The Importance of Oral Hygiene Since Childhood
Healthy teeth begin with healthy habits. Brushing, flossing, using fluoride, following a healthy diet, and making routine dental visits are key components to good dental hygiene, which is just as important for a child as overall health.
1) Baby Teeth are More Vulnerable
Your child’s first baby teeth usually appear at around 6 months, and most children have all 20 by about age 3. Although many believe that caring for baby teeth is less important because they will eventually be replaced, baby teeth are more susceptible to cavities than adult teeth. We understand that getting a small child to brush can be challenging—start gently brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
2) Prevention of Dental Disease
Children’s teeth are at risk for dental diseases such as gingivitis, cavities, infections, and plaque. Because baby teeth have lower mineral density, it’s crucial to start protecting them early. Incorporate brushing, flossing, and using the correct toothpaste into your child’s daily routine to help them develop lifelong habits. For more advice, visit our preventative dentistry page.
3) Improved Speech Development
Healthy baby teeth are essential not just for appearance but also for speech development. Prematurely lost or misshapen teeth can lead to difficulties with pronunciation and, in severe cases, speech impediments.
4) Aid In Healthy Permanent Tooth Development
Baby teeth start to fall out at around age 6, when adult teeth begin to come through. Newly erupted adult teeth are more vulnerable to decay for the first few years, and decay in baby teeth can affect the adult teeth developing underneath. Taking care of baby teeth helps protect your child’s permanent teeth from early deterioration. For more on transitioning from baby to adult teeth, book a consultation.
From baby teeth to adult teeth
In general, the first baby teeth appear at around 6 months old. The first teeth to come in are usually the two bottom front teeth. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by about 3 years of age.
Baby teeth usually start falling out at around age 6, and by about 12–13 all of them have been replaced by adult teeth. During this transition, your child will have a mix of baby and adult teeth. Some children may require orthodontic treatment, such as braces, as adult teeth (a full set of 32, including wisdom teeth) emerge later in adolescence.
Steps to Protecting Your Child's Smile
- Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste—once before bed and once during the day.
- Supervise your child during brushing until they are at least 7 years old to ensure proper technique.
- Just spit after brushing; avoid rinsing immediately to retain fluoride protection.
- Reduce the amount and frequency of sugary foods and drinks to lower the risk of decay.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect against injury.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash if recommended by your dentist, ideally at a different time from brushing.
- Ensure you visit your dental professional regularly for checkups and cleanings.
What our patients say
Nobody likes going to the dentist. I hadn't been for a few years following a harrowing experience at a previous dentist!
Saw this new practice had opened and plucked up courage to make an appointment. First impressions good - tastefully furnished and friendly lady on reception. Informal chat with Rikki the dentist put me at eas…Read full review
Nobody likes going to the dentist. I hadn't been for a few years following a harrowing experience at a previous dentist!
Saw this new practice had opened and plucked up courage to make an appointment. First impressions good - tastefully furnished and friendly lady on reception. Informal chat with Rikki the dentist put me at ease straight away. Excellent job of cleaning my teeth getting rid of the plaque causing me gum problems and recommending how I could keep my teeth in good condition. Since my visit over a month ago my gum problems, bleeding and soreness have completely gone.
Decided to invest in teeth whitening. Not cheap but well worth the investment. I have had many compliments and I'm only half way through the treatment! Would highly recommend this service!
Also taken my 11 year old son here - he was very happy too!
Have recommended "The Dentist" to friends and neighbour's Support your local business and community!
I am happy to personally support the staff here and hope Park Hall and surrounding area's will do so also.
Angela Pearson (Mrs)
I would recommend this dentist to anyone if your nervous about visiting a dentist like I was then this is the dentist to call !! Ricky is such a lovely person and he really makes you feel at ease !! Infact every one who works there from the hygienist to Ellie the receptionist are brilliant ! Make an appointment trust me you'll w…
Read full review
I would recommend this dentist to anyone if your nervous about visiting a dentist like I was then this is the dentist to call !! Ricky is such a lovely person and he really makes you feel at ease !! Infact every one who works there from the hygienist to Ellie the receptionist are brilliant ! Make an appointment trust me you'll wonder why you were so scrared 😊
I came to this dentist on the recommendation of a work colleague and some extra research.
I'm a really anxious person who is also neurodiverse, and after 10 years of not seeing a dentist, I had severe buildup on my teeth, inflamed, red gums and cavities. I was embarrassed to smile. I was embarrassed to have conversations with o…Read full review
I came to this dentist on the recommendation of a work colleague and some extra research.
I'm a really anxious person who is also neurodiverse, and after 10 years of not seeing a dentist, I had severe buildup on my teeth, inflamed, red gums and cavities. I was embarrassed to smile. I was embarrassed to have conversations with other people because I didn't want them to notice my teeth.
The whole team have been nothing but kind, welcoming, and understanding. They all really, really listened to me and my experience. They explained each step that needed to be taken, in detail, answered all of my questions really well, and ensured I wasn't in pain or anxious.
I was also able to use my own coping mechanisms (fidget rings, worry stones, hand fidgeting), and I wasn't judged. That's how it should be, and thank you for setting an example.
It's quiet and genuinely a really nice, calm atmosphere. And because it's a calm, quiet practice, it doesn't feel like you're on a timer.I didn't feel pressured by anyone for anything regarding treatment, and have been kindly but firmly re-educated on important aspects or oral health.
They will also send you plenty of reminders and confirmations, which has been super helpful for me to manage my time and prioritise myself and my teeth.
A huge thank you to Dr. Rikki, Dr. Anna, and the rest of the team who made me feel like it was possible to get my smile back. My confidence has increased tenfold, and I would do it all again (but hopefully not).
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Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you. For urgent pain or swelling, please call 01922 624900.