Children’s teeth Wimbledon are probably the most neglected part of their overall health despite it being so important that they are looked after appropriately. By ensuring your children’s teeth Wimbledon are taken care of properly, you can guarantee that they will have the best start to their oral health journey and will not experience too many dental issues in the future.

When to begin taking your children to the dentist

At Wimbledon Dental Care, we highly encourage that your Children’s teeth Wimbledon are regularly looked at by our dentists and hygienists from the moment their first teeth emerge. In most cases, children begin to grow their first teeth around the ages of six to eight months, and this is when we advise you to bring them in for their first visit to the dentists; not only will this familiarise them with a dental setting thus preventing them from developing any fears surround the dentists, but it will also instil into them core values regarding their oral health which will help them maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout their lives.

How you can take care of your children’s teeth at home

As parents, there are many pivotal steps you can take to ensure your children’s teeth remain healthy and clean and these steps can all be carried out in the comfort of your own home. It goes without saying, that teaching your children to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is probably the most important aspect of their oral hygiene; not only will this keep their teeth clean and white, but it will also prevent a wide number of dental issues from occurring such as dental cavities and tooth decay. In the beginning, your children may require some assistance to brush their teeth and learn the correct movements so it may be easier to demonstrate the actions yourself and encourage your child to mimic your actions.

Additionally, it is imperative that your children have a well-balanced diet which is low in sugars and starches to prevent infections and diseases. Sugars and starches are the main contributing factors to some of the worst dental issues such as periodontitis. A diet rich in vegetables and crunchy fruits will benefit your children’s oral health as the water content will help clear their mouths of any remaining food residue which can otherwise turn into plaque.

Visiting the dentist

Most parents think it is not necessary to take their children to the dentists until a problem arises or until they are teenagers however this could not be further from the truth and could also cause severe issues with your children’s oral health. It is crucial that you bring your children to the dentist on a regular basis so that the dentist can take a thorough look at their teeth and gums and determine how healthy they are. By regularly visiting the dentist, you can also ensure that no oral infections or diseases go unnoticed and untreated. Furthermore, if your child is seen by the hygienist you can have peace of mind that their teeth have undergone a thorough clean which regular toothbrushes at home cannot always achieve. We recommend that you bring your children to the practice at least twice a year from the moment they begin to grow their first milk teeth.

At Wimbledon Dental Care, we are big believers in preventive treatment. We feel passionately about providing care for your teeth and gums that will ward off serious issues such as tooth decay or tooth loss. We have a range of treatments to suit the whole family and for children’s teeth Wimbledon, we pull out all the stops! With regular check-ups, fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth and fissure sealants to stop the teeth developing decay where children are biting, we believe that prevention is better than cure! The practice was established in 1950, so we also believe that we have a lot of experience and expertise when it comes to providing all things dental. As your children get older and into their teenage years, they may also require a treatment for realigning their smile and we have a discreet and convenient method of doing so for both teenagers and adults alike.

Invisalign smiles

At our surgery we offer a solution for realigning smiles using Invisalign. While our preventive treatments are suitable from an early age for children’s teeth Wimbledon, Invisalign is designed for patients with all of their adult teeth and there is a special younger range for teenagers. Invisalign consists of aligners, which are worn over the teeth and apply pressure to move them into their correct positions. This process usually takes between 6 to 18 months and is a big hit with teens, because when the aligners are being worn, they are virtually invisible! It is because the aligners are made of clear plastic, so only the teeth should be visible to other people. This allows patients to feel confident about wearing their aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This means that you don’t have to wear them when you are eating or cleaning your teeth. You should also have time to take them out for playing sports or doing the twist – it’s up to you!

Are the aligners uncomfortable to wear?

Unsurprisingly, we get asked this a lot and we are pleased to tell you that the aligners should be very comfortable to wear thanks to the fact that we make them bespoke for your mouth. Using iTero technology, we digitally scan your mouth and this gets us the precise measurements we need to have your aligners manufactured in the Invisalign laboratory. Once fitted, the aligners then sit snugly on the gum line and once you’re used to them should be very comfortable. They shouldn’t cause you any pain at all. You will need to change your aligners regularly, and we will provide you with enough aligners to switch between for 6 weeks, after which you will need to have a check-up and get your next 6 weeks’ worth of aligners.

Let the journey begin!

If you would like to find out more about your children’s teeth Wimbledon and Invisalign, why not book in for a consultation with our professional and friendly team who are keen to meet new patients and get their mouths feeling and looking fabulous. During a consultation, our dentist can look at your child’s mouth to examine it and identify what treatments would be suitable for the alignment issues that they have. Invisalign is typically used to treat mild to moderate alignment issues, such as crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbites or underbites. Remember that Invisalign is a suitable treatment for adults too, so you could also book in if you are concerned about your teeth and make it a family affair!

