When Should A Child First Go To The Dentist?

If you have kids, you no doubt want them to have the healthiest smiles they can – which of course means looking after their mouth, teeth and gums. There’s lots you can do to help your child stay happy and healthy at home, and we’ve got some great ideas on this (which we’ll cover shortly). In the meantime, though, what can we do as dentists? And when – and how often – should your child visit? Read on to find out.

When should my child first visit the dentist?

The NHS recommends going to your dentist when your baby’s first milk teeth erupt (the medical term for growing through the gums). As well as checking over these first tiny teeth, your dentist can help them feel comfortable and familiar in the dentist’s chair and get to used to being in the dental practice. It’s important that prior to this, you’ve helped your baby used to teeth brushing. Our team is trained in caring for kids and has lots of tricks and tips for getting little ones settled and relaxed.

Why should I take them to the dentist?

Not only can we help with the above, but it helps us build a relationship with you – the parent or carer. We’ll be able to offer advise on getting reluctant brushers to clean their teeth, or which products (toothpaste, toothbrush etc) might be appropriate for your child’s age.

What treatments do dentists do on children?

There are a few main things dentists typically do for kids. These include:

• Checking the positioning of teeth and bite alignment
• Checking for signs of decay or oral health problems
• Giving the teeth a professional clean
• ‘Painting’ fluoride varnish over teeth for extra protection
• Dental work as needed, such as extractions or fillings

How can I encourage my kid to brush?

We’ve lots up our sleeve to help little ones brush their teeth – remember that they should be doing this twice a day for two minutes a time. Here are some ideas:

• Let kids choose their own colour toothbrush. You’ll need to make sure it’s for the right age or stage.
• Try a flavoured toothpaste from a reputable brand, like Colgate or Oral-B.
• Give kids a mirror so they can watch themselves brush. This can also help them check those hard-to-reach areas.
• Show children how it’s done. Leading by example is very powerful, as kids love to copy.
• Hold their hand as they brush, to help guide them around their mouth.
• Use fun stickers or a reward chart for when they do a good job, and remember to stay positive.

How do I book with your dental practice?

Talk to our team today and we’ll arrange an appointment here at our dental practice in Marylebone.