Visiting the Dentist with Kids

Your kids first visit to the dentist

Children should have their first dental checkup at 1–2 years of age.

Be relaxed with your children when talking about the dentist. Be careful not to use any negative words, and be sure not to pass on any feelings of fear or anxiety that you may have.

Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

How long do baby teeth last?

  • The front baby teeth will last until the age of 5–7 years.
  • The back molars have to last until about 12 years of age. Dentists advise having a protective coating, or fissure sealant, applied to the molars at around 7 years.

What your kid's dentist will look for?

  • The number of baby teeth and their spacing and placement.
  • How effectively teeth are being cleaned.
  • Any changes in colour, or spotting of teeth, signifying early decay. About 20% of children have a type of decay called ‘nursing caries’, often related to dietary and feeding habits, particularly use of a night time bottle.

Your attitude can help

Be relaxed with your children when talking about the dentist. Be careful not to use any negative words, and be sure not to pass on any feelings of fear or anxiety that you may have. Your positive attitude can help a lot. After all, going to the dentist these days doesn’t need to be a frightening experience.

Senior woman getting out of bed holding lower back in pain

Choosing a dentist

Routine checkups can be carried out by your usual family dentist. It helps if they get on well with kids, and know how to make them feel at home in the surgery. Look for a dentist that has a good kids corner in the waiting room! There are also paediatric dentists, who are specially trained in looking after children’s teeth, and in handling children in a positive way. You may prefer to attend the paediatric dental section of your local children’s hospital.

Chapter 4 Your Child's Health

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