When it comes to looking after children’s teeth Wimbledon, our team at Wimbledon Dental Care knows that there is more to it than simply having your child attend checkups every 6 months. So, let’s have a look at how our team looks after preadolescent teeth!

Why are children’s teeth different?

Any parent or dentist will tell you that children’s teeth are often visibly whiter than adult ones. And, whilst this is enviable, such baby teeth are also weaker than adult teeth; they have thinner enamel and are more prone to issues, such as tooth decay and even gum disease.

Whilst it can seem that children’s teeth Wimbledon are not as important as adult teeth due to them being temporary, this is not the case, and delaying treatment with these gnashers can lead to some rather serious complications later on in life.

So how do we as a team prevent this?

Education

Children love sweets; you know it and so do we! And, as such, our dentists will educate them on the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy and show them how to properly brush their teeth while also discussing the dangers of sugar with them.

We always try to make the process as enjoyable as possible as kids learn better when they have fun. Our team will always be friendly and approachable, aiming to break down the stereotypical image of the scary dental team, making your child feel as comfortable as possible in our surgery. This will make sure that their dental health can remain in good condition throughout the rest of their life; no parent would want their child to grow up being scared of the dentist!

Similarly, if you have any questions on how you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy, feel free to ask our team!

Sealants

You may have heard of fluoride sealants, and yes, we do use them on children’s teeth Wimbledon, especially if there are signs of acid damage.

As we mentioned earlier, a child’s teeth would have thinner enamel than adult teeth, making them more likely to succumb to decay and damage. By applying fluoride sealants to your child’s teeth, we can prevent tooth decay, thus helping to keep their teeth in good shape and maintain their overall oral health.

Orthodontic work

You may know that every child needs to visit a dentist so that their tendency to suffer from a dental misalignment later in life can be assessed. In the UK, this is usually recommended by the time a child hits 7 years of age.

Now while it may not seem as important as other aspects of protecting your child’s teeth, like sealants, orthodontic work can be a boon for your child’s oral health as it can prevent the accumulation of plaque and make it easier for your child to care for their teeth. Furthermore, having your child’s teeth assessed for alignment issues can prevent secondary speech complications and will help them to feel better about themselves later in their adult life.

Forming good habits early

At Wimbledon Dental Care, we firmly believe that the more you know about good oral care and dental habits, the healthier your smile will be.

This is why we put such an emphasis on children’s teeth Wimbledon. Studies have found that the earlier a child experiences dental care of any kind – be it a simple checkup or preventive measures – the higher the likelihood of them establishing good oral habits that they will retain throughout their lives.

We understand that, for some children, a visit to the dentists can bring on varying degrees of anxiety or stress – which is why we always do everything possible to make sure that every child feels comfortable and relaxed whilst in our practice.

Prevention is the best medicine

Bad oral habits are difficult to break as they are often established during childhood. Luckily, however, the opposite is also true as any child who learns the importance of dental hygiene from an early age is far more likely to carry these habits into adulthood.

When treating children’s teeth Wimbledon, we always try to focus on prevention through several safe treatments such as fluoride applications or fissure sealants.

What is a fluoride application?

Fluoride applications are a form of preventive treatment for ​​children’s teeth Wimbledon whereby our practitioners apply a pale yellow, fruity-tasting fluoride varnish to the front and back of your child’s teeth. Using a soft brush, our practitioners will ensure that every tooth has an additional layer of the thin and quick-setting fluoride solution. This will act as a protective barrier for plaque and, when used in combination with regular brushing, give your child’s teeth better protection against cavities.

It is recommended that children undergo a fluoride application at least twice a year to make sure their teeth are properly protected.

What is a fissure sealant?

Alongside fluoride applications, our dentist, who focuses on treating children, also regularly provides what is called a fissure sealant.

Along the surface of our teeth, there are numerous groves and pits known as fissures. Generally, the molars and premolars have more fissures compared to the teeth at the front of the mouth.

The fissures themselves are perfectly normal; however, what often happens is that bacteria can get lodged within them. This bacteria can potentially develop into plaque or tartar – both of which can harm your child’s dental health.

Therefore, undergoing fissure sealant treatment negates any risk of this happening as a thin layer of a dental sealant is applied evenly over your child’s teeth, filling any fissures and making their teeth smooth – which massively reduces the chance of any unwanted food or bacteria becoming lodged.

There have been numerous studies into the effectiveness of fissure sealant treatment for children, with one finding that children with fissure sealants had as many as 78% fewer cavities than those without.

If you are interested in getting this non-invasive and effective treatment for your child, then contact us at Wimbledon Dental Care today and book an appointment with one of our dentists.

Whether you are a first-time parent worrying about what to do with regard to taking your child to the dentist or just concerned about the condition of your child’s teeth, having a check-up on your children’s teeth in Wimbledon could not be any easier. At Wimbledon Dental Care we endeavour to provide quality treatment for your child as well as you. There are a variety of treatments that our practice offers, for both children and adults. It is advised that you make an appointment with us to see your dental practitioner, as they will be able to inform you of these treatments and answer the questions that you have been longing to ask.

