Children’s examinations

Fluoride varnish

Fluoride varnish is a special paste that we may apply to your child’s teeth from time to time to help strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of decay.

• It has a toothpaste-like texture and minty taste, and is gently painted onto the teeth with a small brush. It is simple to do and only takes a few minutes to set, before gradually soaking into the enamel and strengthening it.
• Fluoride varnish is particularly beneficial if early signs of decay are detected. This can help prevent it worsening and avoid the need for further treatment.

Fissure sealants

Once a child has their first adult molars, around the age of 6 or 7, their dentist might discuss the benefits of having protective fissure sealants.

• A thin composite resin is applied to the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, sealing the fissures (pits and crevices), which are sometimes difficult to clean, and reducing the build-up of food and bacteria that can lead to cavities.
• Even for children with low-level risk, this is a great way of further reducing the chance of cavities in their adult teeth. Fissure sealants are usually applied on the first adult molars when they are fully through, around the age of 6-8, and then the 2nd molars at 10-13 years old.
• All back teeth, both the premolars and molars, can potentially be fissure sealed. This can be done by their dentist or one of our hygienists – your dentist will discuss this with you and advise accordingly.

Children’s hygienist visits

Our hygienist appointments for children are focused on prevention, education, and gentle care, helping children (and parents!) learn how to keep teeth healthy between visits.

Here’s what a typical hygienist visit involves:

• Advice about cleaning routines, toothpaste tips, and how different food and drink can affect the health of their teeth.
• Toothbrushing coaching – we’ll show your child the best brushing technique for their age, using a model and mirror so they can see and learn.
• A gentle clean of your child’s teeth to remove any plaque or early signs of build-up, focusing especially around the gum line.

These visits are great for keeping children motivated and reinforcing good habits – especially as they become more independent with their brushing.

Children’s dental X-rays

We don’t routinely take X-rays for young children, but they can be a helpful tool in some cases. Generally, we start taking bitewing X-rays (which check for decay between the teeth) when children reach their teenage years – or earlier if we feel it’s clinically necessary.

• If an X-ray is needed, we use a smaller X-ray plate for them to bite down on, which is more comfortable than the larger ones used for adults. We always explain the process to both the child and parent beforehand, and take things slowly to help them feel at ease.
• We also have the facilities to take an outside-of-the-mouth panoramic X-ray, to check on the growth, development and position of all the teeth within the jaws.

Orthodontics and braces

We continually monitor every child’s jaw growth and dental development, and as they lose their last baby teeth, typically aged 11-14, we can see how well their adult teeth are positioned and if they are likely to need braces.

• Having orthodontic treatment is not just about appearance, but also fit, function and hygiene. It’s far easier to clean teeth that are well aligned, without crowded areas that are awkward to reach or spaces that can trap food. This helps maintain a healthy mouth and reduces the chance of decay or gum problems.
• If we feel your child would benefit from seeing an orthodontist, we’ll discuss this with you and can refer them to an orthodontist of your choice, or to be seen at Petts Wood Orthodontics. This is a like-minded family practice, and we enjoy an excellent working relationship with them.

Sports mouthguards

If your child participates in contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, or martial arts, we would always recommend a sports mouthguard (sometimes known as a gum shield) to protect their teeth and mouth from potential injuries.

• This involves a simple and comfortable digital scan of your child’s teeth, which we send to a high-quality dental laboratory to be custom-made.
• We will show you the wide array of colours and patterns available, allowing your child to personalise their mouthguard to match their preferences or team colours.
• Two weeks later, your child will have an appointment to ensure their new mouthguard fits well and is comfortable, and for advice on how to store and take care of it.