Fun Tips to Teach Proper Dental Hygiene to Your Kids

Toddler smiling while brushing her teeth

Getting your child to start and follow a dental routine is no easy feat. Children just do not understand hygiene responsibility like adults do. Kids have to be reminded all the time when it is time to brush their teeth and on top of that, why they should actually do it.

 

If you are worried about your little one’s oral health, then you should offer some help to him or her. Employing the right techniques can achieve great results in an even fun way! Here are some great ways to convince your kids to care for their teeth.

 

  1. Brush teeth with your little one.

Experts say that kids should start learning to brush their teeth (with parent’s supervision and assistance) from the age of two. Having good dental hygiene at this early age can help prevent cavities, plaque, and other dental issues later on in life.

 

Brush your teeth side by side with your child as he or she brushes teeth too. This way, you can show your little one some good brushing techniques. When you brush properly, they will also learn to brush their teeth the right way.

 

  1. Look for tooth-related stories and read to them at night.

Instead of your usual fairy tale, look for some books that is about teeth to read to your child. Storytelling is a fun way to let your little one know how important it is to care for his or her teeth properly.

 

The Tooth Fairy, for example, can help your child feel less anxious about losing teeth.

 

  1. Let your little one have a pick of his or her own toothbrush.

Your child’s toothbrush is his or her personal belonging. Allowing your child to choose a toothbrush every three months is a great way to introduce them the proper custom of changing toothbrushes regularly. Changing brushes maintains the brush cleaning ability while ensuring that bacteria do not accumulate either.

 

For toothpaste, let your child have a pick from kid-friendly ones that are not too harsh or minty.

 

 

  1. Incorporate a song or dance routine while brushing.

Every little kid loves dancing and singing, and incorporating music in your routine turns a boring task into a fun and exciting activity that he or she will look forward to. Be as silly as possible!

 

It may also be a fun idea to take turns humming songs that the other would guess!

 

 

  1. Create a reward system

Have a chart with a record of your child’s oral health routine achievements. You can give incentives for reaching certain milestones. Make sure that you include all the important oral care must-dos like brushing, flossing, cleaning their tongue, and rinsing.

 

We hope these fun methods will help your child learn the importance of dental hygiene while enjoying the routine, too. Allow them to develop a sense of responsibility and encourage them with enthusiasm all the time!

 

 

Helpful Resources

man at the dentist

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

5 Ways You are Damaging Your Teeth Unknowingly

Woman with cracks on her teeth

Most of us know how important it is to brush our teeth at least twice a day. Many of us religiously floss and rinse, too. But do you know that there are also a lot of people who are damaging their teeth on a daily basis without even knowing it?

 

Here we have listed  for you five ways you could be unknowingly damaging your teeth. Check it out and see if you are guilty of any of these:

 

RINSING WITH WATER AFTER YOU BRUSH

It is not advisable to rinse your mouth with water after brushing your teeth. Why? It is simply because when you do, you just wash away the fluoride which is what your teeth need and what helps you to prevent tooth decay. What to do with all that excess toothpaste? Just spit it out.

 

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH RIGHT AWAY AFTER MEALS

We understand how you can be in a rush. But you should really wait for about 30 – 40 minutes before brushing. Doing so will allow saliva to naturally neutralize the low PH level in the mouth that is caused by food and drinks. Brushing straight away causes the acid in your mouth to get brushed into your teeth. This causes erosion and tooth enamel loss, leading to tooth sensitivity and weakening.

 

CHOOSING A TOOTHBRUSH WITH HARD BRISTLES

Perhaps you think harder bristles will do a better job at removing food particles. It is; however, better to use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush as it is a lot kinder to your teeth. Hard bristled ones can damage your gums, as well as the root surface and the protective enamel.

 

OPENING BOTTLES WITH YOUR TEETH

You probably have tried this before out of curiosity or at least seen one do it at a party once or twice. While it may seem a pretty neat party trick, opening a bottle (or even a bag of chips for that matter) using your teeth can be quite damaging. It wears away your teeth and also, you are risking a chipped tooth.

 

 

DRINKING COLOURED DRINKS

Drinking coloured beverages like coke or rum are the worst when it comes to damaging and eroding your teeth. That includes pop and other fizzy drinks. Dark coloured drinks have the lowest pH so they are more acidic. Lighter coloured drinks like champagne and Prosecco, you’d be glad to know, are your better options as they have a higher pH level.