When should you take your child for their first check-up

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to having that first appointment for your children’s teeth in Wimbledon. Normally it is suggested that you bring your child to our practice when they are twelve months old if they have not produced any teeth yet. However, if their baby teeth start coming through before their first birthday it is recommended that you book an appointment to have a check-up carried out when their first tooth arrives. Children develop at their own rate in life, and this is the same for their teeth. On average a child will have around 7 baby teeth by the time they are twelve months old, but if they do not this is no cause for concern.

After you have brought your child for their first dental appointment, your dental professional will advise you on how often they need to return for another check-up. This can vary between patients, but it is generally recommended that you have an appointment with us twice a year, so we are able to notify you of any changes that are taking place or underlying problems.

What are the benefits of taking your child to the dentist?

At Wimbledon Dental Care we know how important it is to look after your children’s teeth in Wimbledon. Regular check-ups will reduce the chances of tooth decay and poor oral hygiene, but that is not the only reason why you should be bringing your child to see us. When they are younger, we can ensure that their teeth are strong and healthy, but as they start getting older their baby teeth will naturally start to fall out to make way for their adult ones.

When adult teeth come through there is no guarantee that they will be straight and even, despite their baby teeth being so. Visiting us regularly means that one of our many dental professionals will be able to consistently assess the condition of your child’s teeth, and they will be able to inform you if there are any signs indicating that your child may have an over- or underbite and need treatment to address this. They will also be able to educate you about what options are available to your child if their teeth start becoming crooked and uneven. It is important that this is done when they are a child, as not only is it best to catch these things early and reduce the amount of dental work required in the future, but children are usually covered by the NHS for a majority of their treatments, so it could save you some money as well.

Making good habits for life starts as soon as we are born. We absorb everything that is going on around us, taking in huge amounts of information and storing it in the subconscious mind, and we then copy what we have seen going on. These habits that we make before the age of 12 are very hard to change. That’s why it isn’t a good idea to smoke in front of the kids, or be scared of spiders or thunderstorms, and why it is a really good idea to start bringing them to the dentist as soon as you can.

Children start to lose their baby teeth when they are about seven, and behind them are the adult teeth, which are meant to last for the rest of their lives. It’s easy to think that baby teeth don’t matter because they are going to fall out anyway, but in fact they are very important for 2 reasons.

Baby teeth are practice teeth

You can see the baby teeth as great teeth to practice oral hygiene on. If you bring your kids into the dentist from the time of the arrival of the first tooth, we can teach them how to brush, and get them to used to coming to the dentist. At Wimbledon Dental Care, we know how to make children’s dentistry in Wimbledon fun, and your kids will enjoy learning how to take good care of their teeth.

Children’s teeth are more susceptible to decay

Childhood is a time of mastering skills and it takes a while to get really good at brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, that learning period coincides with a time when people consume more sugary drinks and snacks. This means children are more susceptible to decay. If you skip bringing them in for check-ups, the danger is that the decay will not only go unnoticed, but that it will eat through their baby teeth and into the adult teeth that are waiting to come through behind them.

Treatments to prevent decay

We have 2 ways to help prevent decay. Fluoride treatments help harden tooth enamel against decay, and fissure sealants paint a barrier between the teeth and decay-causing bacteria.

In terms of teeth, the shark has got it made. They never need to worry about decay or gaps because they replace any teeth that get broken or fall out. And fall out they do, because sharks’ teeth don’t have any roots.

People are not like that. We get one set of adult teeth, with roots, and when they fall out, we don’t grow another tooth to fill the gap. We get 32 teeth and that’s our lot. Our teeth are literally irreplaceable and that’s why it is very important that our kids learn to take really good care of them.

Decay abound

Sadly, tooth decay among the children of the UK is still very high. This may be due to the amount of sugar in their diets. A survey in September 2014 found that 12% of 3-year-olds had cavities. A particular kind of decay shows up on the front teeth and then spreads rapidly, and is caused by drinking sugary drinks from a spouted cup when children are being weaned.

This is totally avoidable if you bring your child to the dentist for regular check-ups.

Getting a check-up

At Wimbledon Dental Care in Wimbledon, children’s teeth are checked very carefully for decay from the time they first appear. This is when we recommend you start bringing your child in for check-ups. We also recommend that you bring them in before that. Bringing them along to your own appointments will habituate them to the dental environment. They will feel more relaxed in their first check-up, maybe even eager, if they have already seen mummy and daddy and older siblings, if you have any, in the dentist’s chair.

As children’s teeth are so susceptible to decay, we offer 2 treatments that provide extra protection. Fluoride can be painted onto the teeth to mineralise the enamel against decay. We can also paint sealant onto the back molars. This covers the fissures in the chewing surfaces, where decay tends to occur. Seeing young patients also allows us to keep an eye out for issues with the bite and spot teeth that are going to come through out of alignment.