Children
Always aiming to go the extra mile for our patients, we offer a FREE independent children’s dentistry service, for children under 6 years old when one or more adult family member is registered at our dental surgery, and have received a consultation within the last 6 months. Find out more about our array of dental solutions and children’s services by contacting our team in Workington, Cumbria.
Looking After Your Baby’s Teeth
Baby teeth function as “placeholders” for your child’s permanent teeth, and if a baby tooth is lost too early it can cause permanent teeth to grow into the empty space, making it difficult for their other adult teeth to find room. This could lead to a variety of future dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and even excess wear of tooth surfaces to name a few. Did you know baby teeth are just as vulnerable to cavities as adult teeth? Start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day as soon as they emerge using a very thin film of high fluoride toothpaste (1400ppm / parts per million). Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by protecting the tooth against bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Although important that your child spits out the toothpaste, it is not necessary for them to rinse with water so that the excess fluoride can continue to protect their teeth.
When To Bring Your Child To The Dentist
Following the guidance of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, we recommend that your child has their first dental check-up before their first birthday. Our dentists also provide dietary and oral care advice to ensure your child’s teeth and gums are properly looked after. As previously stated, to maintain healthy teeth and gums prevention is key, and regular dental check-ups for children are imperative to achieve this. There are many misconceptions about dental surgeries and often, children feel scared or intimidated by dentists. Therefore, to prevent your child from feeling scared we encourage you to help us make each visit as happy as possible by sharing your experiences with your child about your visits to the dentist. If they see you smiling after a dental visit, they are likely to do the same!
Will My Child Need Braces?
Usually orthodontic treatment is not considered until your child has all their adult teeth, however, this is not applied to all cases and early intervention can minimise or even avoid future orthodontic treatment. We recommend that children aged 10 and older are assessed by an experienced orthodontist who will refer your child a brace is suitable.
Teaching Children About Good Oral Health
Here at Kerrypark Dental Practice, we believe that children are more likely to look after their teeth when they are taught about the importance of it and the risks involved if they do not maintain a good level of hygiene. Therefore, when your child visits our surgery for their check-up, we explain and show them how to brush their teeth correctly as well as demonstrating flossing techniques. Our dentists and hygienists also offer dietary advice to ensure you are aware of your child’s sugar intake and where necessary, we will provide preventive treatments including fissure sealants, topical fluoride applications and oral hygiene visits. As a team, we work continuously to make sure your child’s visit to our dental surgery is exciting and educational.
Local School Talks
To help future generations maintain good oral health, we present our Oral Health and Education talk in local schools in our community. If this is something you are interested in, please contact us on 01900 378980.