Free Children’s NHS Dentistry

at Dentalcare Westbury

Dental care for children in Westbury

At Dentalcare Westbury we believe in promoting a good dental care routine in children from a very young age. By practicing a good oral health routine and visiting the dentist early on, children will not only develop good habits, but should feel more comfortable about visiting the dentist. This in turn should mean that children develop less anxiety about the dentist as they grow older.

Children should start brushing their teeth as soon as they get their first tooth, and they should visit the dentist for dental check-ups as soon as they are able. NHS dental care for children is free in the UK.

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Dental treatment for children in Westbury

At Dentalcare Westbury, we use dental check-ups for children to check for any issues or spot any irregularities. Identifying and treating any problems early on will have a more successful outcome.

Such treatments include:

Fissure sealants – Your dentist will apply this clear liquid on to the teeth of your child. It prevents cavities from forming by giving an extra layer of protection to teeth. This sealant lasts on average between 3 and 5 years and is usually given to those children aged 6 to 7 who are deemed at risk from tooth decay.

Fluoride varnish – At Dentalcare Westbury our dentists will advise on the right amount of fluoride for your child. Too much or too little can be harmful. Should your child need extra fluoride, fluoride varnish can be applied directly on to your child’s teeth in this quick and harmless process.

Children’s braces – We closely monitor the growth of children’s adult teeth and can make recommendations about types of braces for children should your child suffer with problems such as overcrowding, crookedness or issues with their bite.

Dental Check by 1

Whilst prevention in children is key, we also use dental check-ups to spot for any possible irregularities. Identifying these early helps to create a long-term plan for correction and treatment with a more successful outcome. Dental Check by 1 is a nationwide initiative launched by The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry to encourage children to have their teeth checked by a dentist before their first birthday.

Frequently asked questions about children’s dentistry

When do children’s teeth first start to appear?

Baby or “milk” teeth first appear when your child is about 6 months old. All 20 baby teeth should be showing by the time your child is 30 months old.

The first adult molars will appear when your child is about 6 before the baby teeth begin to fall out aged 6 or 7. All adult teeth should be in place by the age of 14 except for the wisdom teeth which generally show any time between the age of 18 and 25.

What sort of toothbrush should I use for my child?

There are many types of toothbrushes on the market for children. The most important thing is to use a brush with a small head that has soft, nylon bristles suitable for the age of your child.

Should I use a fluoride toothpaste?

Your dentist can advise you about how much fluoride your child should be having, but as a guide a child up to the age of 3 should have a smear of toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000 parts per million (ppm). After the age of 3, children should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste that contains 1350ppm to 1500ppm. You can check the fluoride level on the packaging of toothpaste.

How can I prevent tooth decay in my child?

The main cause of tooth decay is how often sugar and acid is consumed in children’s diet. The more frequently they consume sugary or acidic food and drink, the more likely they are to have tooth decay. Restrict sugary and acidic foods just to mealtimes and offer vegetables, cheese and fruit as snacks. Restrict the amount of dried fruit as this is high in sugar. Regular brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste will also help prevent tooth decay.