snack ideas, injury prevention, and when to consider sealants or an orthodontic check.

When to Book and What We Check

Timing:

By age one or within 6 months of the first tooth

Growth & Eruption:

Which teeth are in, spacing, and bite

Cavity Risk:

Plaque levels, white-spot lesions, enamel defects

Habits:

Thumb/pacifier use, mouth breathing, grinding, sippy cups

Diet & Fluoride:

Beverage choices, hidden sugars, water source

What Happens at the First Appointment

Before Your Visit

Complete health and dental history forms
Bring your child’s medications list and any previous dental notes
Pack a comfort item and a snack for after the appointment
Choose a time of day when your child is well-rested

During the Visit

Warm Welcome & Tour: Meet the team and see the room and tools
Gentle Exam: Count teeth, check gums and bite, screen for decay and tongue-/lip-tie concerns
Cleaning & Fluoride (as needed): Quick polish; fluoride varnish for extra protection
X-rays (only if indicated): Low-radiation digital images for suspected decay or spacing concerns
Parent Coaching: Brushing demo, flossing tips, diet swaps, and a custom prevention plan
Next Steps: Visit frequency (usually every 6 months), sealant or fluoride schedule, and any follow-ups

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Age-Specific Care

Babies & Toddlers (0–3)

Lap-to-lap exams for security
Teething relief strategies and injury prevention
Fluoride toothpaste: rice-sized smear twice daily

Preschool & Early School-Age (4–7)

Hands-on brushing lesson and plaque-disclosing fun
Fluoride varnish and sealant discussion for first molars
Fluoride toothpaste: pea-sized amount twice daily

Older Kids & Preteens (8–12)

Independence with brushing and flossing tools
Sports mouthguards and screen-time/snack planning
Sealants for permanent molars; early ortho evaluation if needed

Our Team

Say Hello to Peterborough’s Smile Experts

Our team shares a commitment to excellence and a passion for creating healthy, confident smiles. We'll treat you like family, delivering the highest standard of care in a warm, welcoming environment.

Learn More

Modern Care for Better Outcomes

Experience the difference of modern dentistry with our state-of-the-art CEREC technology, offering same-day crowns and restorations. No more temporary crowns or return visits – get your perfect smile in a single appointment.

Same-Day Emergency Care

Life doesn't wait for dental emergencies, and neither do we. Our dedicated team provides same-day emergency appointments, ensuring you get prompt relief when you need it most.

Home Habits That Make the Biggest Difference

Brush 2x/day with fluoride toothpaste; floss where teeth touch
Water first; reserve juice/sweet drinks for occasional treats with meals
Sticky snacks (gummies, fruit leather) raise risk—pair with water and brush after
Nighttime brushing is non-negotiable
Replace toothbrushes every 3 months or after illness

Special Considerations Parents Ask About

Thumb/Pacifier: Aim to stop by ages 3–4; we’ll share gentle weaning tips
Mouth Breathing/Snoring: We screen and refer as needed
Enamel Defects/Sensitivity: Remineralizing products and fluoride help
Minor Dental Injuries: Call us; save a broken piece in milk and bring it in
Anxiety/Sensory Needs: Extra time, step-by-step desensitization, and comfort options are available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child’s first visit covered by insurance?

Most plans include exams, cleanings, and fluoride for children. We’ll review benefits and costs with you before treatment.

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Do you treat kids with special healthcare needs?

Yes. We tailor the visit, add extra time, and coordinate with your child’s care team as needed.

How can I reduce cavities between visits?

Brush and floss daily, choose water over sweet drinks, limit frequent snacking, and schedule fluoride and sealants as recommended.

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What if my child is very nervous?

We use “tell-show-do,” short visits, and positive reinforcement. If needed, we can discuss additional comfort options.

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Are dental sealants necessary?

Sealants protect deep grooves on permanent molars from cavities. We’ll recommend timing based on eruption and risk.

What toothpaste and how much should we use?

Use fluoride toothpaste: a rice-sized smear for ages 0–3, a pea-sized amount for ages 3+. Help or supervise brushing until at least age 8.

Do you apply fluoride at the first visit?

Often, yes. Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and helps prevent early cavities. Kids can eat and drink after 30 minutes unless we advise otherwise.

Will my child need X-rays?

Only if we suspect decay, monitor spacing, or need to check areas we can’t see. We use low-radiation digital imaging.

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How long does the first appointment take?

About 30–45 minutes, paced to your child’s comfort and attention span.

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When should my child have their first dental visit?

By age one or within six months of the first tooth—whichever comes first.

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Connect with Us

We’d love to make your next dental visit a great one! Call (705) 996-7035 or schedule online to book your appointment—we’ll be in touch soon to confirm.

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