Children's dentistry
When should I bring my child for a check up?
Between age two and three is probably the earliest, although we encourage you to bring the children along to your own check ups from as early as possible.
Research has shown children who see their parents attending are less anxious when it comes to their own check up. They are also easily influenced by the parents attitudes to coming to the dentist and will pick up very quickly if you show signs yourself of being anxious. Try to talk positively about the dentist, emphasising all the benefits of a healthy diet and good tooth brushing. Bring them for regular check ups six monthly.
What can I do to help prevent decay?
Decay is caused by bacteria (found in plaque) using sugar in your diet to dissolve a susceptible tooth surface, causing a cavity and toothache. Prevention is aimed at reducing the frequency of sugar intake and reducing the number of bacteria by good brushing.
- - Limit sweets and chocolate to one day of the week only and brush afterwards. Sticky chewy sweets and lollies are generally worst because they stay on the teeth for a long time afterwards.
- - Stick to three meals a day and avoid snacking in between, or after school
- - Encourage your child to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetable a day
- - Avoid fizzy drinks (including ‘diet’ varieties) and squash and encourage milk or water.
- - Your dentist will place fissure sealants on permanent back teeth to prevent decay. These are applied as a white paint which sets under a special light.
For up to date dietry advice please visit the website of our recommended dietician www.anitaattala.co.uk
Encourage your child to brush thoroughly for two minutes twice a day with supervision, and brush for them up to the age of about six.
My child needs a filling and I am worried how they will cope with treatment.
Many children cope exceptionally well with having fillings or fissure sealants. We use ‘bubble gum’ cream to numb the gum before giving any injections and use the ‘show, tell, do’ technique to help relieve any anxiety.
Thankfully the days of ‘gas’ at the dentists for fillings or extractions are long gone and gas is only used now within dental hospitals in extreme circumstances.
It is important for parents to try and avoid passing on any of their own anxiety about having treatment and to be positive about the upcoming appointment and make any suggested dietary changes to avoid further problems.
Coming to the dentist can be fun! If a child reaches 18 never had decay, they are unlikely to ever need fillings and feel confident about their smile.
Should my child be wearing a brace?
We screen every child for the correct number and position of teeth appropriate to their age. If necessary, we refer to our orthodontist, Mr Erik Osborne who runs an orthodontic clinic from Kingswalk dental practice every other Saturday. Visit www.northodontics.co.uk for further information.
