It is recommended to see a dentist at least once a year for a teeth cleaning and oral examination. The dentist will determine the frequency of your appointments based on your oral health. An annual checkup may be sufficient for some people, while others will need to have their teeth examined more often.If you are taking any medication, inform your dentist, especially if it is medication that causes dry mouth.Take your children to the dentist. Young children should see the dentist for the first time around the age of one. During this visit, the dentist:examines the child's mouth before any potential dental problems develop; advises parents on how to care for their child's mouth and how to clean it properly. Afterward, have your child's teeth examined by the dentist at least once a year, or as frequently as recommended. This allows the dentist to:perform a professional cleaning of your child's teeth to maintain a clean and healthy mouth;detect dental problems early, thus preventing cavities from developing.If necessary, the dentist can also suggest certain measures to reduce your child's risk of cavities:fluoride supplements The dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements for children at risk of tooth decay who live in areas where the water does not contain enough fluoride. fluoride application The dentist or dental hygienist can apply fluoride to your child's teeth. Fluoride hardens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to the acid that attacks teeth and causes cavities. dental sealant application The dentist or dental hygienist may apply a dental sealant to certain permanent teeth. A dental sealant is a liquid substance that seeps into the grooves of the teeth and hardens there. This makes the tooth surface smoother and easier to clean. This measure is very effective in preventing cavities.Services covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) Certain dental services, including one checkup per year, are free for children under 10 years of age. These services are offered at dental clinics or in certain hospitals, upon presentation of the child's health insurance card. Consult the RAMQ website for more details.

Oral Hygiene for Babies and Children Until around the age of 6, children don't always have the necessary manual dexterity to brush their teeth properly on their own. That's why it's important to:apply the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste to their toothbrush; supervise your child while they brush their teeth; finish brushing their teeth as needed.Also, avoid sharing toothbrushes to prevent the risk of transmitting bacteria that can cause cavities.Babies 0 to 6 Months Clean your baby's mouth at least twice a day, ideally after feeding. Gently massage their gums with a clean, damp washcloth. Rinse the washcloth after each use and keep it for your baby's oral care.Do not use toothpaste until your baby has teeth. Children 6 months to under 3 years old Start brushing your child's teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Brush their teeth at least twice a day, ideally after feeding, breastfeeding, or eating. Use a fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste to use is the size of a grain of rice. Teach your child to spit out any excess toothpaste after brushing. Do not rinse their mouth after brushing. This way, the fluoride in the toothpaste will continue to protect their teeth. Gently brush their tongue. Children 3 to 6 years old Brush your child's teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day, especially before bedtime and ideally after each meal.Use a fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste to use is about the size of a pea. Teach your child to spit out any excess toothpaste after brushing. Do not rinse their mouth after brushing. This way, the fluoride in the toothpaste will continue to protect their teeth. Teach your child to brush their tongue. Help your child floss between their teeth every day. Children over 6 years old Make sure your child brushes their teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day. Encourage them to do so especially before bedtime and ideally after each meal. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Spread the toothpaste to a length of about 0.5 to 1 cm on the toothbrush.Make sure your child spits out any excess toothpaste and doesn't rinse their mouth after brushing. This will allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to continue protecting their teeth. Encourage your child to brush their tongue and floss between their teeth every day.

Practice good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene helps maintain a healthy mouth and teeth.Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, twice a day. Ideally, you should brush after every meal and before going to sleep. Brush your tongue to remove decaying food particles that cause bad breath. Don't rinse your mouth after brushing so the fluoride in the toothpaste continues to protect your teeth. Floss between your teeth once a day, ideally before going to sleep. Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth, a place your toothbrush can't reach. After eating something sweet, if you can't brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with water. You can also eat a piece of cheese or chew gum. Choose sugar-free gum that contains xylitol, a natural sugar that doesn't cause cavities. Chewing gum helps protect teeth from decay by increasing saliva production in the mouth.

Are you having dental surgery? Here are some tips to help your recovery.Apply firm pressure by clenching your teeth on a gauze pad folded in quarters for 30 minutes. Change the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding continues, apply the same pressure with a tea bag soaked in cold water. It is normal for your saliva to be pink at first. You can sleep with your head elevated and protect your pillow.Do not spit or drink with a straw to avoid creating suction.Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods. Opt for a softer diet. Liquid supplements (Ensure, Boost) may be recommended.Avoid strenuous physical activity.If needed, apply cream for 15 minutes every hour to reduce swelling. Swelling will be at its peak 48 to 72 hours after surgery.Take the medications as advised or prescribed by your dentist to control pain.Do not smoke or drink alcohol for the first week to avoid delaying healing.If you have stitches, they will dissolve in 4 to 7 days unless otherwise instructed.Please call us at (819) 362-6494 if you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, if you have radiating pain that is not controlled by medication, or if numbness persists the day after the local anesthetic.

What you need to know about teeth whitening.Before whitening: - You can use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for one week to prepare your teeth and reduce sensitivity.- Make sure you have had a recent dental checkup and that any defective fillings or cavities have been repaired.Steps for optimal treatment: 1- Floss and brush your teeth thoroughly to achieve an even result.2- Add a small drop of gel to the tray for each tooth to be treated. For example, you can choose not to treat teeth that are not visible when you smile.3- Insert the trays and remove any excess product from your gums with a cotton swab if necessary.4- Wear the trays for 1 hour and 30 minutes each day or overnight.5- Remove the trays and rinse them. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water as well. * The treatment should last approximately 14 days. If you have any product left over, keep the syringes in the refrigerator for future touch-ups.Tips: - Avoid pigmented foods (mustard, red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce) for the entire duration of the treatment. During whitening, teeth are more porous and the colored pigments can stain them.- Temporary tooth sensitivity is normal during whitening; use products for sensitive teeth (e.g., use them every other day, stop for a few days, and then resume).- If you have white fillings that need replacing for cosmetic reasons after whitening, wait at least 14 days before making an appointment with your dentist. This will allow for proper adhesion and color stability.- Avoid smoking during the whitening period.- Whitening is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.