6 Apr 2021

Pediatric Dentist vs Family Dentist

6 Apr 2021 Pediatric Dentistry pediatric dentist Calgary

You know a family dentist helps people of all ages, so you may be wondering, why does my child need to see a pediatric dentist? At Happy Trails Children Dentistry, we believe knowledge is power! We are here to give you the scoop on the difference between the two and how to help you decide what’s best for your kids and family!

What’s The Difference?

While both are experts in oral health, Pediatric Dentists take an additional two to three years of formal education to specialize in treating children. These extra years teach a variety of different skills, including helping children feel relaxed, their behaviours, and special oral health needs. A pediatric dental clinic can achieve this through the activities they offer in the waiting room and small, kid-friendly dental tools! At Happy Trails, we not only have friendly staff but loving, interactive animal characters to help give your child a fun experience!

The Canadian Dental Association recommends you take your child for their first assessment within six months of their first tooth erupting. At this stage, Dr. Sam can evaluate if there are any ways to improve at-home dental cleaning and assess for any current or future problems!

What’s Best For My Child?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you! Both are experts in what they do, and you can feel confident in the hands of either dentist. Lifestyle, number of kids, and specific needs can all be different factors in your decision. While family dentists are great because they can treat all members of the family, some children experience anxiety and are scared of having their teeth assessed in a foreign place. A pediatric dentist could be just what they need, as making kids feel comfortable is just one of their special skills! It’s important for kids to see the same face to feel comfortable. Dr. Sam is a single dedicated dentist who has a passion for helping little ones! Find her educational videos on Instagram to learn more, and to see her warm, inviting personality for yourself!

Calgary Born And Raised!

Dr. Sam and our dedicated staff would love to meet you and your kids! We are passionate about making your child feel at home when they visit our practice. Our clinic offers preventative dentistry, oral health exams and emergency dental care. We welcome children with special health needs and take pride in creating a welcoming environment for every child! Call us at 587-576-KIDS (5437) to book your consultation.

17 Mar 2021

Teaching Your Child How To Brush Their Teeth

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Did you know tooth decay is the most common, yet preventable, childhood chronic disease in Canada and around the world? A proper oral hygiene routine is vital to preventing tooth decay and other serious dental problems. It will also help you avoid costly oral treatments in the future.

Good oral health starts with teaching your child how to brush their teeth, and regularly visiting our Calgary dental office. Dr. Sam and our team here at Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry have put together some tips to help teach your child about brushing their teeth!

When to Start Brushing

Brushing your child’s teeth should begin from the moment their first tooth erupts. With that being said, oral hygiene should be a priority from the moment they are born! It’s important to keep in mind that brushing techniques will vary depending on your child’s age. Please see below:

Infants

You should start an oral hygiene routine for your child as early as possible. We recommend gently wiping your infant’s gums and mouth with clean, wet gauze or a soft washcloth after feedings. This will reduce the build-up of sugar in their mouth, thus making it harder for bacteria to grow.

Toddlers

You’ll need to care for your toddler’s gums and emerging teeth by brushing them regularly. Use a soft toothbrush, and a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your child spits out all the toothpaste, and rinses their mouth with water.

Children

Many parents don’t worry too much about their child’s baby teeth because they figure that they will just fall out anyways. The truth is that those baby teeth are like place holders, acting as guides for the permanent teeth. Decaying baby teeth can still cause pain/discomfort, difficulty eating and speaking, infections, and low self-esteem. You can avoid all these by simply teaching your child how to clean their teeth and mouth.

How to Brush Teeth Correctly

First you must apply the right amount of toothpaste (rice-sized for kids below three years, and pea-sized for those over three years) onto a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Angle the toothbrush 45 degrees against the gum line to target the areas where plaque accumulates the most. Brush from the base of the tooth (both front and back) to the chewing surface using short strokes, so every tooth is cleaned. Remember to brush the tongue and roof of the mouth as well. This process should last at least 2 minutes and twice daily. If your child’s teeth are touching, we recommend flossing first to release any food particles.

Don’t Forget About Regular Checkups!

