Is your child ready for a dentist?

As parents and caregivers, ensuring the well-being and health of our children is a top priority. One aspect of their overall health that should not be overlooked is their dental care. Establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age is crucial for their long-term oral health. This raises the question: when should you take your children to visit a dentist?

Taking your child to their first dental visit at the right time can set them on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.  According to the experts, the right time is often earlier than you think.  The NHS advises to take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment of the dental practice and get to know the dentist.  

Just opening up the child’s mouth for the dentist to take a look at one or two milk teeth is a useful practice for the future, as you start to create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.  During these visits, dentists not only examine the child’s teeth but also educate them about proper oral hygiene practices. They teach children how to brush and floss correctly, and they can provide preventive treatments such as fluoride application or sealants, measures which help protect young teeth from decay and cavities, emphasising the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. 

In between a child’s regular dental check-ups, which should be every six months, it is important for the child to practise the essential skill of brushing teeth, which sets the foundation for good oral hygiene habits. By following a few simple steps, children aged 3 and over can develop a routine that ensures their teeth stay healthy and strong.

• The first step is to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Children should use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in their hand. Toothpaste should be fluoride-based and a general family toothpaste as recommended by a dentist. 

• Brush at least twice daily for about 2 minutes, ensuring a brush last thing at night before bed and at least on 1 other occasion.

• Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and remind children to spit out after brushing and don’t rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won’t work as well.

• It’s important to demonstrate the correct brushing technique. Show your child how to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards their gums and gently move it back and forth in short strokes. Emphasise the importance of cleaning all surfaces of their teeth – front, back, and chewing surfaces.

• Timing is also crucial when it comes to brushing. Encourage your child to brush for at least 2 minutes – this can be made more enjoyable by using a timer or playing their favourite song as they brush.

• To make brushing even more engaging for children, consider incorporating fun elements into the routine. This could include using themed toothbrushes or allowing them to choose their own toothbrush design. You could also create a reward system for consistent brushing habits, such as stickers or small prizes.

Children aged 7 and over should be able to brush their own teeth, but it’s still a good idea to watch them to make sure they brush thoroughly  and for around two minutes.  Parents or carers of children aged 3 – 6 should brush their teeth, but always ensure the child is involved in the routine.

Children aged up to 3 years should have their baby teeth brushed by their parent or carer as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later).  Parents or carers should always brush their teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.  Brush last thing at night before bed and on one other occasion and always use children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check the label), this is unless a dentist advises to use a family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride like the rest of the family.  Be sure to use only a smear of toothpaste and as tempting as it might be for them, do make sure children don’t eat or lick toothpaste from the tube!

By teaching children how to brush their teeth effectively from an early age, we are setting them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene practices. With patience, encouragement, and some creativity, we can make this essential task an enjoyable part of our children’s daily routines.

And remember, dental visits as a child can shape our oral health habits and attitudes towards dental care for the rest of our lives. It is crucial to establish a positive and comfortable experience during these early visits, as they lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.