Dental Care for Children

Focusing on prevention. Dental decay in children is very common and recent surveys have shown that one in four children have some element of tooth decay. This can lead to numerous problems such as pain, difficulty sleeping and days missed at school. Children’s teeth are more susceptible to decay which is why it is very important to attend a dentist regularly.

At our clinic we always want a child’s visit to be a positive experience alleviating any fears about coming to see a dentist.

When Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?

First check-up

A child should be seen by a dentist for a check-up as soon as the teeth begin to erupt. This is to ensure that they begin good oral hygiene habits, prevent decay and there are no problems with missing teeth or crooked teeth.

Experiencing dark or discoloured teeth

Teeth can sometimes become dark or discoloured due to staining, decay or if they have been knocked / traumatised. Try to clean them and see if the stain is removable with brushing. If the tooth is painful, it will need to be looked at by a dentist.

Facial swelling

A facial swelling that arises quite quickly is usually a sign of an infection which can occur for a variety of reasons. If the swelling is present around the gums of painful teeth, this is usually because of a dental infection which needs to be assessed by a dentist. It is advisable to attend your dentist as soon as possible, as the infection can spread which can make a child unwell.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent Tooth Decay in Children’s Teeth?

The most important factors for tooth decay are diet, toothbrushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste. If possible ensure the diet isn’t rich in sugary foods and that they brush regularly twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste.