Child Dentistry
Children's Dentistry
Looking after the oral health of your family is a priority at High Street Dental Practice. It is vital that children understand why and how to keep their teeth and gums clean. Our team of dentist at High Street Dental Practice are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to the oral health of children.
We offer the following services
- Fluoride treatments – protect and strengthen the teeth
- Sealants – to protect the back teeth from decay
- Advice around dummy use and thumb sucking
- Child friendly general dentistry to make our younger patients feel safe and secure
When should my child start visiting the dentist?
Following the guidance of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your child has their first dental check-up before their first birthday. We are also on hand for dietary advice (especially on the intake of sugars) and proper oral care recommendations.
The journey to a life of healthy teeth and gums starts even before your child requires dental care. The relationship between your child and their dentist is just as important as their level of skill and expertise. Discuss your own dental visits with your child to dispel the myths and stereotypical “fears” associated with dentistry. If they see you smiling after a dental visit, they are likely to do the same!
At High Street Dental in Burntwood, we believe the key to lifelong good oral health starts with proper education, at an early age, on how to look after your own teeth and recognise any signs of declining oral health. During your child’s first and subsequent check-ups, our team of dentists, hygienists, and specialists will spend the time showing them how to properly brush and flossing their teeth, providing dietary advice (such as being aware of their sugar intake) and preventative treatment where necessary (such as fissure sealants, topical fluoride applications and oral hygiene visits). We aim to make their appointments positive and something to look forward to.
Preventive dental care for your children
We fully appreciate that some children dread going to the dentist and we all know, unpleasant dental appointments at a young age can have an impact on how you feel about the dentist for many years. So we do our utmost to provide a friendly environment where your son or daughter will feel comfortable from the moment they step through our front door and hopefully even enjoy the visit. We like to allow plenty of time at the initial consultation in order to get to know the children, assess their needs then introduce them to good dental habits
There is no greater gift than that of good oral health, not only can this affect your child’s confidence but also alleviate future pain and extensive treatment in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes It is possible to grow up cavity free with good oral hygiene, biannual cleanings, and regular dental check-ups, the application of dental sealants, regular fluoride treatments and a healthy diet.
Cavities in young children and teenagers typically develop on the back molars because plaque accumulates in the grooves of these teeth. Your child’s dentist will apply sealants to the surface of the molars as soon as they come in to help seal out decay.
Children should be seen at the dentist as soon as the teeth begin to erupt. This is to ensure that they are maintaining good oral hygiene habits, there is no decay and they’re no problems with missing teeth or crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth are very common and can result in crowded teeth and bite discrepancies. If picked up early on they can be treated much more straightforwardly without having extensive (and often costly) orthodontic treatment later on in life.
The most important factors which are related to tooth decay are diet, toothbrushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste.
Frequent snacking of sugary foods can result in tooth decay. Eating healthy and in moderation is the best advice a dentist can give. Even fruits in excessive consumption can result in tooth erosion due to their acidity.
Toothbrushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste removes the plaque debris and harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, fluoride increases the resistance of teeth to decay.
Children have fewer teeth than adults and are much smaller in size. Due to their anatomy they will be more susceptible to decay which is why it is very important to visit a dentist regularly, ensure the diet isn’t rich in sugary foods and that they brush regularly twice a day with a fluoride based toothpaste.
There are many different types of children’s toothbrushes. These include brightly coloured brushes, ones that change colour, ones with favourite characters on the handle, and some with a timer. These all encourage children to brush their teeth. The most important point is to use a small-headed toothbrush with soft, nylon bristles, suitable for the age of your child.