At our Enfield practice, we’re often asked what age children should have their first dental visit. The NHS recommends taking your children to the dentist once the first milk tooth has come through, or no later than twelve months. As cooperation during an examination at such a young age we advise to bring children in for their first exam visit not later than the age of 2.
Teething can be a stressful time for both children and parents; it can be painful, and sometimes the whole family can be kept awake at night. If you have dental anxiety or traumatic experiences of going to the dentist, the thought of taking your kids there can feel daunting.
However, taking your children to the dentist early helps them become familiar with the environment. It also helps your dentist monitor tooth development and detect any problems early. When you go, try to make it fun. This helps your child relax, and stops them from worrying too much about future visits.
Book your infant’s first dental visit here
It is natural to feel apprehensive about taking your infant or child to the dentist, especially if you have negative memories of childhood dental procedures yourself. However, visiting the dentist is extremely important for preventing decay and building lifelong dental habits.
If your child goes to the dentist early, it will help them grow familiar with the environment. This will help with dental anxiety, especially if adults around make it into a fun game.
If you take your child to see us in Enfield, we can spot problems with their teeth, gums and jaws early, including orthodontic issues and tooth decay.
Your dentist will be able to offer you and your child the best advice on their dental care. This includes brushing techniques and advice on healthy snacking.
Your dentist will be able to track how your child’s teeth are developing and spot any potential issues. This will also help us to offer more tailored advice depending on their stage of development, whether the baby teeth are just starting to come through or if the last ones are beginning to fall out.
At Chase Side Dental, we want to create a positive and supportive environment for both parent and child, so the first dental appointment will be simple and focused on making your child feel comfortable. However, your child’s first appointment will generally be more educational than treatment-based.
We’ll let your child explore the surroundings. You’ll both be able to meet the team in a friendly, relaxed setting.
After this, the dentist will gently examine their mouth, gums, and jaws to ensure everything is developing well.
You’ll get personalised guidance on how to look after your child’s teeth, including teething, toothbrush techniques, nutrition and issues such as thumb-sucking and dummies.
Taking your kids to the dentist for the first time doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. We’ve put together some tips you can follow to help you relax and feel comfortable.
When booking your child’s first dentist appointment, it’s better to pick a time when they feel relaxed, are well fed and rested, and are most likely to cooperate. For most children, this will be the morning.
You can help make going to the dentist a fun experience by playing dentists at home (perhaps with your child’s toys, or taking turns being the dentist and the patient). We also recommend reading books or watching educational videos about dental visits.
Children are perceptive, and if they can tell adults around them are stressed, it is likely that they will be too. Maintaining your own calm will help them too.
Before the appointment, try not to use negative words about the dentist such as ‘hurt’ or ‘pain’, and avoid mentioning any dislike of dental appointments, even as a joke, as this may encourage your child to be nervous too.
We also don’t recommend promising rewards beforehand as this might make them think there’s something to be worried about. Celebrate how well they’ve done after the appointment!
It’s important to help your kids feel as comfortable as possible at the dentist so that they see it as part of their routine. For some children this might mean bringing a favourite teddy or other stuffed animal.
Looking after your teeth doesn’t stop when you get home from the dentist. At Chase Side Dental, we want to help set your child up with healthy habits for life. Although their baby teeth will fall out naturally, it’s essential to help them stay in place until then. We suggest:
The NHS recommends taking your child to the dentist as soon as they get their first baby tooth. This will help familiarise your child with the environment, helping them feel comfortable and getting them used to going. At our Enfield-based practice, our professional dental team are highly trained in helping patients of all ages, and will provide you and your child with the help you need to look after growing teeth.
Book your child’s dental appointment today
Usually, we recommend taking your child to the dentist every six months, and not later than every twelve months. However, some children may benefit from seeing the dentist more often; during your visit, we will advise you on how often we’d like to see your child.
As with adults, the most common dental problem in kids is tooth decay. Brushing teeth thoroughly twice a day and sticking to structured meal times is the best way to prevent decay from happening. If your child has sensitive or painful teeth, or develops grey or brown spots on their teeth, please make an appointment so we can treat the problem.
Teething is different for every child and some children may not develop teeth for 15 months, so this does not necessarily indicate a problem. However, if you are concerned that your child has not had their first tooth, you can make an appointment for reassurance.
Baby teeth are very important for chewing and speech development. Although they will fall out naturally, they act as place-holders for the future adult teeth, ensuring that these are not crowded or misaligned.
Children typically start developing their baby teeth between 6 and 9 months, although this can take as long as 15 months for some children. However, your child should have a full set of baby teeth around age 3. After age 6, the baby teeth should begin falling out, and permanent teeth will continue emerging through their early teens.
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I am completely satisfied with the treatment I receive. My dental maintenance is very challenging for you due to my ongoing medical situation. I appreciate the time you take to work out the best option, explain everything to me and then skilfully carry out the agreed procedure.
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