A welcoming, calm atmosphere: Our staff knows how to engage with children on their level. We take things slowly, use kid-friendly language (we might say “sugar bugs” instead of “plaque”), and explain what we’re doing in simple terms. We also use gentle techniques and plenty of positive reinforcement. The goal is for your child to feel safe and even excited to visit the dentist!
Pediatric Dentistry in SW Calgary
Fun, Gentle Dental Care for Kids
We love treating kids! We believe that positive early dental experiences set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. That’s why our pediatric dentistry services focus on creating a fun, welcoming environment for children of all ages – from toddlers getting their first tooth to teenagers preparing for adulthood. Our dental team is friendly, gentle, and patient, and we know how to help even the most nervous little ones feel comfortable in the dental chair. We work with parents to educate children on how to care for their teeth and to make every visit a positive experience, so your child develops healthy habits and confidence in caring for their smile.
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At Buffalo Run Dental, our goal is to make dental care easy and stress-free for your whole family. We treat our young patients with the same gentle care and respect we’d want for our own children. If you’re looking for a compassionate general dentist, come visit us! From the waiting room to the treatment chair, we strive to make your child’s dental visits positive and even fun. Book your child’s next dental check-up with our team today and let us help your little ones grow up with strong, healthy smiles and excellent dental habits.
Our Kid-Friendly Dental Approach
A welcoming, calm atmosphere
Early preventive care
Early preventive care: Prevention is key, especially for little teeth. We offer regular check-ups and cleanings to help prevent cavities. We also provide preventive treatments, such as fluoride varnish to strengthen tooth enamel and dental sealants to protect the grooves of permanent molars from decay. These easy, painless treatments can help prevent cavities in your child. Starting early with routine care also allows us to catch any issues while they’re small.
Education and good habits
Education and good habits: Each visit is an opportunity to teach kids (and remind parents) about proper brushing and flossing. We demonstrate effective techniques in a fun way, for example, showing them how to “tickle the teeth” with the toothbrush and making a game of brushing all the “sugar bugs”. We also provide guidance on childhood habits, including pacifier use, thumb-sucking, bottle feeding, and diet, and how these can impact oral health. By involving children in their own oral care education, we empower them to take pride in maintaining healthy teeth.
Gentle restorative treatments
Gentle restorative treatments: If your child does get a cavity or has a dental issue, rest assured, we use gentle, child-friendly techniques. Treating baby teeth is vital to prevent pain or infection and to hold space for adult teeth. We use comforting behaviour-management techniques and, if needed, offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation to help anxious children relax during procedures such as fillings or minor extractions. Our goal is to resolve issues with minimal discomfort and plenty of encouragement, so your child has a positive experience.
Monitoring growth & development: As general dentists, we keep an eye on your child’s dental development at every stage. We track the emergence of new teeth, monitor bite alignment, and recommend orthodontic evaluations if we identify signs of crowding or misalignment. Early detection of problems like a narrow palate or severe crowding can allow for easier intervention (for example, using space maintainers or early phase orthodontics) to guide proper development.
When Should Kids First Visit?
We usually recommend that children have their first dental visit by when they are 2-3 years old or if you have dental concerns – even if it’s just a quick “happy visit” to get acquainted. Early visits are primarily about getting your child familiar with the environment and giving parents a chance to ask questions about teething, thumb-sucking, and cleaning those tiny teeth. As your child grows, we’ll tailor each appointment to their comfort level and attention span. We might count their teeth or have them hold a small mirror to see what we see, making them a participant in their care.
