Even though your child’s baby teeth will be replaced with permanent adult teeth, it’s still important to take care of them. In this blog, we’ll cover:
The visit may be covered by MSP if your child is eligible for the Healthy Kids Program. This government-funded program covers up to $2,000 in basic dental services every 2 years for children in low-income families meeting certain criteria. Vivant Dental is pleased to participate in the Healthy Kids Program in an effort to make dental care more accessible in our community. Contact us to find out if your child has active coverage under this program, or visit the Healthy Kids Program on the BC government website to learn more.
Dr. Anthony Bellusci and Dr. Vivian Chow are general dentists and owners of Vivant Dental, located in the Panorama area of Surrey, BC. We enjoy working with kids and we strive to create pleasant dental experiences for . If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with us, feel free to contact us.
SDF, or sodium diamine fluoride is a liquid antimicrobial that is applied at the dental office to stop the progression of small cavities. It is a conservative approach to managing dental decay. When applied to a cavity, it can remineralize, or strengthen the cavitated tooth structure. The procedure only takes a few minutes. It’s quick, and doesn’t require any anesthetic.
Although we usually manage cavities by removing the decay, and placing fillings, it’s not always possible. These are some situations that may benefit from the use of SDF:
SDF is used to control early cavities. SDF is not used for very deep cavities that are close to the innermost layer of the tooth (also known as the pulp), or if the tooth is painful. We also avoid using it where esthetics is a concern.
The main side effect is that SDF leaves a brown or black stain when it is applied to dental decay. However, it doesn’t stain healthy, sound enamel.
SDF should not be used on patients with silver allergies, or certain gum and soft tissue conditions.
No, SDF is different from the topical fluoride treatment you routinely get at dental cleaning appointments. The type of fluoride used at hygiene appointments is mainly aimed at preventing future cavities, not arresting existing ones. That type of fluoride does not leave a stain.
Still have questions? Contact Vivant Dental in Surrey today.
It’s never too early to think about your baby’s dental health. These tips will answer some commonly asked questions about caring for the teeth of your little one.
Well before the first tooth comes in, you can establish healthy habits by cleaning your child’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. When the first tooth comes in around the age of 6 months, it’s time to start brushing! Caregivers should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Simply wet the bristles and gently brush all tooth surfaces and gums at least twice a day. You may find that brushes with bigger handles are easier to hold. The use of fluoridated toothpaste should be discussed with your dentist, and if recommended, the amount should be no bigger than a grain of rice.
Baby teeth usually come out with spaces between them – you only need to floss places where the teeth are touching. This typically happens around the ages of two to three years when most of the baby teeth have come in. Try flossers with handles if you find yourself struggling with traditional floss! Please note that most children don’t have the ability to brush or floss properly until age six. This is your area to shine! While you’re in the mouth, also lift the lip, and check for any discoloured spots or pitting on the teeth that may indicate decay.
The Canadian Dental Association recommends the first visit within 6 months of the first tooth coming in, or by the age of one. In addition to eating, baby teeth serve a crucial role as placeholders for adult teeth. If lost early to decay, other teeth may drift into the space and block the adult teeth from coming in straight. This is why regular dental checkups are important throughout childhood.
The dentists and team Vivant Dental in Surrey provide dental care to children. You can download the toothbrushing chart that Drs. Chow and Bellusci have provided during their presentations to children at early learning centres. We invite you and your little one to visit our child-friendly office!
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure to lighten the appearance of one’s smile. Professional whitening services are either performed in clinic or prescribed by the dentist for take-home use.
Did you know…
that teeth naturally darken as we age? Furthermore, certain foods, beverages, medications and habits can contribute to a darker, yellowed, or stained smile.
You may be a candidate if you are experiencing teeth discolouration, but have healthy teeth and gum structure. Schedule a consultation with our dentists, Dr. Anthony Bellusci and Dr. Vivian Chow, to find out if these procedures are suitable for you. Unfortunately, kids, pregnant or nursing women and those currently treated by a physician for a serious illness are not candidates for whitening.
Vivant Dental offers Zoom!® in-office teeth whitening. For this method of whitening, Dr. Bellusci or Dr. Chow will first protect your gums, lips and cheeks before applying a whitening agent to your teeth. The agent is activated and left for a set amount of time. Your results will vary according to the natural shade of your teeth and degree of external discoloration.
Our dental team will take impressions of your teeth to make thin, custom upper and lower whitening trays. Once the trays are ready, we will instruct you on how to safely apply the Opalescence whitening solution in the comfort of your own home.
Please avoid consuming highly pigmented food and beverages, such as tea, coffee and wine for 48 hours to reduce staining. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity following professional whitening. Consider using the sensitivity relief products recommended at your appointment.
Do you have a toothache or a broken tooth? When toothaches or dental emergencies happen, waiting several days for a dental appointment might not be an option.
Urgent problems that threaten the health of your teeth or leave you in pain should not be ignored. Some emergencies are extremely painful, so a visit to the local dentist may provide some palliative relief.
Vivant Dental is committed to helping you manage sudden injuries that require immediate treatment.
that the steps you take during a dental emergency may improve your outcome? These are some recommendations from the Canadian Dental Association:
Emergency dental services are not just for those who have sustained dental trauma. If you are experiencing severe dental pain or swelling, contact us. We aim to provide same day appointments for emergencies.
Dr. Bellusci and Dr. Chow will make recommendations to manage your specific situation at your visit. Some general advice to protect your teeth are:
Sunday: By appointment only
Monday: 11am — 7pm
Tuesday: 11am — 7pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8am — 4pm
Friday: 9am — 5pm
Saturday: 9am — 5pm