Children’s Dentistry – Caring for Young Smiles

WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST?

It’s best to take your child to the dentist as soon as their first baby teeth appear. This helps them get used to the dentist and feel comfortable in the clinic. The dentist can also give advice on preventing tooth decay and spotting any early signs of oral health problems. Even just letting the dentist take a quick look inside their mouth is great practice for future visits.

After the first appointment, your child should have regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist to keep their teeth healthy.

Extra Protection for Growing Teeth

To help protect your child’s permanent teeth as they come through (usually from age six or seven), a fissure sealant can be applied. This is a clear, plastic coating that covers the deep grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, stopping bacteria from getting in and helping to prevent decay.

Fluoride varnish is another great way to strengthen young teeth. This is painted onto the tooth surface to make the enamel stronger and more resistant to cavities.

Looking After Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Along with regular dental visits, taking care of your child’s teeth at home is just as important. Here are some simple oral health care tips:

• Start early: When your baby’s first teeth appear, gently wipe them with a clean, damp flannel. As more teeth come through, use a soft toothbrush with a tiny smear of toothpaste. From age three to six, increase this to a pea-sized amount.
• Brush properly: Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes, twice a day, especially before bedtime. A child-friendly timer can help make brushing more fun.
• Supervise brushing: Help your child brush their teeth until they are around seven or eight years old to make sure they are doing it correctly. Even after that, it’s a good idea to check they are still using the right technique.
• Introduce flossing: By the time your child is around three or four years old, their teeth will start touching, meaning flossing is needed to clean between them properly.
• Watch their sugar intake: Keep an eye on how much sugar your child eats and drinks, and avoid giving them sugary drinks in a bottle, especially at night.

Lifelong Healthy Smiles

Taking your child to the dentist from an early age, keeping up a good home care routine, and encouraging healthy eating habits will help them develop strong, healthy teeth that last a lifetime.

Would you like to book a dental check-up for your child? Let’s start their journey to a happy, healthy smile! 😊