Enquire about Children's Dentistry
What is children’s dentistry?
Children’s dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers. It involves the prevention, diagnosis, and management of dental issues specific to young patients. Paediatric dentists are specially trained to understand the growth and development of children’s teeth, gums, and jaws.
The importance of good oral health in childhood cannot be understated. It is what lays the foundation for strong and healthy teeth in adulthood. By providing education, guidance, and preventive care, children’s dentistry plays a key role in maintaining lifelong dental health and confident smiles.
Why do children benefit from seeing an expert paediatric dentist?
Whilst children’s milk teeth are not permanent, they still need to learn how to look after them so they can then do the same for their adult teeth. Paediatric dentists understand the growth and development of children’s teeth, ensuring early detection of potential issues. They create a child-friendly environment and know how to manage children’s behaviour to make their dental care more comfortable and effective.
Regular check-ups promote good oral hygiene habits and prevent future dental problems. Additionally, paediatric dentists provide guidance on nutrition, thumb-sucking, and other habits affecting dental health. This specialised care helps children develop healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Specialist paediatric dentistry for young teeth
Children’s teeth require specialised care to ensure healthy development and long-term oral health. A paediatric dentist focuses on the unique dental needs of infants, children, and teenagers, providing expert care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.
Preventative care
Regular check-ups, professional cleaning, and fluoride applications help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Fissure sealants may also be applied to protect vulnerable teeth from cavities.
Early orthodontic assessment
Monitoring the growth of teeth and jaws allows early detection of alignment issues. Intervention at the right time can help reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later.
Gentle management of dental decay
Paediatric dentists use minimally invasive techniques to treat cavities while keeping children relaxed and at ease during procedures.
Oral health education
Teaching children and parents about proper brushing, flossing, and diet plays a key role in maintaining healthy teeth. Encouraging good habits early helps prevent dental problems in the future.
A positive dental experience
A positive dental experience is essential in helping children develop lifelong confidence in dental care. Our paediatric dentists create a welcoming, child-friendly environment to ensure young patients feel safe and comfortable during their visits.
During the appointment, our team of friendly paediatric dentists use a gentle, reassuring bedside manner. They explain procedures in simple, child-friendly language, using show-and-tell techniques to familiarise children with dental tools. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and small rewards, helps build trust and cooperation.
For particularly anxious children, options such as mild sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can provide extra comfort. By prioritising a stress-free experience, paediatric dentists help children develop a positive attitude towards dental visits.
Fulham Road Dental: healthy smiles for the whole family
Fulham Road Dental offers expert dental care for patients of all ages. From young children visiting the dentist for the first time to adults needing routine check-ups or specialised treatments, we provide a welcoming and professional service.
Our friendly team understands the unique needs of every family member. We create a comfortable environment for children, helping them feel at ease while learning good oral hygiene habits. For adults, we offer preventative care, restorative treatments, and cosmetic options to maintain strong, beautiful teeth.
With a focus on personalised care and long-term dental health, Fulham Road Dental is committed to supporting your family’s smiles at every stage of life.
Childrens Dentistry FAQ's
When should my child have their first dental visit?
Your child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging. Early visits help familiarise your child with the dental environment and allow the dentist to check for any early signs of dental issues. These check-ups focus on prevention, offering advice on teething, brushing techniques, and diet to support healthy tooth development.
Starting dental visits early helps build a positive relationship with the dentist, reducing anxiety and making future appointments easier. Regular check-ups from a young age ensure any potential problems are caught early, preventing more serious issues later. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early gives your child the best chance of maintaining a healthy smile for life.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Children should visit the dentist every six months for a routine check-up, unless advised otherwise. Regular visits allow the dentist to monitor tooth development, check for early signs of decay, and provide preventative treatments such as fluoride applications or fissure sealants. These appointments also offer an opportunity to reinforce good oral hygiene habits and provide parents with guidance on brushing, flossing, and diet.
In some cases, a dentist may recommend more frequent visits, especially if a child is at higher risk of cavities or if there are orthodontic concerns. Early detection of dental issues can prevent more complex treatments later. Keeping up with regular check-ups helps ensure strong, healthy teeth and encourages children to feel comfortable and confident about dental care.
What are the most common dental problems in children?
The most common dental problem in children is tooth decay, often caused by frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks, along with inadequate brushing and flossing. Cavities can develop in baby and adult teeth, leading to pain, infection, and difficulty eating. Gum disease, though less common in young children, can also occur due to poor oral hygiene, causing swollen or bleeding gums.