 

There you go – five seemingly harmless acts that are actually damaging to your teeth. To know if you are doing the right things for your teeth, ask the advice of an oral health care professional from Pickering Square Dental. We’d love to hear from you soon!

 

Helpful Resources

dentist

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Cavities: Myths and Facts You Should Be Aware Of

dentist's drill treating a sick tooth

Everybody, young or old, is afraid of dental cavities or what we commonly call tooth decay. Hundreds of years ago, ancient folks used to believe that worms are responsible for one’s toothaches. They are said to be boring their way into teeth. If a tooth was aching, then that only meant the worm is wiggling.

 

Now we all know that that particular story is nothing but a myth, although it still is an interesting theory that seems to work wonders with children. But while that particular myth is already established as such, there are some that still confuse us.

 

Here we will clear the air about what is factual and what is actually a myth:

 

MYTH: Only Sugar Can Cause Cavities

Here is how one opens the door to some serious cavities – You eat. Bacteria in your mouth then act on the food that you have eaten and produce acid that attacks your teeth. This bacterial activity requires carbohydrates like rice, bread, potatoes, and also sugar. Those are the primary source of energy of those bacteria. Remember that for a tooth to actually decay, four things are needed: a tooth surface, bacteria that causes caries, carbohydrates that can be fermented, and time. Sugar is not the sole culprit.

 

FACT: Acidic Foods Can Cause Cavities

Citrusy foods and juices like lemons can break down your tooth’s enamel and weaken it. Weaker teeth are more prone to decay. Like we mentioned bacteria act on food substances to produce acid, eating foods that are already acidic speeds up the process.

 

MYTH: You Shouldn’t Worry About Cavities in Baby Teeth

This cannot be farther from the truth – so please do worry! What many do not realize is that baby teeth actually keep the space in line for permanent teeth. Aside from that, cavities are a bacterial infection that when left untreated may spread into the adult teeth that are also developing underneath. Early loss of baby teeth due to a cavity blocks and disrupts the ideal eruption of the adult teeth.

 

FACT: The Decay Stops As Soon as the Tooth is Treated

A tooth is not capable of repairing itself. That is why when there is a cavity; “fillings” should cover the hole. Your dentist fills that cavity with the right amount of restorative material and the decay at that particular spot stops. However, that does not give immunity to the tooth. Without proper care, a new cavity may start to develop in the same tooth.

 

MYTH: Gaps in Between Teeth Cause Cavities

This is just a myth. In truth, it is easier to clean teeth with big gaps in between. The spaces make it harder for bacteria to reside there. Therefore it is less likely for you to get cavities.

 

FACT: You Can Actually Prevent Cavities

This is true. A cavity that is sealed on time can save a tooth. Prevention is always better than cure. You can prevent cavities from forming by brushing your teeth twice in a day, as well as flossing and rinsing.

 

 


 

Helpful Resources

smiling

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Love Your Teeth More this Valentine’s Day, Unlocking the Secret to a Healthier Smile

woman's portrait with chocolate

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and as it gets closer, you may also be getting more and more anxious about what kind of celebration your loved one has planned, or just hoping you’d find a date before that big day. Equip yourself with one of the best weapons for Valentine’s – a beautiful smile. Research shows that nothing is more attractive to the opposite sex than a bright and white smile.

 

What is ironic is that Valentine’s Day, which we often spend smiling, is actually a bad day for your teeth – and your smile. People tend to get carried away with all the delicious chocolates and sweets, as well as wine and other great food. These can all take their toll on your teeth.

Bacteria that grow in your mouth feed on sugar, so the more sugar you eat, the more those bacteria can damage your teeth. That is when they start creating cavities that also hurt the inner layer of your teeth and enamel. Because we cannot totally ban sugar, especially on Valentine’s Day, the least we can do is to limit our intake and try to avoid sticky candies that are more damaging than the others.

 

To get a better and healthier smile, here are our Valentine-proof tips just for you:

 

Choose Strawberries. Not everyone knows that strawberries have that substance called malic acid that acts as a natural tooth whitener. It can remove any discoloration on the surface of your teeth.

 

If strawberries are not your thing, you can eat red apples instead. They increase saliva production that help wash debris away.

