Your Child's First Visit
We recommend bringing your child for their first dental visit around the age of two, or when their first teeth begin to emerge. Early visits help your child become familiar with the dental environment and allow our team to monitor their oral development from an early stage.
At Divine Dental Care in Croydon, we take a gentle, patient approach with young children. First visits are typically short and focused on making your child feel comfortable. We may count their teeth, check for any early signs of decay, and discuss oral care habits with parents and carers.
Building positive associations with dental visits from a young age can help reduce anxiety and encourage good oral health habits as your child grows.
Preventive Treatments for Children
Preventive care is a key focus of children's dentistry. Our aim is to help protect your child's teeth and address any concerns early, before they develop into more significant issues. Preventive treatments we offer include:
- Fissure sealants, which are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent decay in the grooves and pits
- Fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel and increase resistance to decay
- Regular dental examinations to monitor tooth development, jaw growth, and overall oral health
- Dietary advice to help identify foods and drinks that may contribute to tooth decay
- Habit counselling for thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or other habits that may affect dental development
We tailor our approach to each child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs.
Tips for Good Oral Health at Home
What happens at home between dental visits plays an important role in your child's oral health. Here are some practical steps you can take to support healthy teeth and gums:
- Begin cleaning your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Supervise brushing until your child is around 7 to 8 years old, as younger children may not have the dexterity to brush effectively on their own
- Brush twice daily, particularly before bed, and introduce flossing once teeth start to touch
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals
- Encourage drinking water, particularly fluoridated tap water
- If your child plays sport, consider a custom-fitted mouthguard to help protect their teeth
Our team is happy to demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques during your child's appointment to help make home care as effective as possible.
