Caring for the Smiles
Doctor Little Smiles
Dr. Nikhil (Nik) Sharma is a dedicated Pediatric dentist and a dedicated advocate for oral health. His unwavering passion lies in the promotion of early oral health practices.
His journey into dentistry commenced with a five-year program at McGill University. Following this, Dr. Nik embarked on an intense one-year residency at the Montreal Children's Hospital, a level one trauma center. It was during this residency that he found his calling as a Pediatric dentist. He continued his education with a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, New York. Upon successfully completing his studies and board exams, he returned to Montreal as a board-certified pediatric dentist.
In Montreal, Dr. Nik practiced part-time in both a private clinic and at McGill as the director of a Hospital Residency program. As the program director, he not only trained new dentists in providing exemplary pediatric care but also managed numerous patients himself in the hospital setting, on the wards and in the operating room. Several years later, he transitioned to full-time practice as a Pediatric dentist and clinic director in the Greater Toronto Area.
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What are cavities?
Tooth decay, commonly referred to as cavities, is a chronic disease initiated by acid-producing bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans.
These bacteria thrive on food particles, particularly those high in sugars and starches, and in turn, they generate acid that erodes tooth enamel. This ongoing acid exposure results in the development of small holes and enamel damage, ultimately leading to the formation of cavities.
Nevertheless, our oral cavity and saliva contain components that counteract this acid and combat harmful bacteria. Additionally, minerals and elements found in saliva, along with the inclusion of anti-cavity agents like fluoride in toothpaste, collectively contribute to the restoration of weakened enamel.
The equilibrium between enamel demineralization (breakdown) and remineralization (re-building) is influenced by our dietary choices, oral hygiene practices, and the quality of our mouth and teeth. An imbalance in this process increases the likelihood of cavities.
What are cavities?
Prevention Over Treatment
Preventing tooth decay in children yields numerous advantages, including the avoidance of discomfort, stress, and expenses, alongside the promotion of good oral habits and overall well-being. Preventative measures spare children from the pain and anxiety associated with dental procedures such as fillings, offering a less invasive and time-efficient alternative.
Moreover, prevention preserves a child's natural teeth and upholds their alignment and bite integrity. By instilling preventive practices at home, children acquire valuable oral hygiene and dietary habits from an early age, fostering long-term oral and overall health while lowering the risk of various dental issues, including gum disease.
Prevention Factors
GOOD NEWS! Tooth decay is a preventable disease, and this prevention can be achieved by managing the multiple factors that contribute to the formation of cavities: Diet, Bacteria, Host, and Time. It is essential to regulate our dietary choices and eating habits, reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in our mouths, all while maintaining a conducive oral environment and healthy dentition.
Diet & Dietary Habits
Choose your snacks wisely, as they can either fuel cavity-causing bacteria or help clean your teeth - opt for tooth-friendly choices like cheese, nuts, and celery to keep your smile bright!
Hygiene Routine & Products
Prevent cavities with a daily dental defense: brush and floss to banish plaque, fortify enamel with toothpaste's anti-cavity heroes, and team up with dental pros for extra protection!
Your Mouth & Teeth
Preventing childhood cavities requires more than diet and hygiene; it's about understanding host factors like saliva, oral microbiome, enamel strength, and overall health, for comprehensive cavity defense.
See What Others Are Saying
“My wife and I have a child who recently turned 1. Thankfully, we stumbled into Dr. Nik Sharma during one of his informative talks on social media. We reached out to Dr. Sharma to see if he could see our son for his first visit. He responded very quickly and scheduled us in on short notice. Dr. Sharma was very professional, friendly, and great with kids. Highly knowledgeable and took the time to patiently answer all of our questions. Since our visit, we have learned a lot about our son's dental care, and he actually loves brushing now after receiving tips and tricks from Dr. Sharma.”
John Khoushoo
Toronto, Canada
“Dr.Nik has been a great help to me from day one as he made me aware of when I need to start looking after my son's teeth. He has continued to provide lots of helpful tips and suggestions through his social media platforms. He is also always readily available to respond to any queries I've had and is very knowledgeable. He clearly knows and understands children which is what makes his advice so practical and helpful. Thank you for your help Dr. Nik!”
Marina Banks
Manchester, UK
“Dr Sharma has been a gem for me. As a mother of a toddler and a dentist, he has been my go to resource when I need information about prevention, good dental hygiene, diagnosis and even resources for treatments. He is quick to provide evidence based ressources and information that are available and easy to understand and apply. He provides interesting information about dental products and how to use them, for dentists and parents. And always with a smile!”