What it is
Paediatric care covers examinations, preventive treatment such as fluoride application and fissure sealants, treatment of decay in baby and young permanent teeth, and monitoring how the adult teeth are coming through.
Who it may suit
- Children attending for their first dental visits
- A child with visible decay or toothache
- Children with a high-sugar diet or a family history of decay
- Monitoring of erupting adult teeth
Signs you may need it
- A child complaining of pain with sweets or cold drinks
- White or brown marks on the teeth
- A baby tooth that is loose earlier or later than expected
- Difficulty eating on one side
How the treatment works
- 1
Familiarisation
Early visits focus on letting the child get comfortable with the surroundings.
- 2
Examination
A gentle check of the teeth, gums and how the jaws are developing.
- 3
Prevention
Diet and brushing advice, fluoride application and sealants where appropriate.
- 4
Treatment
Any decay is treated using techniques suited to the child's age and cooperation.
- 5
Review
A recall interval is set based on the child's risk of decay.
Visits and recovery
Most children's appointments are short. Treatment is paced to the child, and more than one visit may be used deliberately to build confidence.
Benefits
- Problems are found while they are small and simpler to treat
- Children build familiarity with dental visits early
- Prevention is tailored to the child's diet and habits
Limitations
- Very young or anxious children may need a referral for care under sedation or general anaesthesia
- Success depends heavily on home routines and diet
Risks to be aware of
Every dental procedure carries some risk. Your dentist will discuss these with you in person, based on your own examination and X-rays.
- Anxiety if a first visit happens during pain rather than for prevention
- Decay progressing quickly in baby teeth if untreated
Aftercare
- Brush twice daily with an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, supervised
- Keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes
- Avoid bottles or sweet drinks at bedtime
- Attend recall appointments even when nothing hurts
When to contact the clinic
- Toothache, facial swelling or a knocked-out tooth
- An injury to a front tooth after a fall
