Our Services

Great Dental Habits Start Young

We make children's dental visits something to look forward to — not dread. A positive first experience sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Pediatric Dentistry at West Broadway Dental, Kitsilano

At West Broadway Dental, we love seeing little smiles. Dr. Sharma has extensive experience working with children and has built a practice environment in Kitsilano that is warm, welcoming, and genuinely kid-friendly. We believe that a child's first dental experiences shape their attitude toward oral health for life — so we take the time to explain, demonstrate, and go at each child's pace rather than rushing through procedures. We recommend a child's first visit around age one, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, in line with guidelines from the Canadian Dental Association. From that first visit through to their teenage years, we're here to monitor development, prevent problems, and make every appointment a positive one.

Transparent pricing

Children's preventive dental care — checkups, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants — is often covered at 100% under family dental plans. We direct-bill your insurance and keep parents informed of any out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with treatment. BC's Healthy Kids program may cover care for eligible children; ask our front desk for details.

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Common concerns we see

Early Childhood Cavities
Baby bottle tooth decay and frequent snacking on sugary foods make young children susceptible to cavities. Early treatment is essential — baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, and untreated decay can affect developing adult teeth below the surface.
Dental Anxiety
Many children feel anxious about dental visits, especially if they've had an unpleasant experience elsewhere. Our team uses age-appropriate language, a show-tell-do approach, and a calm, unhurried manner to help children feel safe and in control.
Thumb-Sucking & Pacifier Habits
Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond age three can alter jaw development and tooth position. Dr. Sharma monitors these habits and advises parents on gentle, effective strategies to encourage children to stop at the right time.
Sports Injuries & Knocked-Out Teeth
Active children in Vancouver's sports communities are at risk for dental trauma. Custom-fitted sports guards from West Broadway Dental offer far superior protection compared to store-bought versions, and we see children promptly for any dental injury.

How the treatment works

The First Visit (Age 1–2)
The first appointment is brief, fun, and focused on familiarisation. We do a gentle exam with the child on the parent's lap, count their teeth, and take the opportunity to talk with parents about feeding habits, brushing technique, and what to expect as more teeth come in.
Regular Monitoring & Preventive Care
As children grow, we track jaw and tooth development at every checkup using digital X-rays when appropriate. Professional cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, and fissure sealants on newly erupted permanent molars protect teeth during the cavity-prone childhood years.
Education & Home-Care Coaching
We teach children how to brush and floss in a way that actually sticks — demonstrations, the right-sized tools, and praise go a long way. We also coach parents on diet, nighttime routines, and when to wean off bottles or pacifiers.
Transitioning to Adult Care
As teenagers approach adulthood, we begin addressing concerns like wisdom teeth, orthodontic needs, and sports guard recommendations. The transition to full adult dental care is seamless — many of our pediatric patients stay with us for life.

Common questions about pediatric dentistry

When should my child have their first dental visit?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing, or by their first birthday. Early visits let Dr. Sharma catch any issues early and, just as importantly, help your child build a positive, comfortable relationship with the dentist from the start.

My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you help?

Yes — helping anxious children feel safe is something our team does every day. We use a gentle show-tell-do approach, offer lots of positive reinforcement, and never pressure a child through a procedure. For children with significant anxiety, we can discuss additional options like nitrous oxide sedation.

Do baby teeth really matter? They're just going to fall out.

They matter enormously. Baby teeth hold the space needed for permanent teeth to erupt in the right positions, help children chew and speak properly, and contribute to healthy jaw development. Decay in baby teeth can also affect the developing permanent tooth below it.

At what age should my child start flossing?

Flossing should begin as soon as two teeth touch side by side — which can happen as early as age two or three. Parents should floss for their children until around age six or seven, when fine motor skills are developed enough for kids to do it themselves (with supervision).

Does my child need dental sealants?

Sealants are a highly effective preventive measure for newly erupted permanent molars, which have deep grooves that are hard to clean thoroughly. The application is quick, painless, and significantly reduces the risk of cavities in those teeth. Dr. Sharma will recommend sealants when the timing is right for your child.