A child who has a bad first experience at the dentist can avoid the chair for twenty years. We take the time to explain what we are doing in words a child understands, and we never rush a nervous patient.

What the treatment involves

Children should have their first visit when the first tooth appears, and every six months after that. Early visits are mostly about getting comfortable in the chair. As the adult teeth come through we apply fluoride and place sealants in the deep grooves of the back teeth, which is where most childhood decay begins. When a filling is needed we use tooth-coloured material, and stainless steel crowns for badly damaged baby teeth.

What is included

• Check-ups from the first tooth onwards
• Fluoride varnish to strengthen developing enamel
• Fissure sealants on the back teeth
• Tooth-coloured fillings and stainless steel crowns
• Advice for parents on brushing, diet and thumb sucking

Step by step

1. A relaxed first visit so your child gets used to the chair.
2. We count and check the teeth, showing your child each instrument.
3. Fluoride varnish is applied and sealants placed where needed.
4. Any treatment is explained to your child before it starts.
5. We agree a brushing routine with you before you leave.

Aftercare

After fluoride varnish, avoid hot drinks and hard food for a few hours. Children under seven should have their brushing supervised — they do not have the coordination to reach the back teeth properly. Keep sugary drinks to mealtimes rather than sipping through the day, as the constant acid is what does the damage.