Children’s Dentistry

We help your child build habits that contribute to a healthy, bright smile for life.

Children's Visits to the Dentist Start Early

Children should have their first dental appointment anytime from birth — one year of age Milk teeth come in when a baby is approximately six months old. We recommend that your little one comes for their first dental visit before their first birthday so we can help you take care of their teeth.

That may seem a little early, but there are at least three reasons why a first dental check-up at this age is standard practice.

Early detection is important.

We assess your child’s oral health, ensuring there aren’t any early signs of tooth decay, cavities or bacterial infections — all surprisingly common for babies and toddlers. Treating dental issues quickly helps avoid pain, discomfort or permanent and irreversible damage.

Your child builds trust with the dentist.

Dental appointments can be scary for children and it can feel uncomfortable for them to have a stranger looking inside their mouth. Introducing your child to the dentist at a young age helps establish a trusting relationship. It makes them feel safe in the dentist’s chair and reduces potential anxiety for future visits.

Healthy habits take practise.

It’s not easy to clean your baby’s mouth. Our knowledgeable team offers tangible oral healthcare advice that aligns with your child’s anatomy and personality. We will show you how to brush their teeth and tongue properly and chat with you about making teething and tooth development as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Why Choose South Cliff Dental Group for Paediatric Dentistry

Our mission is to provide excellent and compassionate care to all patients — including children. We offer paediatric dental care at our group of practices, ensuring every family member can visit the same dental practice for your convenience.

Our experienced team of dental professionals will ensure that your child receives the best possible treatment using the latest dental techniques and technology — keeping them comfortable and interested throughout their appointment.

We know that visiting the dentist can be intimidating for little ones, but our team is well-versed in children’s dentistry. Kids require a different approach than our older patients, and our dentists and hygienists have a warm and welcoming approach that little ones respond to and appreciate.

Common Dental Services for Children

We offer a wide variety of services for our patients and the treatments we provide your child depend on their specific needs. Our most common dental procedures for children are the following:

Cleaning and Preventative Care

We offer regular check-ups and fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth and gum disease in primary teeth. During these appointments, the dentist examines your child’s mouth and provides guidance or tips for improving oral hygiene.

Dental Sealants

We apply a special plastic coating to the chewing surface of the back teeth (molars). Sealants act as a protective barrier against plaque and other harmful bacteria.

Fillings

Children’s teeth are prone to cavities, but fillings are a simple way to restore a decayed tooth. This process involves removing the damaged portion of the tooth and then filling that existing area with a material such as composite resin or amalgam.

Practising Oral Healthcare at Home

Regular dentist visits are only one part of a child’s dental healthcare. Establishing an oral hygiene routine at home helps ensure your child develops healthy habits that carry on through adolescence and adulthood. Here are a few ways to make teeth cleaning fun from a young age:

Use an Egg Timer. Set an egg timer for two minutes to teach your child how long they should brush.
Let children brush by themselves. Brushing their own teeth helps children feel autonomous and independent. Parents can brush their child's teeth afterward or offer tips on how to brush effectively.
Try different kinds of toothpaste. From bubble gum to spearmint, many toothpaste flavors are available on the market.
Brush your teeth together. Supervision is essential — but it can make children feel self-conscious while they brush. Instead, brush your teeth simultaneously so they copy your attention to detail and understand that oral care is for everyone!

By keeping up with your regular dentist visits and implementing these tactics at home, your child will be on the right path to enjoying a healthy smile for life

Toothpaste Best Practises

Children must use proper toothpaste that cleans and polishes their teeth without damaging their enamel.

For children up to the age of three, use only a tiny smear of fluoride-free toothpaste – babies and toddlers will likely swallow the toothpaste, which is unhealthy for them.

For children between three and six, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. At this age, we recommend using children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000 ppm of fluoride (you can find this information on the label).

Book a Dental Appointment for Your Child

NHS dental appointments are free for children up to age 18, making it easier for your little one to access necessary dental care.

For more information on children’s dentistry, please book an appointment at your nearest location.