Children's Dentistry in NW Calgary
Comprehensive dental care from first tooth to teen years, in a calm, fun and judgement-free setting.
About Children's Dentistry at Bow River Dental
We offer comprehensive children's dentistry from first tooth to teen years, including checkups, cleanings, sealants and orthodontic referrals. If you are looking for children's dentistry in Calgary, Bow River Dental has a calm, kid-friendly team with behavior management training who treat kids of all needs.
This page is part of our kids dentist services. We recommend a first visit by age 1, and we make every appointment gentle, fun and educational so your child builds healthy habits for life.
Dental Care at Every Age
Children's dental needs change as they grow. Here is what we focus on at each stage.
Babies and Toddlers
The first visit by age 1 is about getting to know us. We look at your baby's gums and first teeth, check for early signs of decay, and talk with you about teething, feeding, pacifiers and how to clean tiny teeth. Early visits help your child feel safe at the dentist.
School-Age Children
As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, regular checkups and cleanings keep cavities away and let us watch how your child's teeth and bite develop. We can protect new molars with Sealants & Fluoride Treatment and hold space for adult teeth with Space Maintainers when a baby tooth is lost early.
Teens
Teens need care that fits an active life, from sports guards to help with wisdom teeth as they approach. We check for crowding and bite problems and provide orthodontic referrals when they are needed. Many teens also qualify for straightening options such as Invisalign®.
What Is Included
- Checkups and gentle cleanings
- Sealants and fluoride treatment
- Digital X-rays when needed
- Monitoring of how your child's teeth and jaw are growing
- Orthodontic referrals when they are needed
- A first visit by age 1
- A calm, kid-friendly team with behavior management training
- Care for kids of all needs
- Direct insurance billing
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
- 1A warm welcome. We say hello, show your child around and let them see the tools.
- 2Parent conversation. We ask about your child's health, habits and any worries.
- 3A gentle exam. We look at your child's teeth, gums, bite and jaw, sitting on your lap if that helps a young child.
- 4Cleaning and coaching. We clean your child's teeth and show them how to brush and floss.
- 5A plan for you. We explain what we found, how often to come back and how to care for your child's teeth at home.
Helping Your Child Look After Their Teeth
- Start cleaning your baby's gums with a soft cloth even before the first tooth arrives
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a tiny smear for young children
- Help your child brush and floss until they can do it well on their own
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
- Keep regular check-ups and cleanings
You can find more answers to common questions on our Parent FAQs page.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Your Child
- A calm, fun environment with kid-sized care
- A team with behavior management training that treats kids of all needs
- Back-to-back family appointments, from toddlers to grandparents under one roof
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted for eligible children
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Sealants & Fluoride Treatment: protection against cavities
- Space Maintainers: to guide adult teeth into place
- Check-Ups & Cleanings: regular exams and cleanings
- Sedation Dentistry: for anxious children when needed
Cost of Children's Dentistry
The cost of your child's care depends on the services they need, such as the type of exam, X-rays and any treatment, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your costs before we begin. We bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible children using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly and hold space for the adult teeth underneath. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection and problems for the adult teeth that follow. Healthy baby teeth also help children build good dental habits.
When do baby teeth come in and fall out?
Baby teeth usually begin to appear around 6 months of age, and most children have a full set of 20 by about age 3. They start to fall out around age 6, and the adult teeth follow through the early teens. Every child is different, and we track your child's teeth at each visit.
How should I brush my child's teeth?
Brush twice a day with a soft, child-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a tiny smear for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount from age 3 to 6, and help your child brush until they can do it well on their own, usually around age 7 or 8. Floss once a day when teeth start to touch.
Is thumb sucking or a pacifier bad for my child's teeth?
Thumb sucking and pacifier use are normal in babies and toddlers and usually cause no harm. If they continue past the time adult teeth come in, they can affect how the teeth and jaw develop. If you are concerned, we can advise you on gentle ways to help your child stop.
Can you treat children with special needs or dental anxiety?
Yes. Our calm, kid-friendly team has behavior management training and treats kids of all needs. We take the time to explain each step, go at your child's pace and involve you throughout. Sedation options are available when they are appropriate, and we review your child's health first.
Book Your Child's Appointment
Ready to start your child's dental journey? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for your family.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
Looking for a new dentist? We'd love to meet you.
We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.