Other common issues include early tooth loss, often due to decay or injury, which can affect the alignment of adult teeth. Thumb-sucking and prolonged dummy use may lead to bite problems, while misaligned teeth or overcrowding can require early orthodontic intervention. Regular dental check-ups help detect and prevent these problems, ensuring healthy teeth and gums.
How can I help prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
The easiest thing you can do is ensure they brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Start brushing as soon as their first tooth appears and continue until they can properly brush on their own, usually around age six or seven. It’s also important to help them floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between their teeth.
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is another key step in preventing cavities. Offer healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and water, and avoid letting your child snack throughout the day. Regular dental check-ups, including fluoride treatments and sealants, can further protect your child’s teeth. Additionally, using a mouthguard during sports can help prevent dental injuries that may lead to cavities. Together, these habits contribute to strong, cavity-free teeth.
How does children's dentistry differ from general dentistry?
Children’s dentistry is different from general dentistry because it focuses on the dental care of young people, from babies to teenagers. Paediatric dentists are specially trained to take care of children’s growing teeth and gums. They know how to make visits fun and comfortable, so children feel less scared or nervous about the dentist.
General dentists treat people of all ages, but they may not have the same experience with children’s specific needs, like teething or helping children feel calm during appointments. Paediatric dentists are experts in tracking the growth of a child’s teeth and helping them stay healthy as they grow.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
If your child has a toothache, first try to identify the cause. Gently examine their mouth for any visible signs of injury, decay, or swelling. If there’s no visible cause, rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help soothe the pain and remove any food particles.
You can give your child pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the instructions for their age and weight. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. If the pain persists or is severe, it’s important to schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. If there’s swelling, or if your child is running a fever, this could be a sign of an infection, and you should seek dental care immediately. Prompt attention will help prevent further complications.
When will my child start losing their baby teeth?
Children typically start losing their baby teeth around the age of six, although this can vary slightly from child to child. The first teeth to fall out are usually the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. On average, children will lose their first tooth between ages five and seven.
By the age of 12 or 13, most children will have lost all of their baby teeth, with their permanent adult teeth coming in. The process can take several years, and during this time, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure healthy adult teeth. If your child’s teeth aren’t falling out at the expected time, or if there are concerns about tooth development, consult a dentist. Regular check-ups can help ensure a healthy transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child has a dental emergency, stay calm and assess the situation. For a knocked-out tooth, try to locate the tooth, hold it by the crown (not the root), and rinse it gently with water if dirty. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket or keep it in a cup of milk, and get to the dentist immediately.
For a toothache, rinse your child’s mouth with warm salt water and give pain relief medication according to the instructions for their age. If the tooth is chipped or cracked, save any pieces of the tooth and get to the dentist as soon as possible. For soft tissue injuries, apply a clean cloth to stop bleeding. If the injury is severe, take your child to the emergency room or contact an emergency dentist. Prompt care can prevent further damage.
What are the signs my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Signs that your child may need orthodontic treatment include difficulty biting or chewing, crowding of teeth, or noticeable gaps between teeth. If your child’s teeth are visibly crooked or misaligned, or if their bite doesn’t align properly when their mouth is closed, orthodontic intervention might be necessary.
Other indicators include persistent thumb-sucking or mouth breathing, which can affect tooth and jaw development. If your child experiences discomfort or pain in their teeth, jaws, or face, it could be a sign of bite problems. Additionally, if your child’s permanent teeth are coming in unevenly or in the wrong order, it’s a good idea to consult an orthodontist. Early evaluation, usually around age 7, allows for early intervention and can help guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaw. Regular dental check-ups will help spot these issues.
How can I help my child overcome dental anxiety?
Helping your child overcome dental anxiety starts with creating a positive and reassuring experience. Begin by talking to your child about their visit in a calm, positive way, using simple language to explain what will happen. Avoid using words that might cause fear, like “pain” or “hurt.”
Take your child to a child-friendly dentist who is experienced in working with anxious children. Many paediatric dentists use special techniques to make kids feel comfortable, like allowing them to sit in your lap or using distraction methods such as toys or videos. You can also offer rewards or praise for good behaviour. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, before and during the visit can help your child feel more in control. Encouraging regular dental visits helps children get used to the process and reduces anxiety over time.