mini-tooth-kids-dentistry

1st Dental Visit

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:53:34 GMT

Positive Dental Experience Starts Early

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit should happen by their first birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting.

The first visit usually isn’t about doing a lot of treatment. It’s about:

Introducing your child to the dental office

Helping them feel comfortable with the dentist

Checking their oral health

Teaching parents how to prevent cavities

Establishing a dental home for your child

Finding a kid-friendly dental home is so important because those early experiences can shape how children feel about dentists for years to come.

I still remember being scared of the dentist when I was little because of a traumatic experience. That memory stayed with me.

That’s one of the reasons I became a pediatric dentist. I want to create a different experience for children—one where they can learn that going to the dentist can be safe, positive, and even fun.

Starting early may help change the way your child sees the dentist for the rest of their life.

Give your child the gift of a positive dental experience from the very beginning.

Things I will not do as a pediatric dentist

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 03:48:10 GMT

New Title

1️⃣ I don’t go to sleep without brushing AND flossing.
While we sleep, bacteria in our mouth are having a little party ��. That’s why I want my teeth as clean as possible before bedtime!

2️⃣ I don’t take my kids to trampoline parks—especially now that they have permanent front teeth.
Trampolines can lead to dental injuries, and a fall can be especially traumatic for those precious permanent front teeth! ��

3️⃣ I don’t judge kids who have cavities.
I had cavities growing up too, and I remember being scared to go to the dentist. ❤️
My goal is never to make kids feel guilty or embarrassed. I want them to feel safe, supported, and comfortable getting the care they need.

Being a pediatric dentist is not about having “perfect” teeth—it’s about helping families build healthy habits and making dental visits less scary. �� #kiddentist #brush #dentaltrauma #dentalanxiety #ontario

Follow Dr. Ava for more real-life pediatric dentistry tips! ��

Finding My Purpose in Dentistry

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:40:46 GMT

Finding My Purpose in Dentistry

During my second year of dental school, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Haiti. At that time, I was struggling with depression during my first and second years of dental school. I felt lost and wasn’t sure what my purpose was.

In Haiti, our team traveled to churches and schools to provide dental care, including extracting teeth that could no longer be saved. Dental treatment was not affordable or easily accessible for many people there.

We didn’t have the luxury of a dental chair, X-rays, or the technology I was used to. Patients would sit in a regular chair and lift their heads so we could provide treatment. I had the privilege of learning extraction techniques from very experienced oral surgeons.

But the most important lessons I learned weren’t just about dentistry.

I remember seeing teeth being extracted and realizing that once a tooth is gone, it doesn’t grow back. It made me truly appreciate how fortunate we are in the United States to have advanced technology, preventive treatments, and access to modern dental care.

That experience changed the way I see dentistry.

It made me passionate about preventive dentistry —teaching children and families how to prevent cavities and gum disease rather than waiting until treatment is needed.

It also taught me to slow down, listen, and be compassionate toward every patient and family. Everyone has a different story, and sometimes what a patient needs most is understanding and kindness.

Looking back, my trip to Haiti came during a time when I felt lost. Somehow, that experience helped me find my direction.

Haiti didn’t just teach me how to provide dental care. It helped me discover my purpose in dentistry. ❤️��

Baby teeth are big deal!

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:23:42 GMT

Baby teeth are big deal!

A mom recently asked me, “If baby teeth fall out around age 6, why should we fix them or take care of them?”

The truth is, baby teeth do so much more than help kids chew.

�� They hold space for the permanent teeth growing underneath.
�� They help children speak clearly.
�� They support proper jaw and facial development.
�� They play an important role in confidence and self-esteem.

Many people don’t realize that the second baby molars usually stay until 10–12 years old . Losing these teeth too early can cause neighboring teeth to drift, leaving less space for the permanent teeth to come in correctly.

This topic is also personal to me.

When I was 4 years old, someone tried to show me a taekwondo kick and accidentally knocked out my two front baby teeth. I had trouble speaking and would cover my mouth whenever I talked because I was embarrassed that saliva would come out. It really affected my confidence as a child.

That experience is one of the reasons I became a pediatric dentist. I want every child to grow up with a healthy smile and the confidence to show it.

Baby teeth are not just baby teeth —they are a big deal for little ones. ❤️

At Mini Tooth Kids Dentistry, we’re here to help families protect those little smiles from the very beginning. Schedule your child’s dental visit today, and let’s build healthy habits that last a lifetime! ��✨

I’m a Pediatric Dentist, and I Have Dental Anxiety

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:33:15 GMT

Many people think dentists have perfect teeth and have never had a cavity. That wasn’t true for me.

As a child, I only went to the dentist when I had a toothache. When I was about 5 or 6 years old, I had such a traumatic dental visit that I still remember it more than 30 years later. Two adults had to hold me down while the dentist gave me an injection. From that day on, going to the dentist became something I feared.

Years later, after I moved to the United States, my uncle, Dr. Chen, examined my teeth and told me I had eight cavities . I still remember him telling his assistant that he had never seen a child with so many cavities. That moment changed my life.

I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to prevent new cavities. Since then, I haven’t developed any new cavities. Occasionally, I’ve had to replace old resin fillings, but prevention has made all the difference.

My childhood experiences are one of the reasons I became a pediatric dentist. I know what it’s like to be scared of the dentist, and I know how powerful prevention can be.

Follow along for simple, practical tips to help keep your child’s smile healthy and cavity-free. Prevention is always easier than treatment.

Dental Anxiety in Children: How to Make Dentist Visits Easier

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:23:18 GMT

Dental Anxiety in Children:

How to Make Dentist Visits Easier

Many children experience dental anxiety, especially during their first dental visit. At Mini Tooth Kids Dentistry, we understand that a new environment, unfamiliar sounds, and fear of the unknown can make little ones feel nervous. Our goal is to help every child feel safe, comfortable, and confident.

Signs of Dental Anxiety

Your child may have dental anxiety if they:

Cry before or during the appointment
Refuse to open their mouth
Cling to a parent
Express fear about visiting the dentist

Tips to Reduce Dental Anxiety

Parents can help by:

Speaking positively about the dentist.
Scheduling morning appointments when children are well-rested.
Bringing a favorite comfort item, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, headphones, or sunglasses.
Avoiding words like “shot,” “pain,” or “hurt.”

How We Help

At Mini Tooth Kids Dentistry, we use gentle, child-friendly techniques to make dental visits fun and stress-free. We explain each step in simple language, move at your child’s pace, and celebrate every milestone. For children who need extra support, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be recommended to help them relax during treatment.

A positive first dental experience helps build healthy habits and confident smiles that last a lifetime. If your child is feeling nervous about visiting the dentist, we’re here to help every step of the way.