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Dental care for children in Pangbourne

At Dentalcare Pangbourne we believe that a good dental routine begins from a very young age. Children should start brushing their teeth as soon as they get their first tooth and they should visit their dentist for a check-up as soon as they can. NHS dental care for children is free in the UK so it makes sense to encourage good oral health early.

Not only does a good dental routine in children prevent the risk of having tooth decay and gum disease, but it develops good habits. Children will grow up to experience less anxiety and have less fear with a dentist if they are comfortable in the routine when they are young.

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Dental treatment for children in Pangbourne

At Dentalcare Pangbourne, we use the regular dental check-ups for children to check for any issues such as tooth decay and gum disease which are more manageable to treat early on.

In addition, we offer specific dental treatments for children and these include:

Fissure sealants – If your child’s teeth are diagnosed at being at risk of developing tooth decay, your dentist may treat your child with fissure sealants. This clear liquid is applied to your child’s teeth, giving it an extra layer of protection against cavities. On average it lasts between 3 and 5 years.

Fluoride varnish – If your dentist thinks that your child needs extra fluoride, then it can be applied directly on to your child’s teeth in the form of this harmless liquid.

Children’s braces – We check the growth of your child’s adult teeth, looking for overcrowding or crookedness. If your child has a clear orthodontic need for braces and they are under the age of 18, then dental braces can be available on the NHS.

Dental Check by 1

Dental check by 1 is a nationwide campaign to encourage carers to take their children to the dentist before their first birthday. It was launched by The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry to encourage a positive start to children with their dental care and for parents and carers to get advice on how to keep their child’s teeth healthy and strong.

Free Children’s NHS Dentistry

Frequently asked questions about children’s dentistry

When do children’s teeth first start to appear?

You should notice baby teeth appearing when your child is about 6 months old. Children have 20 baby teeth in total and they should be through by the time they are one and a half.

The first adult molars will appear when your child is about 6 before the baby teeth begin to fall out aged 6 or 7. Your child should have all of their adult teeth by the time they are about 14. Wisdom teeth are later, appearing between the ages of 18 and 25.

What sort of toothbrush should I use for my child?

There are many types of toothbrushes on the market for children. The most important thing is to use a brush with a small head that has soft, nylon bristles suitable for the age of your child.

Should I use a fluoride toothpaste?

As a guide a child up to the age of 3 should have a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000 parts per million (ppm). After the age of 3, children should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm. You can check the fluoride level on the packaging of toothpaste and your dentist can offer further advice.

How can I prevent tooth decay in my child?

It’s a sad fact that tooth decay is on the rise in children within the U.K. The main cause of tooth decay is not what your child eats, but how often sugar and acid is consumed in a child’s diet. The more frequently they consume sugary or acidic food and drink, the more likely they are to risk getting tooth decay. Restrict sugary and acidic foods just to mealtimes and offer healthy snack alternatives. Regular brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste will also help prevent tooth decay.

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