Every dentist at Oasis Dental Studio in Coquitlam welcomes children, from babies getting their first tooth to school-aged kids with changing smiles. Our goal is to help your child feel comfortable, catch small problems early, and build habits that last.
Good to know
- First visit: within six months of the first tooth, and no later than the first birthday
- Visit length: 30 to 60 minutes
- Insurance: we direct bill most plans
- Hours: open 7 days a week, with evenings until 7 pm Monday to Wednesday
Ready to book? Call 604-949-3030 or use the form below.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association and the BC Dental Association recommend a first visit within six months of your child's first tooth appearing, and no later than their first birthday. For most babies, that's somewhere between six and twelve months.
These early visits aren't about counting teeth. They let us check that your baby's mouth is developing normally, spot early signs of decay, and answer questions about teething, pacifiers and brushing. Children who start early also tend to feel more comfortable in the dental chair as they grow. We welcome children from six months, or as soon as the first tooth begins to come in.
What happens at your child's first visit?
A first visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your child's age and comfort. For little ones, it may be a gentle look at their teeth and gums while they get to know us. Older children may also have a cleaning and polish.
Your dentist will talk with you about your child's habits and cavity risk, show you how to clean their teeth for their age, and explain any recommendations, so you leave with a clear plan. Bringing a favourite toy or blanket helps. We don't use sedation for children's appointments, so we take the time to keep each visit calm and move at a pace your child can handle.
Want to book now? Call 604-949-3030 or send a request using the form below.
Why do baby teeth matter, and how do cavities start?
It's tempting to think baby teeth don't matter because they fall out, but they hold space for adult teeth, help children chew and speak, and can cause real pain and infection when decay sets in.
Cavities in young children usually come from frequent exposure to sugar rather than any single food. Juice, sweetened drinks, and milk or formula sipped from a bottle or sippy cup through the day or overnight keep feeding cavity-causing bacteria, and decay can move quickly through thin baby teeth. Left untreated, it can even affect the adult teeth developing underneath.
The good news is that early cavities are largely preventable with regular checkups and simple daily habits. Our guides to preventing cavities and foods that strengthen teeth are a good place to start.
How can I protect my child's teeth at home?
Start brushing when the first tooth appears, twice a day, with a soft toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Around age three, switch to a pea-sized amount.
Young children can't brush thoroughly on their own, so help or supervise until they have the coordination to do it well, and start flossing once their teeth touch. If you notice white or brown spots on the teeth, book a visit, since these can be early signs of decay.
What are dental sealants, and does my child need them?
When your child's first adult molars come in, usually around age six, your dentist will typically recommend sealants. A sealant is a thin protective resin coating placed in the deep grooves of the back teeth, where food and bacteria are hard to clean away.
Sealants go on without drilling or freezing, so the process is quick and comfortable, and they help lower the risk of cavities in those new permanent teeth.
What if my child chips a tooth or has a dental emergency?
Falls, sports and playground collisions happen. If your child chips, cracks or knocks out a tooth, or has pain or swelling in their mouth, call us right away at 604-949-3030 and we'll do our best to see you the same day.
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be pushed back into the socket, so bring your child in and we'll check the area. You can read more on our emergency dental care page.
Do you direct bill insurance?
Yes. We direct bill most insurance providers, so we can submit your claim for you and you only pay the portion your plan doesn't cover. Bring your insurance details to the first visit and our team will help you understand what your plan includes.
Family-friendly dental care in Coquitlam
Our clinic is on Clarke Road in Burquitlam, and we're open seven days a week, with evening appointments until 7 pm Monday to Wednesday and weekend appointments, which makes it easier to fit visits around school and work.
Because all of our dentists see children, one practice can care for your whole family. To book your child's first visit, call 604-949-3030 or send a request using the form below.