Regular visits to a children’s dentist are vital, so the experts can examine your child’s dental health and help to reinforce the oral lessons you’re teaching at home. At Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry in Calgary, we believe that a healthy smile today is a healthy smile tomorrow. Schedule a pediatric dentist appointment with Dr. Sam here to learn about the different dental services we offer! Including fluoride treatment, dental sealant, and preventive care among other cutting edge treatments that will give your child the smile they deserve! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more oral health tips and tricks!

15 Feb 2021

Three Things To Do When Your Child Loses A Tooth

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15 Feb 2021 Oral Care TIps oral care education, pediatric dentist Calgary

Losing a tooth is something everyone has to go through at some point in their lives. Children typically start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6 years old. Oftentimes, they fall out in the same order they erupted. This can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience for the parent and child. Dr. Sam and our team of pediatric dental professionals have put together three of our top tips to help soothe your child when they lose a tooth.

Do Not Panic

The first thing to remember is to avoid panicking. We understand your concern for your child, but just remember that this is a natural process and does not cause extreme pain to your little one. You should let them know that losing a tooth is normal and even get them excited about a visit from the tooth fairy!

In most cases, you should leave the tooth to fall out on its own. This will help to promote fast healing and reduce pain.

Clean Your Child’s Gum

Once the tooth has fallen out, it’s important to clean the area. We recommended gently wiping the socket and surrounding area with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze. You can also have your little one rinse their mouth with warm salt water. Although this might be slightly uncomfortable, it will help to clean the socket and heal the area faster.

Focus On Consistent Oral Hygiene

Once your child starts to develop their adult teeth, oral hygiene becomes even more important! Take the time to explain to your child that these new, permanent teeth will be in their smile forever! Ensure they brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Avoid brushing the socket at first, and make sure they are using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

If it takes more than six months for the permanent tooth to appear, you should contact us to check in on the development.

Take Your Child To A Pediatric Dentist in Calgary!

One of the best ways to make sure your child’s smile stays happy and healthy is to have them complete biannual dental appointments! Contact us today to book your child’s next visit and help them maintain good oral health! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more oral health tips and tricks!

10 Jan 2021

Take Control Of Your Child’s Oral Health In 2021!

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10 Jan 2021 Oral Care TIps oral health, pediatric dentist Calgary

Take Control Of Your Child’s Oral Health In 2021!

It’s a new year, and we’re challenging Calgary parents to make 2021 cavity-free for their families! Generally, no one likes dealing with cavities. The problem is detrimental to general health and is also painful to restore.

Failure to teach your kids about the importance of daily dental hygiene, could result in distressing dental procedures in the future. Parents need to have an understanding of the best approaches to protect their children from dental cavities. At Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry, we leave nothing to chance when it comes to the oral health of your children!

Adhere To The Recommended Oral Hygiene Routine

It takes around six months for the teeth to break through the gum of an infant. However, it is advisable to begin good oral care even before you can see the first tooth. We recommend using a clean and soft washcloth to wipe the gums after feeding.

By the age of three, your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. As a parent, you should ensure that your child is using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When their teeth start to touch, make sure to help them with flossing. On top of this, ensure to book your child’s biannual pediatric dentist appointments.

Consider Dentist-Approved Snacks

Cavities are a result of bacteria (plaque) build-up in the mouth. Children are more vulnerable since they can have a harder time brushing their teeth properly. Kids who consume too much sugar in foods or drinks have a high chance of developing cavities.

As a parent, you have the responsibility to limit the sugary foods your child consumes. Consider dentist-recommended snacks such as nuts, plain yogurt, fibrous fruits, and cottage cheese. If they do indulge in a sweet treat, just make sure they brush their teeth soon afterwards.

Make Sure There Are No Cavities In 2021!

Our team at Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry is committed to helping Calgary kids maintain happy smiles in 2021. Contact us today to book your child’s dental appointment and help them maintain good oral health in 2021! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more oral health tips and tricks! Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year!