 

If you can’t skip the chocolates, at least go for dark ones. Dark chocolates are known to have calcium and other ingredients that actually promote stronger and better teeth.

 

Drink lots of water to help flush away food particles that are left in your mouth. Stay hydrated!

 

Do not forget to visit your dentist at least twice in a year. Only a professional can tell whether or not your teeth are in good condition. You dentist can also help you in maintaining a healthy mouth.

 

Valentine’s Day is holiday that is best celebrated with a loved one. Instead of following the norms of giving sweets and chocolates, why not start a new one? Perhaps we can give a fruit basket instead a box of chocolates. That would make Valentine’s Day even more special than it already is.

Helpful Resources

dentistry maintenance

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Tips on Keeping Your Teeth in Good Condition During Holiday Season

Teeth — Pickering, ON

The holiday season is almost here, and as your friends, we want to wish you a happy holiday! As your oral health care provider though, it is our responsibility to remind you about keeping your teeth healthy during this season that’s filled with parties!

 

As you probably have no time for dental visits this season, we are hoping you would follow these tips to make sure your teeth makes it through the month!

  1. Skip the candy canes. We know that these candy canes and other hard candies like peppermints taste especially delicious during the holidays but you should be extra careful when you eat them. For one, they are so hard they can crack your teeth if you bite them the wrong way. If you can’t help having a piece or two, then just let the candy dissolve to prevent having chipped tooth. Don’t forget to brush your teeth after having a candy that sweet!

 

  1. Avoid chugging pop. In every party, you would probably find pop and you very well know that this sugary drink is really bad for your teeth. Try fizzy water as an alternative. If you really must have soda, at least use a straw to keep acid on your teeth at a minimal.

 

 

  1. Go for the turkey. If there is one holiday food that we recommend you to munch on, that would be turkey. Why? Turkey is an excellent source of phosphorus and protein which are both great for helping you keep your teeth strong and fight tooth decay, too.

 

  1. Fill your plate with greens. We know those holiday cookies and brownies look a whole lot more tempting than the salad or the stir-fried veggies, but the latter is the better choice.

 

 

  1. Choose cheese. When you have to snack on something while having a drink at some party, snack on cheese. It would help neutralize the acid in your beverage and of course, the calcium is food for your teeth!

 

  1. Hum while you brush. You probably know that efficient brushing takes about two minutes. This is the best time for you to practice that carol, or at least hum one! By the time you finish chorus, it’s likely you have cleaned your teeth, tongue, and gums thoroughly, too!

 

We know that holidays are the perfect excuse to kick back and have some fun, have that extra chocolate bar, drink that extra glass of wine. Whatever kind of fun you decide to go for this holiday, we do hope you don’t forget how important it is to keep your teeth healthy. After all, you still want to welcome the New Year with a bright smile, don’t you?

Helpful Resources

dental treatment

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Visits

Little girl holding an artificial model of human jaw with dental braces in orthodontic office, smiling. Pediatric dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, early education and prevention concept.

Don’t you just love it when your child smiles? For most parents, their child’s smile is one of the best view in the world. That’s why parents also understand how important it is to keep that great smile healthy, and that can only be achieved by regularly visiting the dentist.

Unfortunately, most kids have apprehensions about going to the dentist’s office. That of course, is a mild interpretation of those tantrums a child throws complete with wailing, kicking, and sometimes even locking oneself in the room – at the mere mention of seeing the dentist.

There could be a lot of factors contributing to this anxiety, including fear of the unknown, or worse, fear of what an older sibling or friend had shared with him or her before. Whatever the reason for this anxiety is, it will be helpful if as parents, we do our part to prepare them for that very important visit. Here are some tips:

Start really early. Do not wait until his or her preschool years before visiting the dentist for the first time. By that time, your child will most probably have a made-up idea of how scary dentists are. How early should you go? As soon as the first set of teeth start to pop up.

Our dentists handle little patients, too. Not that there are dentists who hate kids. It’s just that it would help a lot if the dentist can make your child feel at ease during an appointment. It makes a lot of difference if a dentist is friendly with your kid and exerts effort to make the visit truly pleasant.

