Family Focus
Kids
We recognise the importance that the formative years can have on lifetime dental care. A bad experience at the dentist can have a lasting and detrimental effect and may even be passed on to the next generation.
That’s why at Duston Dental Practice we take our responsibilities very seriously and aim to make every child’s dental experience a positive one. We believe that being a “young” team really helps!
- When should a child have their first dental visit?
According to General Dental Council guidelines, a child's first dental visit should be during 'early infancy'. Obviously this is subjective and, as with all dental care, differs for each individual but is usually around the age of 12-24 months.
- Why are early dental visits important?
Early dental visits are important as they lay the foundation for the future. Even if a child is reluctant to sit and have their teeth looked at, they can learn a lot by getting used to the room and environment and watching older siblings have their teeth checked. We can also use this time to give new mums valuable preventative advice on tooth brushing and diet.
- When will my child's first teeth appear?
The first baby teeth usually show themselves to the world approximately 6-8 months after birth and should all be present by age 32 months.
Mums to be
Preparing to be a mum can be pretty hectic. With so much going on and so many changes happening, it’s important that teeth and gums don't get neglected, there could be some changes going on there too. Follow the advice below to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy during and after your pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can cause gums to be more sensitive to the bacteria in dental plaque. These bacteria irritate the gums and cause inflammation and bleeding. It’s important to ensure your oral hygiene is immaculate to prevent bleeding gums, this means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily too.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Cravings for sugary foods during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.
- Morning sickness causes acidic stomach contents to come into contact with your teeth. Acid is potentially harmful to your teeth and causes tooth enamel to dissolve. If you suffer from morning sickness, wait an hour before you brush your teeth to avoid brushing acidic saliva directly into your teeth.
- Visit your dentist for regular check ups and cleaning if necessary.
- If you have any concerns or questions, book an appointment with your dentist for specialist advice.