21 Dec 2020

Tips For A Healthy Holiday Season

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21 Dec 2020 Recipes For Healthy Teeth healthy treats, pediatric dentist Calgary

Tips For A Healthy Holiday Season!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere we go! With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to spend quality time with loved ones, give a few thoughtful gifts, and maybe even indulge in a few of your festive favourites. We all love candies and baked goods, but the holidays aren’t an excuse to ignore how these sweets can affect your family’s dental health. We could never ask you to give up all the holiday treats. There are a few healthy tips you can follow to keep your kids’ smiles happy and healthy going into the new year!

Choose Healthy Holiday Foods for Kids

Make your home a healthier zone by reducing the amount of sugar you use to cook/bake with. When you consume sugar, the bacteria in your mouth break it down into an acid. This acid weakens tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Stock up on healthy foods this holiday season, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean protein, and whole grains. Make sure your kids fill up on well-balanced and nutritious meals and save the treats for your special holiday celebrations. If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, we suggest the following:

Oatmeal cookies
Gingerbread cookies
Pumpkin pie
Nut-based cookies and pies
Dried fruit
Semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies

Make Oral Hygiene A Top Priority

Ensuring that kids brush and floss as per the recommended oral hygiene routine is the top secret to maintaining their dental health during the holidays and throughout the year. Use the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste and help with brushing until you’re certain that they’re old enough to do it on their own. This will help to prevent cavities and tooth decay!

Keep Hydrated

Have your kids drink water, and avoid sugary drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, and juices. Water enhances the flow of saliva, neutralizes plaque acids, and washes away bacteria and food debris. If you can’t deny your kids the occasional festive drink, try serving their meals with water and give them a water bottle to take with them throughout the day.

Visit Our Pediatric Dental Office In Calgary!

One of the most important steps in your child’s oral hygiene routine is regular check-ups with our children’s dentist. Dr. Sam and the staff of dental professionals are always ready to help! Contact us today to book an appointment with our pediatric dentist in Calgary and help them maintain good oral health this holiday season! Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more tips and tricks! Wishing you all a very happy and healthy holiday season!

15 Nov 2020

How To Take Care of Your Child’s Oral Health During Cold And Flu Season

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15 Nov 2020 Oral Care TIps oral health, pediatric dentist Calgary

Cold and flu season is upon us, and as we are nearing its peak months, it’s more important than ever to take care of your little one’s oral health. With all the coughing and sneezing, dental hygiene may be the last thing parents have energy for. However, this is not the time to let up on your child’s oral hygiene routine.

Here are four simple ways to maintain your child’s good oral health this cold and flu season.

1. Continue Their Oral Hygiene Routine As Normal

Even when your child comes down with the flu or cold, ensure that they still brush and floss as per their normal routine. This will help to prevent cavities and other dental problems. They’ll also feel better and rejuvenated by getting rid of oral bacteria.

2. Ensure They Stay Hydrated

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids as it will help prevent dry mouth. You’ll want to avoid dry mouth at all costs, as it can increase the risk of tooth decay and cause oral discomfort. Drinking water will help with saliva production and make sure your child’s mouth is staying moist.

3. Watch Their Sugar Intake

Comforting your little one with sweets and desserts will only hurt their oral health. Let them drink water instead of sugary beverages and provide them with sugar-free cough drops. Tablet-form cough medicine is encouraged over sugar-packed cough syrups.

4. Swish and Spit Instead of Brushing

When your child vomits, it might be your first instinct to have them brush their teeth, but we advise against it. This is because when vomiting, stomach acids come in contact with the teeth and cover them. Brushing immediately will rub these acids over the teeth and gum tissues. Instead, have them swish and spit with water or a diluted mouth rinse and then wait for about 20-30 minutes before brushing their teeth.

Check In With Your Calgary Children’s Dentist

While the above tips will help you care for your child’s oral health, they do not replace an appointment with Dr. Sam and our pediatric dental professionals. Schedule your child’s dental appointment with us today and ensure they maintain good oral health all year round.

