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.