Children’s Dentistry
Looking after your children’s teeth – at Dhody Dental Care we believe it is very important to care for children’s teeth and to start good habits early.
The most common age at which children cut their first teeth is around 6 months. As soon as a tooth starts coming through, use a small baby toothbrush to clean the teeth.
It is really important that you book your son or daughter in for a check up with the dentist, to check the new teeth and the dentist will be able to give you the best advice on how to keep the new baby teeth clean and healthy.
Prevention of Decay and Damage
Although decay is preventable, some children still develop decay in their teeth, sometimes at a very early age. Prevention of decay can be achieved by correct, careful, and regular cleaning of the mouth, coupled to a sensible diet without too much or too frequent sugar intake. Fissure seals can be used to prevent naturally occurring defects in the surface of the teeth from decaying.
NEVER give a baby a sweetened drink or a dummy dipped in anything sweetened
If a child is given a sweetened drink in a bottle or uses a dummy dipped in honey, jam or syrup the front teeth may decay very quickly as they come through.
As your child grows up encourage a regular dental hygiene routine
Children under the age of seven or eight should be supervised when they clean their teeth, let them try themselves, then check and help them to clean any areas they may have missed. Use a good children’s toothbrush from a reputable firm. Try to clean your child’s teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before they go to bed at night. Discourage eating or drinking sweet things between meals and last thing at night. Too many sweets, soft drinks, cakes and biscuits will cause tooth decay.
Children can damage their teeth playing contact sports
All children who play contact sports should wear a mouthguard properly made and fitted by your dentist. If your child chips or breaks a tooth seek treatment as soon as possible. Chipped teeth can be painful and the root of the tooth could be damaged.
What you should do if your child gets toothache
During surgery hours, do not delay contact Reception for help.
If your child has toothache at night or weekends ring the Practice emergency number where help will always be available. Emergencies can often be avoided by regular dental check-ups for your child.