At Happy Trails Children Dentistry, we care about our patient’s health and safety and their families. We have strict COVID-19 precautions, safety, and control measures at our office such as social distancing and traffic control, frequent disinfection of high-traffic areas and surfaces, a sanitizing booth, and require all parents and patients (above 2 years) to wear a mask within our facility. With these measures in place, you can feel comfortable and confident bringing your child in to check up on their oral health.

Contact us today to experience a safe and satisfying visit with our children’s dentist in Calgary. Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more tips and tricks on oral health!

15 Oct 2020

Halloween Tips for Calgary Kids!

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15 Oct 2020 Recipes For Healthy Teeth healthy treats, pediatric dentist Calgary

For children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year! With jack o’lanterns lining the streets, costumes, and of course, candy, there’s so much to look forward to! We want to help make sure your little one stays smiling this Halloween with a few oral health tips and tricks!

Remember Oral Hygiene

Encourage your family to brush their teeth after eating sticky candy. Sticky and sugary foods are more difficult to remove from the pits and grooves on teeth; it’s also harder for salvia to wash away. Remember, cavities are more likely to happen when we eat foods like this if we don’t thoroughly brush!

Don’t Have A Candy Free-For-All

Try to not let your family snack on the candy throughout the day. Did you know that it’s worse to eat a couple of chocolate bars throughout the day versus five in one sitting? This is because every time we snack on foods with refined carbs, the bacteria in our mouth produce acid for approximately 20 minutes. This acid is what causes teeth to break down and, consequently, cavities to develop. Giving candy as a dessert is the best because there’s less cumulative acid exposure to the teeth!

Drink Lots Of Water!

It’s very important to drink a lot of water when we’re indulging in a sugary treat or two. Water can help neutralize the acid that’s created in our mouth when we consume sugar. Drinking water after eating candy can help reduce the risk of tooth decay!

Local Events For Halloween Fun

We understand that Halloween is a bit different this year, and many families are choosing to stay home. However, there are many socially distant and fun events happening in Calgary! If you’re looking for some spooktacular fun for your family, we recommend the following:

Bring Your Little Pumpkin To Happy Trails

There shouldn’t be any spooky smiles after Halloween has come and gone! Our Calgary kid’s dentist, Dr. Sam, is here to help! You can book their appointment when you call (587) 576-KIDS (5437) or fill out a contact form. Make sure to also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for more tips and tricks! We can’t wait to hear all about what you did for Halloween this year!

15 Sep 2020

School Lunch Ideas for Oral Health

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15 Sep 2020 Recipes For Healthy Teeth healthy treats, oral health, pediatric dentist Calgary

For parents, back-to-school means back to routine and back to packing lunches! Packing a school lunch can carry more responsibility than it seems. Parents should make sure they’re providing their children with healthy options that will give them the energy and nutrients they need to succeed in school.

Just like the rest of our body, our teeth and gums need certain vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Our team has put together a list of lunch ideas that are healthy and can help benefit your child’s oral health!

Cheese + Lunch Meat Sandwich

There are many benefits to this lunchtime favourite. Cheese contains a protein called ‘casein’ that’s known for strengthening tooth enamel! It also promotes saliva production. This is beneficial to your child as they normally won’t brush their teeth until they get home, and the extra saliva can help wash away bacteria in their mouth. Try adding a slide of cheese to your child’s sandwich or keep it on the side so they can enjoy it as a healthy snack.

Yogurt and Blueberries

Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, leafy greens and almonds promote strong bones and teeth! While greek yogurt is a great way to get extra protein in your child’s diet, we suggest giving them regular yogurt as it contains even more calcium.

In recent years, scientists have discovered that “berries can reduce the risk of tooth decay by lowering the activity of bacteria in the mouth.” Yogurt and blueberries just might be the perfect school snack for good oral health!

Apple Slices And Peanut Butter

Similarly to cheese, eating an apple will produce saliva in your child’s mouth and help to rinse away bacteria and food particles. On top of this, peanut butter contains a mineral called phosphorus that can help prevent gum disease! If you decide to pack your child this snack, try brushing the apple slices with lemon juice to keep them from turning brown!

Visit Happy Trails This Back-To-School Season!

