Introducing your children to a great dental care routine will help them have healthy and beautiful teeth for longer
We place a strong emphasis on preventive dental care for all our patients, but pay extra special attention to those precious developing teeth of the youngest members of our practice, as we believe the foundations for having a healthy smile for life are set in childhood.
It is vital that you bring your child regularly even if you have a phobia of dentists yourself. The earlier you start bringing your child to the dentist, the more relaxed they will be and the less likely they are to need further or extensive treatment.
When should I first take my child to the dentist?
Teeth start to emerge at around six months and this is the best time to bring your little ones for their first check-up. However, you can bring your baby to your own routine check-ups as this can help them get used to the surroundings. An early introduction helps them get used to the sights, smells and sounds of the dental practice, as well as encouraging a more relaxed approach to attending appointments.
When will my child’s teeth appear?
All children are different and develop at different rates, however, the following is a general guide.
First teeth, also known as baby or milk teeth, start to appear at around six months. All 20 baby teeth should appear by the age of two and a half.
The first permanent adult molars (back teeth) will appear at about 6 years, before the first baby teeth start to fall out at about 6 to 7 years. The permanent adult teeth will then replace the baby teeth. It is usually the lower front teeth that are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth shortly after. All permanent teeth should be in place by the age of 14, except the wisdom teeth.
Home dental care for children
As well as regular visits to the dentist, an effective home care routine is essential for keeping developing healthy teeth. Your dentist can offer advice about how best to maintain the health of your child’s teeth between appointments.
You should start to clean teeth as soon as they appear using a toothbrush designed for children, with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste. As children get older, try to encourage them to brush their teeth regularly and remember they will need to be supervised so you can make sure they are cleaning their teeth properly.
NHS Treatment for children
Most treatments for children are covered by the NHS and are free of charge. Patients under 18 benefit from free dentistry, however some cosmetic treatments will incur a charge as they fall outside the NHS remit.