Building Lifelong Healthy Smiles Starts Early
A child's first experience with the dentist shapes how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life. A positive, gentle first visit builds trust, reduces anxiety, and sets your child up for a lifetime of good oral health habits. A stressful one can create fear that follows them into adulthood.
At Lakeside Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Romy Pabla has built her entire practice around making dental care a genuinely positive experience — especially for children. Known for her calm, patient, and playful approach with younger patients, Dr. Pabla takes the time to explain everything in a way kids understand, never rushes, and always makes sure your child feels safe and in control.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing — or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. This might seem early, but early visits serve several important purposes:
- Getting your child comfortable with the dental environment before any treatment is needed
- Allowing Dr. Pabla to check that teeth and jaw are developing properly
- Catching early signs of cavities before they become painful problems
- Giving parents guidance on brushing, diet, and habits like thumb-sucking
- Building a trusting relationship between your child and their dentist
Read our full guide on what to expect at your child's first dental visit.
Children's Dental Services at Lakeside Smiles
Baby & Toddler Visits
Gentle first visits to get little ones comfortable. We check development, clean, and guide parents on home care.
Cleanings & Checkups
Regular professional cleanings remove buildup that home brushing misses, keeping little teeth cavity-free.
Sealants
Thin protective coatings applied to back teeth that dramatically reduce cavity risk for school-age children.
Fluoride Treatments
Quick, painless fluoride application strengthens enamel and protects against decay.
X-Rays
Age-appropriate digital X-rays to check development and catch issues between teeth that aren't visible otherwise.
Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings that blend naturally with baby and adult teeth, placed gently with Dr. Pabla's careful technique.
Is Your Child Nervous About the Dentist?
Dental anxiety in children is completely normal — and it's something Dr. Pabla has dedicated significant effort to addressing. Her approach includes:
- Tell-Show-Do: Before doing anything, Dr. Pabla explains what she's going to do and shows your child the instruments in a non-threatening way
- No rush: We schedule extra time for nervous children so there's never any pressure
- Child-led pace: Your child gets to say when they're ready and we respect that
- Positive reinforcement: We celebrate small wins and make every visit end on a high note
- Parent involvement: You're always welcome in the treatment room with your child
Tips for Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit
You can help set your child up for a great first dental visit. Read our full blog post on Child's First Dental Visit, but here are a few quick tips:
- Talk about the visit positively — avoid words like "hurt," "needle," or "drill"
- Read children's books about going to the dentist beforehand
- Schedule the appointment in the morning when kids are most alert and cooperative
- Bring a comfort item like a favourite toy or blanket
- Avoid making a big deal of it — keep it casual and matter-of-fact
Give Your Child the Gift of a Healthy Smile
Join our Founding Patient List and secure your child's spot for gentle children's dental care in Barrie. Opening August 2026.
Join Our Priority List →Frequently Asked Questions — Children's Dentist Barrie
Most children should visit every 6 months for cleanings and checkups. Children who are more cavity-prone may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Pabla will recommend the right schedule for your child.
Children can start brushing with supervision around age 2-3, but most don't have the dexterity to brush effectively on their own until around age 6-7. Parents should help or supervise brushing until children can reliably do it themselves.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan includes coverage for children under 18 who meet eligibility requirements. Learn more about what CDCP covers in Barrie.
Yes, a toothache in a child should be addressed promptly. Call us at (249) 444-7742. Children's teeth can develop cavities quickly and what starts as mild pain can escalate. See our Emergency Dentist Barrie page.
Absolutely — especially for young children or first-time visitors. We welcome parents in the room and believe parental presence is an important part of making children feel safe and comfortable.
Yes. We use modern digital X-rays which use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and we only take X-rays when clinically necessary. We always use protective lead aprons as an added precaution.