A parent's guide to children's dental visits

Most dental problems are preventable if appropriate lifestyle habits and choices are adopted early. Regular visits to the dentist should be aimed at achieving this by providing:

• Information, reassurance and support for parents
• A familiar and comfortable routine for the child, which allows them to access the advice and care that our professional team can offer.
• Children need to get used to the noises, smells and surroundings in order to be relaxed and able to listen to advice.
• We aim to provide a hospitable environment which allows us to help parents set their children on a path to a lifetime of oral health.

• Our children's payment plans enable you to budget for your child's routine dental care and entitle you to a 10% discount on treatments other than those covered by the plan.

A dental check-up comprises:

• Examination of the teeth for any cavities present
• Evaluation of the susceptibility of the child to dental problems
• Developmental checks of the growth of both teeth and jaws.

Susceptibility to dental problems varies widely from one child to another, even within the same family and at different stages of growth and development. Saliva plays an important role in protecting teeth and saliva testing can allow us to pinpoint the particular reasons why one child may have many more problems than another.

Regular developmental checks ensure that irregularities associated with the growth and development of the teeth and jaw are noticed early and orthodontic treatment is implemented at a stage when it is most efficient and will produce a stable result.

From the age of two years it is recommended that children attend for a dental examination every six months. The key ages for developmental checks are at 2 years, 5 years, 8-9 years, 12 years and 16 years. These checks should be carried out by the dentist. Between these ages, regular check-up appointments, which include prevention and hygiene in a combined visit, are provided by the Dental Therapist under the direction of the dentist.