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    Pediatric Dental Services in Windsor-Essex

    Led by Dr. Samita Gumber, Growing Smiles Children's Dentistry provides comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and teens at our LaSalle and Windsor locations.

    Preventive Dental Care for Children

    Preventive care is the foundation of your child's lifelong oral health. At Growing Smiles, we focus on stopping dental problems before they start through regular checkups, professional cleanings, and education tailored to each child's age and development.

    During a preventive visit, Dr. Gumber examines your child's teeth, gums, and jaw development. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone cannot eliminate. We take the time to teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques in a fun, encouraging way.

    What preventive care includes:

    • Dental exams and cleanings — comprehensive oral examination with gentle professional cleaning, typically recommended every six months
    • Fluoride treatments — professional-strength fluoride varnish applied after cleaning to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities
    • Dental sealants — thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars), which are most vulnerable to decay. Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%
    • Oral hygiene education — age-appropriate instruction on brushing, flossing, and nutrition to build healthy habits at home
    • Digital X-rays — low-radiation imaging to detect issues not visible during a visual exam, including cavities between teeth and developmental concerns

    The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday. Early preventive visits allow Dr. Gumber to monitor growth, identify potential concerns early, and establish a positive relationship with dental care.

    Restorative Dentistry for Children

    When cavities or damage occur, Dr. Gumber provides gentle restorative treatments to repair your child's teeth and prevent further problems. All restorative procedures at Growing Smiles are performed with your child's comfort as the top priority.

    Restorative services include:

    • Tooth-colored fillings — natural-looking composite fillings that blend with your child's tooth, used to repair cavities while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible
    • Pediatric crowns — stainless steel or tooth-colored crowns to restore and protect teeth with extensive decay or damage
    • Space maintainers — custom devices placed when a baby tooth is lost early to hold the space for the permanent tooth, preventing misalignment
    • Pulp therapy — treatment for teeth with deep decay affecting the nerve, allowing the tooth to be preserved rather than extracted

    Treating cavities in baby teeth is important even though these teeth will eventually fall out. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth underneath. Early treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more comfortable for your child.

    Emergency Pediatric Dental Care

    Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Growing Smiles offers same-day emergency appointments for children experiencing dental pain, trauma, or other urgent oral health concerns. Call 519-800-4500 immediately if your child has a dental emergency.

    Common pediatric dental emergencies we treat:

    • Toothache or dental pain — prompt evaluation to identify the cause and provide relief
    • Knocked-out tooth — time-sensitive treatment. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist (in milk or saliva) and see us within 30 minutes for the best chance of reimplantation
    • Chipped or broken tooth — repair or restoration depending on the extent of damage
    • Dental abscess or infection — drainage and treatment to prevent spread of infection
    • Object caught between teeth — safe removal when flossing cannot dislodge the object

    Dr. Gumber's specialized training in pediatric dentistry means she is experienced in managing dental trauma and emergencies specific to children, including injuries to developing teeth and the unique considerations of treating young patients in pain.

    Dental Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs

    Dr. Gumber is deeply passionate about providing inclusive dental care for children with special health care needs. With specialized training and a keen awareness of the unique challenges these children and their families face, she creates an accommodating, understanding, and patient dental experience for every child.

    Children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing differences, and other developmental or physical challenges often require a tailored approach to dental care. Dr. Gumber takes the time to understand each child's specific needs and adapts her approach accordingly.

    Our approach includes:

    • Individualized treatment plans that account for your child's specific conditions and sensitivities
    • Desensitization visits to help children become comfortable with the dental environment at their own pace
    • Modified communication techniques and visual aids
    • Flexible scheduling to accommodate your family's needs
    • Hospital-based dentistry at Windsor Regional Hospital for children who require general anesthesia for dental treatment

    We welcome families to visit our office before their appointment to familiarize their child with the environment. Please call us at 519-800-4500 to discuss your child's specific needs so we can prepare accordingly.

    Early Intervention & Orthodontic Evaluation

    The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, Dr. Gumber can identify developing bite problems, crowding, and jaw growth issues while there is still time to guide development and potentially reduce the need for extensive treatment later.

    Early intervention services:

    • Orthodontic screening — evaluation of tooth alignment, bite, and jaw growth
    • Space maintainers — prevent teeth from shifting into gaps left by early tooth loss
    • Habit counseling — guidance for thumb sucking, tongue thrust, and other oral habits that can affect dental development
    • Referral coordination — when orthodontic treatment is needed, we coordinate with trusted orthodontists in the Windsor-Essex area

    Your Child's First Dental Visit

    The Canadian Dental Association recommends that a child's first dental visit occur within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday. This early visit establishes a dental home for your child and allows Dr. Gumber to check for early signs of decay, assess oral development, and provide guidance on oral hygiene for infants and toddlers.

    What to expect at the first visit:

    • A gentle examination of your child's teeth, gums, and bite in a comfortable, low-pressure environment
    • Assessment of oral development and any early concerns
    • Discussion of teething, pacifier use, bottle habits, and nutrition
    • Guidance on cleaning your baby's teeth and preventing early childhood cavities
    • An opportunity for your child to become familiar with the dental office, building comfort for future visits

    Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay with their child throughout the visit. Our goal is to make this first experience positive and stress-free, setting the stage for a lifetime of good dental health.

    Ready to Book Your Child's Appointment?

    Growing Smiles is accepting new patients at both our LaSalle and Windsor locations. No referral needed.