When we first moved to Ottawa a five years ago, one of my first priorities was finding doctors and a dentist for my family. Luckily, we didn't have to look too long before we found a great family dentist we all see - Dr. Jessica Cantor.
Dr. Cantor is a family dentist who treats patients of all ages and covers all aspects of dentistry including preventative dentistry, tooth coloured fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, implants and Invisalign orthodontics.
Besides being a great dentist, she is a mom of four and has a great manner with kids and adults. Her staff is professional and friendly and able to book around everyone's schedules. They are even able to find the coveted before or after school appointments that are usually so in demand!
Taking the kids to the dentist is actually fun with Dr. Cantor. My kids really like visiting her and my little one especially, proudly shows off his big teeth, recounts tales from the most recent tooth fairy visit and actually takes what she says to heart. (I wish they listened to me as well as they sometimes listen to her).
We're happy that starting today, Dr. Cantor will be writing about dental health for Macaroni Kid. Her practice is currently welcoming new patients so if you are looking for a dentist, give them a call or schedule a visit.
Dental Health Tips - By Dr. Jessica Cantor
- Long term dental health requires good dental habits to be adopted early and a positive relationship with your child’s dentist. Prevention is important in the early years, to prevent dental issues later on.
- As children age, their dental needs change. Even before infants get their first teeth it is important to think about proper oral hygiene. You can use a soft damp cloth or small soft bristled toothbrush. No toothpaste is necessary. Babies should never be put to bed with a bottle of breast milk, milk, formula or juice. Even natural sugars break down in the presence of bacteria in the mouth, causing acid that will destroy the enamel and cause cavities.
- Children should see a dentist within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, or by age 1. At that first appointment, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth, discuss oral hygiene routines and diet, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- Preschoolers should still have their parents brushing their teeth for them until they have the co-ordination to do it for themselves, often not until they can write their names. Fluoride containing toothpaste should not be used until your child can reliably spit out any excess toothpaste. Once the back molars have come in, you can start flossing between your child’s teeth to prevent food from becoming trapped between teeth.
- It is important to limit both the quantity and frequency of your child’s sugar intake. Sugary snacks that take a lot of time to eat such as lollipops, sticky candies and chewy dried fruit continuously bathe the teeth in cavity causing acid, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
- Sugar filled snacks are best eaten with a meal, so that the increased saliva can rinse residue away. Saliva also acts as a buffer against damaging acids.
- Around the age of 6 the first permanent molars erupt behind the primary molars. At this time, your dentist may suggest putting sealants on these permanent molars to prevent the deep grooves on the biting surface from cavities.
- The first primary teeth are usually lost around this age, most often the 2 lower front teeth. If children do have cavities in their primary teeth, it is important that they be treated early, to prevent any damage to their permanent teeth.
- School age children should be screened for any potential orthodontic issues, including crowded, crooked or mis-aligned teeth. Although full orthodontic treatment is not usually started at this age, there are some bite problems that should be corrected early.
- Children who play sports such as hockey, soccer and rugby should be wearing a mouth guard to help prevent injuries. These can be custom made to fit comfortably which will encourage more regular wear.
And of course, it’s not just your children’s teeth that need preventive care, but yours as well!
304-1 Centrepointe Drive,Ottawa
Ontario,Canada
K2G 6E2
Ph : 613-224-5762
Email : drjcantorreception@bellnet.ca