Set expectations honestly. Not knowing what to expect plays a big part to your child getting all stressed out about a visit to the dentist. You can calm their nerves by telling them about the procedure they’re getting, and perhaps some of your own experiences when you had the same procedure. (Unless you had a traumatic one, of course)

Give everything a positive spin. Instead of telling your child that a tooth would be extracted, why not say, the dentist has to make room for his new tooth to grow? You can make things sound easy. Assure your kids that they can do it. Let them know that you’ll be there every step of the way. You can even offer an incentive sometimes!

It is important for your child to develop good oral habits so they can keep that happy smile healthier, longer. We, at Pickering Square Dental can help you prepare your child for a visit that is going to be quite enjoyable, too!

Helpful Resources

Gum Problems

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Baby’s Healthy Mouth: First Steps to Take

Parents are the first teachers kids get to know and trust to teach them everything they need to learn. They play a big role in maintaining their children’s well-being, including their oral health.

 

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, tooth decay is accountable for about one-third of all day surgeries preschoolers have each year. That is the reason why we encourage parents to introduce a good oral habit to their kids as early as their infancy.

 

Ideally, parents should take their babies to the dentist for the first time six months after their first teeth erupted. Your dentist will then examine the overall health of your baby’s mouth.

 

You may be surprised to know that a child can develop tooth decay or cavities soon after their first teeth appear. This is often called baby bottle tooth decay, caused by long-term exposure to sugary liquids like milk formula and fruit juice, among others.

 

Aside from tooth decay, there are other dental problems to watch out for like irritations when your baby is teething, gum diseases, and extended thumb or pacifier sucking. To make sure your child doesn’t have any of these, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible.

 

Here are some healthy practices you can do at home to introduce good oral habits to your baby:

 

  • Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean but damp cloth twice daily. Ask your dentist when you may be able to rub a little toothpaste on those gums so your child would become accustomed to the taste of toothpaste.
  • When your baby’s first teeth erupt, you can start brushing those with a tiny and really soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Assist your kids (preschoolers) as he or she brushes teeth at night, as thorough brushing at night is necessary to protect your teeth as you sleep. You may not be aware, but due to lower salivary flow while you are sleeping, your teeth are more susceptible to plaque and cavities.
  • Make brushing time a bonding time! It’s the best way to show your children how they should brush their teeth. It will instill the importance of brushing and overall oral hygiene, too. Once your children reach the age of five, you can probably let them brush their own teeth but still with supervision.

 

It is important that your children develop good habits for their oral health as early as possible. Your children should be at ease at the dentist’s office too, so it would be best for you to take your little ones to Pickering Square Dental to be acquainted not only with the friendly dentist and staff, but also with the facilities and equipment used. This is important if you want your children to be comfortable and confident when it’s time to visit the dentist!

 

 

 


 

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Visits

Award Icon2 1 icon

Don’t you just love it when your child smiles? For most parents, their child’s smile is one of the best view in the world. That’s why parents also understand how important it is to keep that great smile healthy, and that can only be achieved by regularly visiting the dentist.

 

Unfortunately, most kids have apprehensions about going to the dentist’s office. That of course, is a mild interpretation of those tantrums a child throws complete with wailing, kicking, and sometimes even locking oneself in the room – at the mere mention of seeing the dentist.

 

There could be a lot of factors contributing to this anxiety, including fear of the unknown, or worse, fear of what an older sibling or friend had shared with him or her before. Whatever the reason for this anxiety is, it will be helpful if as parents, we do our part to prepare them for that very important visit. Here are some tips:

 

Start really early. Do not wait until his or her preschool years before visiting the dentist for the first time. By that time, your child will most probably have a made-up idea of how scary dentists are. How early should you go? As soon as the first set of teeth start to pop up.

 

Our Dentists handle little patients, too. Not that there are dentists who hate kids. It’s just that it would help a lot if the dentist can make your child feel at ease during an appointment. It makes a lot of difference if a dentist is friendly with your kid and exerts effort to make the visit truly pleasant.

 

Set expectations honestly. Not knowing what to expect plays a big part to your child getting all stressed out about a visit to the dentist. You can calm their nerves by telling them about the procedure they’re getting, and perhaps some of your own experiences when you had the same procedure. (Unless you had a traumatic one, of course)

 

Give everything a positive spin. Instead of telling your child that a tooth would be extracted, why not say, the dentist has to make room for his new tooth to grow? You can make things sound easy. Assure your kids that they can do it. Let them know that you’ll be there every step of the way. You can even offer an incentive sometimes!

