Visiting the dentist
Children should have their first dental checkup at one to two years of age. You can also visit your child and family health nurse for dental checks.
Before this time, it’s good to take them along with you to the dentist when you have your checkups, so they get used to the environment.
- The front teeth will last until the age of five to seven years.
- The back molars have to last until about 12 years of age. (Dentists advise having a protective plastic coating, or fissure sealant, applied to the molars at around seven years).
- 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).
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 can be lots of fun!
Routine checkups can be carried out by your normal 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 pediatric dentists, who are specially trained in looking after kids’ teeth, and in handling children in a positive way. You may prefer to attend the pediatric dental section of your local children’s hospital.