Before the visit
A story about the dentist, simple words and a positive attitude: prepare the day before. For children under 10, the RAMQ covers one recall examination a year; cleaning and sealants are not covered.
What the RAMQ coversDental care.For little smiles.
At Centre dentaire Champfleury, we take the time to help children feel at ease. And parents, too.
A first visit.A gentle beginning.
A first chance to get familiar with the clinic and find guidance.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by the first birthday.
During the visit
Give the team time to connect with your child. Ask questions and make sure you understand the advice for care at home.
Back at home
Help with brushing, make flossing a habit and follow the team’s recommendations for the next visit.
Leo andthe Shiny Teeth
A story to read aloud the night before the visit. Scroll, swipe or tap to turn the pages.
Page 1 of 23.
That night, Leo couldn’t fall asleep. He was hugging Pompon, his stuffed hippo, very tight.
“Mom, tomorrow I’m going to the dentist... What if I get scared?”
Mom sat down on the edge of the bed. “It’s normal to wonder about things when you’re doing something new. Do you know what the dentist does? She looks at your teeth to make sure they’re healthy and strong. It’s a bit like visiting a friend who takes care of teeth.”
Leo looked at Pompon and his big teeth. “Can Pompon come too?”
“Of course!” said Mom. And Leo fell asleep with a smile.
The next day, when they arrived at the clinic, Leo saw a little girl coming out, laughing. She was holding a pink toothbrush and proudly showing off the sticker on her shirt. “Dad, look! I did so great!”
Leo looked at Pompon. “Did you see that? She looks happy.”
In the waiting room, there was an aquarium with an orange fish blowing bubbles. Leo was watching it when a lady with a big smile came to get him.
“Hi Leo! I’m Dr. Vu. I’m a tooth specialist! My job is to keep teeth strong and shiny. And who is this handsome hippo?”
“This is Pompon. He has really big teeth,” said Leo.
“Then let’s check his first!” Dr. Vu opened Pompon’s mouth and pretended to count. “Perfect, Pompon, your teeth look great!”
Leo laughed. Then he climbed into the big chair. And surprise: the chair went up slowly, like a rocket taking off! Vroom!
Dr. Vu lent him a pair of sunglasses, because above him there was a big lamp shining like the sun.
“Now open wide like a lion!” Leo went AAAAH.
With her little magic mirror, Dr. Vu looked at each tooth and counted: “One, two, three...” All the way to twenty! “You have twenty beautiful teeth, Leo. Great job brushing them!”
Next, she used a little straw that sucked up water going slurp slurp, just like when you drink the last bit of juice in your glass. Leo thought it was funny.
To finish, she made his teeth sparkle with a little brush that tickled. Bzzz bzzz! Leo gave a big, shiny smile.
The chair came back down. Safe landing!
Leo’s eyes went wide. “Wait, what? It’s already over?”
Dr. Vu laughed. “Yes it is! You did so well that it went by in a flash. You’re a real champion!”
And she gave him a sticker and a brand-new toothbrush, green like a dinosaur.
On the way out, Leo whispered to Pompon: “See? We didn’t need to be scared. I can’t wait to come back!”
What about you? Tomorrow, how many teeth will Dr. Vu count in your mouth?
Their smile grows.One tooth at a time.
Every child has their own rhythm. The first teeth usually appear around six months; all 20 baby teeth are generally in place by age two or three.
A little comfort
Offer a clean, cool, damp washcloth or a solid teething ring, always under supervision.
When to ask for advice
If discomfort continues, ask a health professional. A fever should not simply be put down to teething.
Pacifieror thumb?
Sucking can be comforting for a little one. As your child grows, talk with the dentist about how to ease away from the habit.
Prolonged thumb sucking can affect tooth position. Never dip a pacifier in sugar, honey or syrup.
Little habits.Every day.
Baby teeth deserve care, too. Preventing early childhood cavities starts at home, together.
Brush together
Use a small, soft brush for two minutes, twice a day. Help your child, especially before bed.
Don’t forget between teeth
Floss each day between teeth that touch. Your dental team can show you how.
Keep an eye on their smile
White, chalky or brown spots on a tooth? Contact the dentist promptly.
Helpful reading for parents:
The first visit · CDA (French)Children’s oral health · Canada.ca (French)