Children develop rapidly, and during this time, they will gain, then lose, then acquire another set of teeth. With such a lot going on, it is essential that a dentist regularly examines your child’s teeth.
Establishing regular visits to the dentist will encourage children to care for their teeth from a young age, understand the importance of maintaining good oral health, and settle into a regular cleaning routine.
We advise that a child first visits the dentist as soon as their baby teeth have erupted. You should take your child to your Dental Practice from an early age so they can become familiar with the environment and all its sights, sounds, and smells.
Typically, if a dentist diagnoses an issue with a child’s teeth, it will relate to either their growth or condition.
As children’s teeth are almost always growing — first the milk teeth, then their adult teeth — issues can arise with the location of the teeth or the direction they grow in. Teeth can grow crooked due to genetics, thumb-sucking, or injury. Once they have finished growing in, we can correct misaligned teeth with braces.
Focusing on hygiene, tooth decay is a common diagnosis in children, primarily down to over-consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks. You can mitigate the effects of tooth decay by limiting the number of sugary treats your child can have each day and encouraging them only to consume sugar at mealtimes.
Children should get into the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day. You should brush their teeth for them while they are still too young to do it, using a toothbrush specially designed for children. Do not forget to clean the back surface of the teeth, and make sure to brush their tongue and gums too.
Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out after brushing. We recommend a fluoride toothpaste for optimal cavity protection.
Studies show that if parents introduce their child to a dentist at an early age, they are far less likely to develop anxiety around dental care later in life.
Our practice is a warm, welcoming environment for children. Our practitioners are friendly and informative, and our treatment rooms are bright and cheery, with the aim of making nervous patients as comfortable as possible.