A family dentist looks after everyone in your home, from a toddler’s first visit to a grandparent’s dentures. At Barrie Heights Family Dentistry, Dr. Rebeca Riojas-Ozturk, our general and family dentist, sees patients of every age at 352 Yonge St.
This page walks through what family dentistry covers at each stage of life, why it can help to keep the whole family at one office, and what to expect when you book.
What does family dentistry cover?
Family dentistry brings preventive, restorative and general care together under one roof. Preventive care keeps problems from starting: checkups, cleanings, X-rays when they are needed, and advice for home care. Restorative care repairs teeth that are already damaged, with treatments such as fillings, crowns and root canal therapy.
General care sits in between. It is the everyday work of keeping an eye on each tooth, the gums and the bite over the years. For a full list of what we provide, see our services page.
When should a child first see the dentist?
A good time for a first visit is within six months of the first tooth appearing, or around the first birthday. That first appointment is short and gentle. It is mostly a chance for your child to sit in the chair, meet the team and get used to the sounds and sights of a dental office.
It is also a chance for parents to ask questions. Teething, thumb sucking, bottles at bedtime and how much toothpaste to use are all common topics. Starting early means small problems can be spotted while they are still small.
How do you help children feel at ease?
Children’s dentistry is about pace as much as treatment. We explain what is happening in simple words, show children the tools before using them, and keep early visits short. A child who has calm, ordinary visits from the start is more likely to stay comfortable at the dentist later on.
Baby teeth matter even though they fall out. They hold space for the adult teeth, help with chewing and speech, and can still get cavities that hurt. Your child’s dentist may suggest fluoride or sealants, a thin protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, to help reduce the risk of decay.
What changes during the teen years?
Teenagers have most of their adult teeth, busy schedules and, often, new habits that affect their mouths. Sports drinks, snacking and less supervised brushing can all raise the risk of decay. Regular checkups help catch changes before they become larger repairs.
Teens who play contact sports can benefit from a custom athletic mouthguard. The teen years are also when we watch how the wisdom teeth are developing, and when some families ask about straightening. Mild crowding or spacing can sometimes be treated with Invisalign clear aligners, and we will refer you when a specialist’s care is needed.
What do adults usually need from their dentist?
For most adults, the focus is keeping natural teeth healthy for the long run. That means regular hygiene visits, checking older fillings and crowns, and watching the gums. Gum disease often causes no pain in its early stages, so a checkup is often the first place it is noticed. Where it is found, non-surgical gum therapy may help.
Adults also tend to bring up concerns such as grinding, jaw discomfort or headaches on waking. We look at these as part of a regular exam, and you can read more on our TMJ and TMD therapy page. If you are interested in changing how your smile looks, our cosmetic dentistry page explains the options.
How is dental care different for older adults?
As people get older, the mouth changes. Gums can recede and expose the roots of teeth, which are softer and more prone to decay. Many common medications cause a dry mouth, and less saliva means less natural protection for the teeth.
Older patients may also be looking after crowns, bridges or dentures that need checking and adjusting over time. We provide dentures, dental bridges and implant restoration. Please bring an up-to-date list of medications to each visit, since some affect dental treatment.
Why can it help to keep the whole family at one office?
The bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease can pass between people through saliva, for example by sharing spoons or cups. For that reason, preventive care for partners and family members together is often recommended. When one person has active decay or gum problems, it is worth checking the people they live with.
There are practical benefits too. One office keeps one set of family records, which helps the dentist notice patterns, such as several children with deep grooves in their back teeth.
How often should each person come in?
Many people are seen for a checkup and cleaning about every six months, but this is not the same for everyone. Someone with healthy gums and few fillings may be fine with longer gaps. Someone with gum disease, a dry mouth or frequent cavities may need to come more often.
Each patient’s preventive plan is based on their own mouth. Your dentist will suggest a schedule for each person and explain why.
Can we be seen in another language?
Our team speaks English, Spanish, French and Urdu. If someone in your family is more comfortable in one of these languages, let us know when you book. Spanish-speaking families can read more on our Spanish-speaking dentist page.
How do insurance and the CDCP work for families?
Most families use a mix of workplace insurance, government plans and direct payment. Bring each person’s insurance details to the first visit and we can explain what to expect before treatment begins.
Barrie Heights Family Dentistry participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our CDCP page explains how to use that coverage at our office.
What if someone in the family has a dental emergency?
Toothaches, knocked-out teeth and broken fillings rarely happen at a convenient time. Call the office as soon as you can and describe what happened. Our emergency dentist page explains what to do while you wait, and our same-day dentist page covers urgent visits.
If there is swelling spreading to the face or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Who will we see?
Dr. Rebeca Riojas-Ozturk owns and leads Barrie Heights Family Dentistry, and has served families in the Simcoe region for more than two decades. You can read more about her on Dr. Riojas-Ozturk’s page and about the people you may meet at the front desk and in the hygiene rooms on our team page.
How do I book appointments for my family?
Call Barrie Heights Family Dentistry at (705) 730-0721, or send a request through our appointment request page. Let us know how many people you would like to book and their ages. We are at 352 Yonge St, Barrie, ON L4N 4C8.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should my child first see a family dentist?
A first visit is usually suggested within six months of the first tooth appearing, or around the first birthday. Early visits are short and help children get used to the dental office.
Do you see patients of all ages?
Yes. Barrie Heights Family Dentistry provides dental care for children, teens, adults and seniors, from a first visit to dentures.
Why should my partner have a checkup if only I have cavities?
The bacteria that cause decay and gum disease can pass between people through saliva. Checking partners and family members together helps catch problems early for everyone in the home.
How often should my family have checkups?
Many people come in about every six months, but the right interval depends on each person’s teeth and gums. Your dentist will suggest a schedule for each family member.
Can my family be seen in Spanish?
Yes. Our team speaks English, Spanish, French and Urdu. Let us know your preferred language when you book.
