Your Hamilton family dentist

Dr. Agnieszka Jarecka is proud to provide children’s dentistry in Hamilton

Providing children’s dentistry in Hamilton means having a good understanding of what our little patients need to stay happy and healthy.

At Smile Dental Practice, Dr. Agnieszka Jarecka encourages children to learn about the importance of good dental health. When kids have this knowledge, we find they are more likely to be active participants in their daily brushing and flossing.

At Smile Dental Practice, your Hamilton family dentist provides engaging dental education that will hopefully help make your job as a parent easier – and avoid bedtime battles over brushing and flossing. Your children will understand what they need to do in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and will learn that brushing and flossing are important responsibilities.

Want to help your child develop a healthy relationship with dental care? Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Agnieszka Jarecka — your Hamilton family dentist:

• Discussion: Talk to your child about brushing and flossing, and why it helps to keep their teeth strong and healthy. Explain how there is sugar in the foods they eat and drink, and that sugar can stick to your teeth if it isn’t brushed away.
• Demonstration: Show your child proper technique by brushing and flossing in front of them, and help them until they learn to do it all by themselves. We often recommend letting your child brush their own teeth first, and then doing a “touch-up” job yourself afterwards to ensure they are brushed well.
• Attitude: Even if coming to the dentist isn’t your favourite activity, keep all conversations about your Hamilton family dentist light and positive around your child. They need to see that going to the dentist is no big deal. Never use phrases like, “It’s not scary,” or “There’s nothing to be afraid of,” because that puts the idea in their head that it might be scary or frightening.
• Education: We are committed to being your source for children’s dentistry in Hamilton, so we go the extra mile to ensure our little patients are entertained as well as educated. Our Kids Zone section educates kids about the basics of dental hygiene, in a fun and interactive way – with videos, games and colouring pages.

Contact your Hamilton family dentist at Smile Dental Practice today to discuss more ways to get your child involved in their oral hygiene, or to schedule an appointment for them.

FAQs — Click question to reveal answer

Q: I often hear my son grinding his teeth while he sleeps. Does he need a bite appliance?

A: Bite appliances are not usually suggested for children with baby or mixed dentitions, as they can restrict the growth of their jaw and the normal losing of their teeth. But please speak to your Hamilton family dentist about your son's grinding habits, as there may be other ways we can help him.

Q: Should my daughter come in to see Dr. Agnieszka Jarecka before her first birthday?

A: According to the Canadian Dental Association, a child should visit the dentist for the first time within six months of getting their first tooth, or by the time they are one year old. This initial visit is just a simple assessment, and the child should continue to see the dentist every six months. Your child will begin getting regular dental exams at age two or three. These examinations will help you determine if you are cleaning their teeth properly, and give your dentist the chance to spot any problems in the early stages. For more information about your child’s first dental visit, please contact your Hamilton family dentist at Smile Dental Practice.

Q: I’m scared whenever I go to the dentist, and I always have been. How do I prevent my children from being afraid, too?

A: It’s very important that you try not to pass your fear of the dentist along to your children. Maintain light, relaxed conversations about dental visits. Keep all comments breezy and positive, and show your children that going to the dentist is a fun experience.

Q: My nine-month-old baby has five teeth. Do I need to brush them?

A: You should begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they have them. Contrary to popular belief, even babies can get cavities. Sugars from milk and juice settle on their teeth and can begin to cause decay. Since babies tend to suck on bottles slowly, we recommend that parents encourage their baby or toddler to finish a drink within 20 minutes. Then the parents should wipe their baby’s teeth and gums to clean them, using a soft infant toothbrush or a wet washcloth. Never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.