What is it?
Children’s dental care includes check-ups, cleaning, advice for parents, preventive treatments such as fluoride, and treatment of cavities in baby and permanent teeth. We explain each step in simple words so children know what to expect.
When might you need it?
- A first visit once the first teeth appear, or by around the first birthday
- Regular check-ups as advised by the dentist
- Visible spots, holes or tooth pain
- Questions about thumb-sucking, teething or how teeth are coming in
How it works
- A friendly introduction to the chair and instruments
- A gentle check of teeth and gums
- Cleaning and fluoride if suitable
- Advice for parents on brushing, diet and habits
- Treatment, if needed, planned at the child’s pace
Possible benefits
- Finding problems early, while they are small
- Children build a positive feeling about dental visits
- Practical advice for the whole family
Limits and things to know
- Some children need more than one visit to feel comfortable
- Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection
- Treatment may need to be adapted to the child’s age and cooperation
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste suitable for the child’s age
- Help with brushing until children can do it well themselves
- Limit sweets and sugary drinks, especially between meals
- Avoid putting a child to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice
Questions about Children’s dentistry
When should my child first see a dentist?
When the first teeth appear, or by around the first birthday. Early visits are short and mainly about checking and advice.
Do baby teeth really need fillings?
Often yes. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection and affect the adult teeth underneath. The dentist will advise on the best option.
My child is afraid. What can I do?
Tell us before the visit. We go slowly, explain in simple words and can split treatment into shorter visits.
Good to know
Stay positive when talking about the dentist at home, and avoid words like “pain” or “needle”. A parent or guardian should accompany children to every visit.
Every mouth is different. The right treatment, number of visits and results depend on an examination by the dentist.