The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec covers several dental services for children under 10, including emergency care.

Until the end of his 9 years, a child is entitled to one (1) dental examination per year covered by the RAMQ. Fillings, x-rays, and oral surgeries are also covered by the government plan.

Note, however, that cleaning, descaling, and fluoride application are not covered by the RAMQ for children under 10 years of age. In addition, sealants and preventive resin restorations (RPR) are never covered by the RAMQ. You will have to submit these fees to your insurance company and/or pay for them.

On average, the first tooth comes in around the age of six months. In most cases, the 20 primary teeth will have completed a full eruption by the toddler’s third year of age. The two lower central incisors are generally the first to come out.

Every child being different, teeth eruptions may go unnoticed or be accompanied by various discomforts or pains.

The most commonly observed signs during a dental flare are:

• Child salivates a lot
• Tendency to chew or carry his hands to his mouth
• Irritability
• Red cheeks
• Slightly swollen or reddened gum or presence of a cyst (small blue bubble)

What we recommend for pain relief:

• Rub the gums with a finger
• Offer a clean washcloth soaked in cold water to chew
• Give a refrigerated teething ring (not frozen since it could cause mouth injuries)

Please avoid the following:

• Gels
• Teething biscuits
• Raw vegetable

These may interfere with swallowing as well as being choking hazards.

Important

In no time should you underestimate a fever. A dental breakthrough does not cause fever. If your child is feverish or if his condition is deteriorating, please consult your doctor immediately.

Did you know?

Primary teeth are different from permanent dentition. The dental enamel is notably thinner, which makes it more prone to tooth decay. Hence the importance of adopting healthy habits of oral hygiene at an early stage.

Children typically have most of their teeth by the time they are two years old. Children can start brushing their own teeth once they get older and have better coordination. We encourage parents to supervise and assist kids with brushing as needed between the ages of two and six. The goal is to ensure that proper brushing technique is used and that all tooth surfaces are cleaned so that the risk of early childhood tooth decay is limited. Brushing twice a day and flossing are your best allies for maintaining a healthy mouth.

If you would like to use fluoride toothpaste, choose one that does not exceed 500 ppm. Toothpaste with 1000 ppm fluoride may be used for children over the age of six, depending on your dentist’s recommendations.

Parents should pay special attention to teeth located at the back of the mouth, since these often get missed during brushing. Did you know that children between the ages of six and 13 are more prone to cavities in their molars and pre-molars? A dental seal can help prevent bacteria from accumulating in the fissures on the biting surfaces of teeth.

It’s important to teach children good oral hygiene habits from a young age. A healthy mouth leads to better chewing, better overall health and increased self-esteem.