Children

Your child’s first visit to the dentist must be a pleasant experience, as a bad first impression may last a lifetime. Bringing a child when there is no emergency will make the visit an enjoyable experience. You should first take your child to visit the dentist as early as possible, and then take them for regular six-monthly check-ups. This will help to keep their teeth healthy for life.

The causes of tooth decay in children are the same as in adults, but because children’s teeth are smaller, decay can reach the nerve and cause pain very quickly. Help your child to brush their teeth until they are able to do it well by themselves, usually around the age of seven. Remember to encourage your child, as praise often gets results.

Our aim is to get your child through to 18 with a filling-free healthy mouth. We work with you and your child to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to make this achievable. We can offer relative analgesia (laughing-gas) to assist with treatments on younger or more nervous children.

Children and young adults under 21 are seen on an NHS basis, unless otherwise requested. It is not necessary for a parent to be registered with the practice for your child to be seen.

Cleaning your child’s teeth

• Stand or sit behind your child, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily.
• When the first teeth start to come through, use a children’s toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste.
• It is important to supervise your child’s brushing until they are at least seven.
• Once all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular movements, and try to concentrate on one section at a time.
• Don’t forget to brush gently behind the teeth and onto the gums.
• If possible, make tooth brushing a routine preferably in the morning and last thing before your child goes to bed.

Remember to encourage your child, as praise will often get results.