Pediatric Dentist 

Dr. Shirley Salazar Dentistry is proud to offer warm, patient-focused care for Scarborough families with young children. Our friendly office specializes in dentistry for children, providing expert care for infants, toddlers, and teens. We follow leading pediatric dental guidelines, including the Canadian Dental Association’s recommendation that children have their first check-up by age one (or within six months of their first tooth). By starting early, we build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Our Scarborough clinic is designed with families in mind. We understand that some children may feel nervous about dental visits, so we create a friendly, fun environment to put little ones at ease. Colorful decor, toys, and books help distract and amuse children in the waiting area. During appointments, parents are welcome to stay close by, and our dentists use kid-sized tools and gentle explanations to make each step approachable. As Dr. Salazar’s own practice emphasizes, every child, from infants to teens, deserves compassionate care in a friendly, fun setting.

What to Expect at Your Visit

At your child’s first visit with our Children’s Dentist Scarborough team, you can expect a calm, caring experience tailored to your child’s age:

• Warm Welcome: A friendly staff member greets your family and shows your child the kid-friendly waiting area, complete with toys and games. We encourage parents to sit next to toddlers or infants during the exam to help them feel secure.
  
  
• Gentle Exam: Dr. Salazar or a team member will perform a gentle oral check-up. For babies and young toddlers, we often use a “knee-to-knee” position (parent and dentist facing each other with the child between) so the child feels safe. We carefully count teeth, check growth, and look for any cavities or developmental issues.
  
  
• Cleaning & Prevention: If your child is comfortable, we’ll softly clean their teeth with kid-friendly brushes. We may apply fluoride varnish or place sealants to strengthen enamel and protect against decay.
  
  
• Education & Fun: We show children how to brush using models or fun games and explain each step in simple terms. Staff answer parents’ questions and provide tips on diet and home care. We also reinforce good behavior with praise and a small reward (like a sticker or toy) after the visit, so your child leaves feeling proud.
  
  
• Relaxed Pacing: There’s no rush. If your child feels anxious, we pause or skip steps as needed. We offer comfort items (blanket, stuffed toy) and even nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxation if appropriate. Our goal is a positive first experience so kids look forward to their next visit.
  
  

Dental Services for Children

At Dr. Salazar Dentistry, we provide a full suite of pediatric dental services under one roof. Every child is unique, so we tailor treatments to their needs.

• Routine Exams & Cleanings: Regular checkups to remove plaque, check bite alignment, and monitor jaw development. Our gentle hygienists clean little teeth carefully.
  
  
• Digital X-Rays: Low-dose dental imaging as needed to catch cavities or growth issues that aren’t visible on the surface.
  
  
• Preventive Treatments: Fluoride varnish applications to strengthen enamel and dental sealants on molars to block decay.
  
  
• Tooth-Colored Fillings: We fix cavities in baby and permanent teeth using white composite fillings that blend with your child’s smile.
  
  
• Space Maintainers: If a baby tooth is lost early, we place a small space maintainer to keep the gap open for the permanent tooth.
  
  
• Early Orthodontic Screening: We assess jaw and teeth growth. If braces or aligners might be needed, we discuss timing. We even offer Invisalign clear aligners for teens who qualify.
  
  
• Mouthguards & Night Guards: Custom-fit sports mouthguards protect teeth during activities, and night guards can prevent tooth grinding in teens.
  
  
• Emergency Care: We handle pediatric emergencies (chipped or knocked-out teeth, toothaches, etc.) promptly, often with same-day appointments.
  
  

Our Kids Dentist Scarborough practice can meet all of your child’s dental needs in one convenient place. We stay up-to-date on best practices and always focus on comfort and trust during treatment.

Benefits of Early Dental Care

Starting dental visits early yields big benefits for your child’s lifelong oral health:

• Prevents Decay: Kids’ baby teeth have thin enamel, and cavities can progress quickly. Regular checkups catch problems when they’re small, often allowing a simple fluoride treatment to stop decay.
  
  
• Builds Good Habits: Early visits teach children to accept brushing, flossing, and dental checkups as normal parts of life. When kids visit the dentist from a young age, they are more likely to continue good habits into adulthood.
  
  
• Reduces Fear: Children who are familiar with the dental office tend to feel less anxious later. Pediatric dentists create positive memories (through colorful rooms, fun games, and rewards) that help prevent dental phobia.
  
  
• Protects Baby Teeth: Healthy primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help your child chew and speak normally. The CDA notes that some baby teeth stay in place until around age 12, so treating decay early prevents pain and ensures adult teeth come in correctly.
  
  
• Overall Health: Good oral health supports overall well-being. Preventing cavities and gum disease early means fewer infections that could affect your child’s confidence and general health.
  
  

FAQs for Parents

• When should my child first visit the dentist? The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental exam by age one or within six months after the first tooth appears. This “well-baby” visit lets us spot any issues early and helps your child get comfortable in the dental chair.
  
  
• How often should my child have checkups? Usually ,every six months is best for most children, though Dr. Salazar may suggest more frequent visits if needed. Routine exams help keep track of development and catch any changes before they become bigger problems.
  
  
• How can I prepare my child for the dentist? Talk positively about the dentist and keep a calm tone. Read a fun book about the first dental visit. Try not to show your own nervousness. At our clinic, we make each visit an adventure most kids leave having had a good time with stickers, toys, and high-fives.
  
  
• Are baby teeth really important if they fall out eventually? Absolutely. Baby teeth guide the permanent teeth and help with chewing, speech, and holding space. We often fill a cavity in a baby tooth to prevent pain and avoid damage to the developing adult tooth underneath.
  
  
• My child is anxious. What if they cry or refuse? Many kids feel scared at first. We never force a child. Our team is trained to comfort and support; sometimes even a quick, positive “hello” and a toy is an achievement. We also offer nitrous oxide to help anxious children relax while still awake and safe.
  
  

Schedule Your Child’s Appointment Today

Give your child a head start on a lifetime of healthy smiles. Dr. Shirley Salazar, a caring kids dentist Scarborough families trust, is ready to provide gentle, expert care for your child. Call (647) 563-8394 or use our online booking to schedule an appointment. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your little one develop great dental habits!