We’re almost ready to open our doors and start booking routine back-to-school children’s dentist appointments! Make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for all our latest announcements. We can’t wait to meet the little ones of Calgary very soon!

5 Aug 2020

Newborn Dental Care

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5 Aug 2020 Pediatric Dentistry newborn dental care, pediatric dentist Calgary

Oral health is important at any age; in fact, oral development can start as early as 4 months in utero! Some babies might even be born with teeth. When this happens, dental professionals refer to it as natal teeth. It’s a good idea to start caring for your baby’s oral hygiene early on so you can give them the advantage of keeping their teeth and mouth healthy.

How To Care For Your Baby’s Oral Health

Even though your baby might not have their first tooth in yet, it’s still very important to keep their little mouths clean. We recommended that parents keep a soft washcloth handy to use in their baby’s mouth after feeding. Parents should damp the clean washcloth and use it to massage their child’s gums and wipe their tongue, cheeks and roof of their mouth. This will help make sure their oral cavity stays bacteria-free and reduce their risk of developing tooth decay and cavities.

Oral Health Concerns For Your Baby

Transmitting Tooth Decay. Many parents aren’t aware that they can transmit cavity-causing bacteria to their newborns through saliva. For example, when a parent has an activity cavity present, and they share a spoon with their baby, that bacteria can develop and multiply in their baby’s mouth. You can help stop this transmission by regularly and thoroughly cleaning your child’s mouth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. When your newborn’s mouth is frequently exposed to liquids that contain sugar, including breast milk and formula, they could be a risk for baby bottle tooth decay. According to the Canadian Dental Association, baby bottle tooth decay “can happen to children up to age four.” Dull white lines or spots on your baby’s teeth could be a sign of this disease. To avoid this, we recommend not giving your baby a bottle of milk at night and instead replacing it with water. If you do need to feed your baby at night, just make sure you clean their mouth afterwards.

Newborn And Children’s Oral Care In Alberta

Our doors will be open soon, and we would love to help you with your baby’s oral health! If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Calgary, make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages so you don’t miss any of our latest announcements. We can’t wait to see you and your baby soon!

8 Jul 2020

When Should I Bring My Child to a Calgary Pediatric Dentist?

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8 Jul 2020 Pediatric Dentistry pediatric dentist Calgary

Parents often wonder about the appropriate age to bring their child to see a pediatric dentist. The Canadian Dental Association recommends “the assessment of infants, by a dentist, within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth or by one year of age.” We know this might seem a bit young to some parents, but the goal is to be preventative and detect any problems early on.

Benefits Of Bringing Your Child To A Calgary Pediatric Dentist

There is a long list of benefits to bringing your child to a pediatric dentist, but the most important reasons are:
• To find out if at-home cleaning is working effectively
• Fix any problems before they become a larger issue
• To teach your child that a dentist can help them with their health
• Instill good oral health care habits from an early age

Your pediatric dentist might recommend your child complete a dental X-ray to see if their teeth are coming in and growing correctly. A dental X-ray can also reveal if there is any decay between your child’s teeth. If your child’s assessment reveals crooked or crowded teeth, your pediatric dentist can monitor the situation and suggest orthodontic intervention if and when necessary.

Why Choose a Calgary Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists are kid experts and have an extra 2 to 3 years of training to care for your little ones! Treating children and their tiny teeth requires extra attention and skills. Our in-house pediatric dentist, Dr. Sam, is a board-certified specialist in children’s dentistry. It was important for her to create a space where children could have fun, stay safe, and have all their dental needs met!

Our brand new, state-of-the-art facility is equipped with all the proper-sized tools to care for children. Regular-sized dental equipment might be uncomfortable for your child’s small mouth, that is still developing!⁣ We also enjoy teaching your child about oral health and oral hygiene when they come for a visit.

Bring Your Child To Happy Trails Children’s Dentistry in Calgary!

We hang out with kids all day, and we know how to personalize each visit to fit your child’s needs.⁣ At the end of the day, we want your child to have fun! Preparations are well underway for our official grand opening this summer, and we would love to be your child’s pediatric dentist! Make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for all our latest announcements. We can’t wait to see you soon!

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