 

It is important for your child to develop good oral habits so they can keep that happy smile healthier, longer. We, at Pickering Square Dental can help you prepare your child for a visit that is going to be quite enjoyable, too!

 

Helpful Resources

sedation dentistry

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Are Your Teeth Ready for Halloween Candies?

Toothbrush and dental hygiene waxed tape mint floss by wash basin at night still life color photo.

Your kids are probably excited about Halloween, what with their great costume, and an even greater selection of Halloween treats they can get when they go Trick or Treating. Of course, you want your child to enjoy! But you do not want as a toothache to affect their memory of this year’s Halloween?

 

Keep your children’s teeth safe from scary cavities this season by considering these tips:

 

Shoo Chewy Candies!

There are candies like caramels, gummies, and taffies that just find their way into the grooves and pits of your kids’ teeth where they stay stuck for a while. These sticky candies get stuck on your teeth and their saliva just can’t wash them away. If a toothbrush is not handy, at least make them drink a glass or a bottle of water to swish away some of the sugars.

 

Eat Now, Treat Later

Never let your child out on an empty stomach, and make sure they have a nutritious meal. When you chew during a meal, it stimulates your saliva which has protective enzymes that can protect teeth against cavities. On top of that, you’ll feel more relaxed knowing that with that full tummy, your child would probably have a smaller room for sweets!

 

Give Away Good Treats

As a parent, you hope your kid would get some teeth-friendly treats when he or she goes Trick or Treating. If that’s the case, then there is no reason for you not to give away those kinds of candies, right? Be the “responsible parent” in your street who hands out sugar-free hard candies, lollipops, and gums. It won’t hurt to throw in a little reminder to brush teeth when you give those treats out.

 

Remember Your Routine

The fact that it is Halloween and your child is tired from Trick or Treating should not keep you from enforcing your usual oral routine at home. If anything, now is the time to spend an extra minute or two when you brush your teeth. Do not forget to floss as this can greatly help in removing sugars that your toothbrush missed.

 

Halloween is a fun holiday that should never be ruined by a terrible toothache. Make sure you let your child know of his or her limitations and responsibilities. Set a limit on the number of candies allowed in a day, and make sure that those tiny teeth are brushed, flossed, and rinsed well before bed time!

 

 


 

Helpful Resources

tooth-colored fillings

For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Dental Anxiety: Causes and Solutions

Pretty woman with swollen cheek from toothache.

A lot of people dread going to the dentist’s office. More often than not, the level of anxiety felt by patients is really high that it causes them to miss necessary appointments and treatments. This only results to making a problem worse than it should have been.

Here are some common causes of dental anxiety and some solutions, too:

 

  1. You had a bad experience at a dentist’s office before.

This is probably the most common reason for dental anxiety, and it’s unfortunate that so many people have experienced bad sessions before. Yours may have happened when you were younger. You probably worried for days about a tooth extraction. It could be the sound of a drill and metals clanking that scared you. Others complain of staff that had been anything but reassuring.

 

  1. You have heard terrible stories about some dental procedures.

For some reason, there are people who like to mislead others into believing something that is actually untrue. Unfortunately, there are parents or guardians who sometimes use the dental office as the setting for their scary stories when they’re trying to discipline little kids. This has a really negative effect, and it may cause a long term fear.

 

  1. You haven’t been to the dentist for so long that you fear you would have to get a major procedure done to correct whatever dental problem you might have.

It is understandable that you worry about something you don’t know. You probably also fear that your dentist would give you a lecture about how you should regularly visit your dentist for exams and cleaning sessions. While that is right, you have to know that at Pickering Square Dental, our main goal is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We also treat our patients politely and with respect.

 

In most cases, you can overcome your dental anxiety by trying to relax yourself and putting on a brave face. It helps if you have a dentist you can trust and the dental office you’ll visit is also comfortable and relaxing, like Pickering Square Dental. You can talk to your dentist to know about procedures and ways you can minimize pain during and after, if that’s what you are worried about.

 

It is also possible that anxiety is so high that there is an actual need for sedation dentistry. Pickering Square Dental has a variety of techniques that can put you at ease. You can give us a call to know what technique is appropriate for your case. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Helpful Resources

Endodontics

For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.