Children’s Dentistry:Bright Smiles and Healthy Futures

Oral health plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of a child, and it’s never too early to start cultivating good dental habits. There is so much in the news about children waiting to have teeth extracted under GA, but this can most often be avoided if children visit the dentist regularly and so are motivated to look after their teeth. Paediatric dentistry in Harpenden, a specialised branch of dental care dedicated to children, focuses on promoting healthy oral hygiene practices from an early age and ensuring their dental needs are met. This blog explores the benefits of paediatric dentistry and why it’s essential for children to learn how to brush their teeth properly.

The Benefits of Paediatric Dentistry

1. Training: Our Paediatric dentists in Hertfordshire understand the unique dental needs of children. This knowledge enables them to address issues specific to children, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral development problems.
2. Early Detection and Prevention: Regular visits to our paediatric dentist allow for early detection of potential dental problems. Catching issues early can prevent them from worsening, reducing the need for extensive treatments later on.
3. Comfortable Environment: Wayside Dental Practicecreates a child-friendly and comfortable atmosphere. We are currently changing the waiting room to provide a child education area with games on ipads. We have the Wand for pain free anaesthesia and dental lasers for drill free fillings. We aim to make dental visits a positive experience for children so they want to return and are motivated to improve their oral health.
4. Educational Approach: Paediatric dentists take the time to educate both children and parents about proper dental hygiene techniques, nutrition, and habits that can impact oral health. This educational approach empowers the parents and child to take better care of their teeth at home, minimising the chance of any problems occurring and setting them up for later life.
5. Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments: Our children’s dentists at Wayside Dental Practice in Harpendencan recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatments to protect children’s teeth from decay. Sealants act as a barrier against bacteria and food particles, while fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks.
6. Growth and Development Monitoring: Children’s dental needs change as they grow. Paediatric dentists monitor the development of the teeth and jaws, identifying potential orthodontic issues early on. Timely intervention can reduce the complexity of orthodontic treatments in the future.

Gentle Laser Fillings for Children

Maintaining children’s oral health is a top priority for all parents, and advances in dental technology have made it easier than ever. At Wayside we’re one of the few dental practices to offer the Waterlase dental laser which we’ve found to be a game-changer for paediatric dentistry. It provides a range of benefits for treating children’s cavities and improving overall dental experiences.

Waterlaseuses a combination of water, air, and laser energy to perform various dental procedures, ensuring minimal discomfort and anxiety for young patients. One of the most significant advantages is its minimally invasive nature, reducing the need for traditional anaesthesia and often eliminating the need for drilling – a major source of dental fear. The laser is so precise, it does not damage any of the surrounding tissues, or for fillings, cause micro-fractures in the tooth.

For children, this translates to shorter, more pleasant appointments and faster recovery times because of the healing effect of the laser.

Incorporating Waterlase dental laser into our paediatric dentistry promotes a positive attitude towards oral health from a young age. Children grow up associating dental visits with comfort rather than fear, setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral care habits. As this innovative technology continues to transform the field, parents can rest assured that their children’s smiles are in the best of hands.

The Importance of Teaching Children Proper Brushing Techniques

There’s a number of good reasons why at Wayside Dental we make teaching children how to brush their teeth properly, our number one priority.

1. Preventing Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood dental problems. By teaching children how to brush properly, parents can help prevent plaque build-up and reduce the risk of cavities.
2. Establishing Healthy Habits: Early childhood is a critical time for forming habits. By incorporating proper brushing techniques into their daily routine, children are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood, promoting lifelong oral health.
3. Avoiding Gum Disease: Gum disease can affect children too, especially if they neglect oral hygiene. Proper brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the gumline, reducing the risk of gum disease and gingivitis.
4. Building Confidence: A healthy and bright smile can boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Teaching them to brush properly contributes to maintaining their beautiful smile, encouraging them to smile more freely and feel good about their appearance.
5. Preventing Bad Breath: Bad breath in children can be embarrassing and affect their social interactions. Teaching children to brush their teeth properly helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria and ensures fresh breath.

Tips for Teaching Children to Brush Properly

1. Start Early: As soon as the first tooth emerges, begin gently cleaning it with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush. Gradually transition to a child-sized toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste around the age of two.
2. Make it Fun: Turn brushing into a fun and enjoyable activity. Use colourful toothbrushes, flavoured toothpaste, and even play their favourite song as a timer for brushing duration. Toothbrushes with timers in them are now available to buy.
3. Lead by Example: Children often imitate their parents’ behaviours. Brush your teeth together as a family, showing them the proper techniques and emphasising the importance of oral hygiene.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for their efforts in brushing. Positive reinforcement helps create a positive association with dental care.

Children’s dentistry and proper brushing techniques are pivotal in ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles and oral well-being. Regular visits to our children’s dentist provide care, early detection of dental issues, and a comfortable environment for children. Teaching children how to brush properly from an early age empowers them to take control of their oral health and paves the way for a lifetime of good dental habits. By investing in their oral health today, we equip our children for a brighter and healthier future tomorrow.

Check ups for children aged 5 and under are free of charge. We have monthly payment plans for children aged 6-17 and the cost of this (2023) is £9 per month. The Oral Care Plan leaflet can be found here. You can also pay as you go, of course.

Contacting us today maybe the best decision you’ll make for your Children’s teeth and oral health.