At Madoc Dental Care we offer complimentary appointments to children under the age of 11, and a £5.16 a month plan for children aged between 11 and 17 years. With regular visits to monitor mouth changes and habits, we are able to prevent, treat and refer at early stages to help children look after their teeth and mouths throughout their lifetime.

When should children start to visit the dentist?

As soon as children have teeth, they should visit the dentist. This will help the child get used to coming and prevent any dental fears arising. Also children’s teeth are softer that adult teeth, therefore they can get decay in them easier. Regular visits mean the dentist can prevent and treat any decay at an early stage.

These are our tips for decay prevention for children…

• Children get their first tooth through around 6 months of age.
• As the teeth come through use a soft toothbrush with a pea sized amount of children’s toothpaste.
• Try to make tooth brushing a fun activity to do.
• Children like to copy things, so if you brush your teeth in front of them they will want to copy and do the same.
• You should help brush your child’s teeth for 2 minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Once in the morning and once before bed. Until your child can show they can brush on their own.
• Try using an egg timer or playing their favourite song while brushing your child’s teeth.
• Spit the toothpaste out don’t rinse! This will wash away the good fluoride off the teeth.
• Drinking milk and water throughout the day rather than fruit juice or fizzy drinks is healthier for teeth to grow.
• Try not to put your child to bed with a bottle full of milk, juice or anything else sugary as the sugar will stay on their teeth overnight.
• Teeth love crunchy fruit and vegetables to keep them healthy and strong. Try apples, carrots, pears and healthy snacks.
• You should not give children anything sugary within an hour of bedtime.
• You should start bringing your children with you to the dentist for regular dental exams to get them used to coming to see us!