Children’s Dentistry
When should my child start visiting a dentist?
Following the guidance of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry we recommend that your child has their first dental check-up before their first birthday. We are also on hand for dietary advice (especially on the intake of sugars) and proper oral care recommendations.
The journey to a life of healthy teeth and gums starts even before your child requires dental care. The relationship between your child and their dentist is just as important as their level of skill and expertise. Discuss your own dental visits with your child to dispel the myths and stereotypical “fears” associated with dentistry. If they see you smiling after a dental visit, they are likely to do the same!
Top tips for baby teeth
Baby teeth function as “placeholders” for your child’s permanent teeth, and if a baby tooth is lost too early it can cause permanent teeth to grow into the empty space, making it difficult for other teeth to find room. This could lead to a variety of future dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces to name a few.
Did you know that baby teeth are just as susceptible to cavities as adult teeth? Start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day as soon as they emerge using a very thin film of high fluoride toothpaste (no less than 1,000 ppm / parts per million). Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by protecting the tooth against bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Although important that your child spits out the toothpaste, it is not necessary for them to rinse with water so that the excess fluoride can continue to protect their teeth.
Should my child be seeing an orthodontist?
Depending on the needs of your child, the age at which treatment may be undertaken can vary. Orthodontic treatment is generally carried out once all the adult teeth have emerged, however in certain cases early intervention can minimise or even avoid future orthodontic treatment. As a rule, around the age of 8 is an appropriate time for your child to be assessed by our specialist orthodontist who works closely with all our dentists.
Keep it going!
At The Dental Surgery we believe the key to lifelong good oral health starts with proper education, at an early age, on how to look after your own teeth and recognise any signs of declining oral health. During your child’s first and subsequent check-ups, our team of dentists, hygienists and specialists will spend time showing them proper brushing and flossing techniques, providing dietary advice (such as being aware of their sugar intake) and preventative treatment where necessary (such as fissure sealants, topical fluoride applications and oral hygiene vists). We aim to make their appointments positive and something to look forward to.
Preventive dental care for you children
There is no greater gift than that of good oral health, not only can this affect your child’s confidence but also alleviate future pain and extensive treatment.
School Talks
We cannot stress enough how important prevention is in dentistry, and we love spreading the word to our future generations. If you would like us to visit your child’s school for an Oral Health Education talk, please contact us here or call us on 020 3909 1690.
The proof is in the pudding (the sugar-free pudding)
Experiences from some of our first-time patients:
