When you have children, you will of course want to do everything that you can to ensure that they are as healthy as possible in every way. This will include having their teeth checked regularly. By doing this, you can ensure that their teeth are taken care of, and also that they will get into good habits regarding dental care to carry through into their adult lives. We have a huge amount of experience in providing dental care for children and have a wide range of services that we can offer to you.
What is the object of dental visits for children?
As an adult, you may find that you visit the dentist when there is an issue that you would like us to take a look at. With children, we like to focus much more on the prevention of future issues, and this means getting into the routine of regular check-ups.
What kind of treatments can you offer to children?
We have a wide range of treatments available to children, including:
- Fluoride treatments to prevent future tooth decay
- Corrective treatments for underbites and tooth alignment (this could include braces, though these are only likely to be recommended once your child reaches their teens)
- Tooth extraction where teeth are too crowded
- Fillings where necessary
- Root canal, which can be required as the result of trauma, such as an accident while playing sports
When is the right time for my child to start seeing the dentist?
Ideally, you should start to bring your child to us as soon as you see their first tooth start to emerge. This is so that we can make sure that all progress is as it should be, with every tooth that comes through. Not only this, but bringing your child to us from a very young age can help them to get used to the room, the sights, the smells, and the sounds that might be involved with dental treatment. The sooner they get used to this, the less chance there is of them developing a phobia as they get older.
How regular should children’s dental appointments be?
Just like adults, we recommend that children attend dental appointments twice per year. We can be flexible with appointments to ensure that they do not need to miss school, and we are also able to see both you and your child at the same time if this would make things easier for you.
When should brushing be encouraged?
From as soon as your child gets their first tooth, there will be a chance for that tooth to get damaged or stained. This means that brushing is essential right from the start. There are a number of toothpaste brands that produce pastes for children, which have a milder flavour than adult pastes. You should put a small dab of this on a toothbrush, and gently brush the teeth that have come through.
Again, by getting into this kind of habit from the start, and brushing twice a day no matter what, your child will then be well into the habit by the time they start to do it for themselves.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
Children can often be scared of what is unfamiliar to them, and if they’re in school they might also have heard ‘scary’ stories about dentists. This is not a problem, and we will always do everything that we can to put your child at ease. This can include talking them through everything that we’re doing, using distraction techniques, and even allowing them to sit on your knee for their treatment if they are small enough.
At the end of the visit, your child will be rewarded with a sticker, which should act as an incentive for them to return for their check-ups in the future. Our team are very experienced when it comes to dealing with children who have developed dental phobia, so there is no need for you to worry.
Whether you are bringing your child to the dentist for the first time, or whether it is their first time with us due to relocation, they are more than welcome. Just give us a call to make your appointment, and we will look forward to seeing you.
Call on 020 7485 3711 to find out how our team can help you improve your smile.
