Children Dentistry

Paediatric dentistry focuses on preventive care at home and in the dental practice to ensure healthy teeth from infancy through adolescence. Regular checkups help detect early decay, monitor fluoride levels, and provide sealants for cavity protection

Care for Your Child’s Teeth

Paediatric dentistry has two main components: preventative care at the dental practice and preventative care at home. As infant and toddler tooth decay has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, good oral care is essential to prevent it.

The first baby teeth to emerge are the two bottom front teeth, appearing around 6-8 months old. Next, the four upper front teeth come in, followed by the rest of the baby teeth in pairs along the sides of the jaw until the child is about 2 ½ years old.

By around 2 ½ years old, your child should have all 20 baby teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth begin to erupt. Some replace baby teeth, while others do not. Since every child develops at their own pace, there is no need to worry if some teeth appear a few months early or late. Baby teeth are essential as they hold space for permanent teeth and play a crucial role in chewing, speech, and appearance. Maintaining a healthy diet and practicing daily oral hygiene is vital to keeping them strong and healthy.

Specialized Dental Care & The Importance of Early Visits

In some cases, a child’s early dental needs are best addressed by a specialist in paediatric dentistry, known as a Pedodontist.

At Covent Garden Dental Clinic, we provide outstanding specialized dental care for infants, toddlers, and teenagers. We understand that some children dread going to the dentist, and unpleasant experiences at a young age can impact their perception of dental visits for years to come. That’s why we strive to create a friendly and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors—making dental visits a positive experience.

During the initial consultation, we take the time to get to know each child, assess their dental needs, and introduce them to good oral habits. We cover essential topics such as diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride use to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.

How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?

Parents are advised to schedule biannual dental appointments for their children, starting when the first tooth appears. These two yearly visits allow paediatric dentists to track oral development, assess changes in teeth and gums, and provide ongoing guidance on good oral care practices.

Children more prone to tooth decay or early orthodontic issues may require additional visits. Since dental conditions can change rapidly, even a child with healthy teeth at one visit may develop vulnerabilities within six months due to dietary changes or habits like thumb-sucking. Regular checkups ensure early detection and timely intervention

How Can a Paediatric Dentist Care for My Child’s Teeth?

An early oral examination helps detect the initial stages of tooth decay, which is crucial for maintaining oral health and correcting atypical habits. During these visits, parents receive guidance on preventative home care, including advice on thumb and finger sucking, dummy cessation, and proper nutrition for healthy teeth and gums. Paediatric dentists also educate parents on preventing oral injuries in young children.

Beyond visual examinations, paediatric dentists perform thorough dental cleanings at each visit, removing plaque buildup between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings complement at-home oral care, ensuring a healthy smile.

When baby molars emerge (usually between ages two and three), a paediatric dentist may apply dental sealants. These protective coatings cover deep grooves in molars, preventing bacteria, food particles, and acids from causing decay. Sealants can last months or years, depending on a child’s oral habits.

Paediatric dentists also monitor fluoride levels during routine visits. After cleaning, they may apply a topical fluoride gel or varnish to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against acid erosion. In areas without fluoridated water, some children receive fluoride supplements to support their dental health.

As children transition into adolescence, the paediatric dentist’s role evolves. Recognizing that appearance and self-image become more important, they emphasize preventive dental care and provide guidance on topics like wisdom teeth, tobacco use, sealants, and oral piercings

How Often Should Children Have Dental Checkups?

It is recommended parents to make biannual dental appointments for children, beginning from the time when the first tooth comes out. These two important yearly visits allow the paediatric dentist to monitor new developments in the child’s mouth, evaluate changes in the condition of teeth and gums, and continue to advise parents on good oral care strategies.
The paediatric dentist may schedule additional visits for children who are particularly susceptible to tooth decay or who show early signs of orthodontic problems.The condition of a child’s teeth can change fairly rapidly. Even if the child’s teeth were evaluated as healthy just six months prior, changes in diet or oral habits (for example, thumb sucking) can quickly render them vulnerable to decay or misalignment.