Are healthy teeth connected to good grades?
Dental decay is one of the most common health concerns among Canadian children, and painful cavities and other concerns can lead to school absences or make it difficult to concentrate. Even if your child鈥檚 teeth are healthy, check-ups during the school year can cause unnecessary stress for the whole family. That鈥檚 why in 91原创 suggests scheduling the entire family鈥檚 dental check-ups this summer!
鈥淪ummer time is the best time to do kids鈥� dental treatments as there are no conflicts with school days. Kids can rest after dental treatment with no stress that they need to go to school the day after,鈥� says Dr. Fatemeh Basij, DDS, former UBC instructor and the owner of Allard Dental Centre. 鈥淥ur goal is to prepare students for school, so they can attend with no dental issues.鈥�
It鈥檚 easy to schedule simultaneous visits for the whole family, and the office is stroller-accessible with abundant free parking.
鈥淲e are a young family too, and want to make visits as effortless as possible for other 91原创 families,鈥� Dr. Basij says.
Before your visit
Talk to your child about the dentist in the days leading up to their visit. Explain why regular checkups are important, and also what to expect during their appointment. Describe the special dentist鈥檚 chair, and common tools including suction, scalers and the mouth mirror.
鈥淟et your child know that they are in control of the visit. If they鈥檙e in pain or just need a break, encourage them to speak up,鈥� Dr. Basij says.
Prepare yourself too! Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have, and remember that your feeling towards dental visits may be different from your child鈥檚. Bring along your child鈥檚 complete health history, and also share behavioural insights that may make the visit go smoother.
The first visit
Dr. Basij recommends children have their first dental visit between six and 12 months, or within six months of the first tooth coming in.
鈥淲e鈥檒l spend time on the first visit helping your child feel comfortable with the dentist, demonstrating proper home cleaning and answering questions. Depending on the age of your child and their oral health, we will also do a gentle cleaning,鈥� she says.
Children should schedule regular dental visits, just like adults. Most dentists recommend a visit every six months, although your dentist may schedule more frequent visits to improve hygiene or help your child build comfort and confidence.
Convenient appointments for the whole family
Book appointments for the whole family this summer at or call 604-882-0568. Their office is conveniently with abundant free parking, and simultaneous appointments to accommodate families. Find them on and for more dental tips.
