Pediatric dentistry

We know you’ll agree that giving your children a great start to good oral health is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.

That’s why all our TDC team will be delighted to do whatever we can to help your kids look after their teeth at home, and enjoy their visits to the dentist.

It’s a good idea to bring your child to visit us once their first teeth emerge, usually around their first birthday. We keep this first visit short and relaxed, briefly checking the health of your child’s teeth and gums, assessing whether their baby teeth have erupted straight, and offering you advice on the best cleaning techniques for your little one.

We suggest booking your child’s first visit at the same time as your own regular check-up, so they can see that a dental examination is a normal and non-stressful experience. By introducing your kids to us early, you’ll help them see a trip to the dentist as a natural part of life, so they’re completely comfortable seeking treatment in future. With the help of preventive dentistry from TDC, you can put your kids on the right path towards a healthy mouth and an attractive smile for life.

The TDC team are always happy to give you advice on the do’s and don’ts of your child’s diet. For example, did you know that with tooth decay, it isn’t the total amount of sugar kids consume, but rather their frequency of consumption? This is because constantly snacking on sugary food and drink exposes your child’s teeth to acid for longer periods, without giving their mouth and saliva a chance to neutralise plaque acids. The result is a significant increase in your child’s chances of developing tooth decay.

Try to replace your child’s sugary snacks with natural treats like cheese, fresh fruit, and nuts. And encourage your child to drink water instead of soft drink, to reduce the level of acid in their mouth, encourage saliva production, and slow the potential development of tooth decay.

Orthodontic screening

By assessing your child’s bite for potential problems early, the TDC  team aim to ensure that any orthodontic treatment is minimised, avoiding more complicated procedures once the problem has further developed.

That’s why we recommend you bring your child for an orthodonticscreening before their seventh birthday. Even though orthodontic treatment may not be necessary right away, early assessment can help us decide on the best time to begin future treatment.

With early orthodontic treatment we aim to create room for your child’s erupting teeth, create facial symmetry by influencing the growth of their jaw, and reduce the need for treatment or surgery in later life.

Your child’s young back teeth are full of tiny, natural grooves and cracks, which can easily trap food, sugar and plaque. Because this area is difficult for your child to properly clean, cavities can then easily appear.

To guard against this problem, the TDC team can apply tooth-coloured fissure sealants to fill in these tiny flaws, forming a barrier against tooth decay and making them easier for your child to clean. We usually suggest applying fissure sealants after your child’s permanent teeth appear, at around the age of six or seven.

Kids’ Mouthguards

Kids love the rough and tumble of playing contact sports. But before they run out to train or play, it’s important to make sure they’re fully kitted out with a custom-made mouthguard.

Compared to standard “boil and bite” versions, a dentist-made mouthguard gives better protection against painful (and potentially expensive) dental injuries, by being precision-made to exactly fit your child’s bite and gum contour.