Children’s Dentistry in Manchester

Children’s Dentistry Cheadle

We believe the key to healthy teeth is starting young – our team can help families introduce positive oral hygiene habits with their children at home.

With an ethos rooted in providing the best care possible, we are dedicated to helping our youngest patients care for their teeth and oral health. We know that preventive care is the best form of dental care and believe that for the best results, this preventive care should start from an early age.

When should I first bring my child to the dentist?

We recommend bringing your child to visit us here at Ringway Dental when their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. At this point, we will carry out a short examination of the mouth to make sure everything is healthy and proceeding as it should.

Children’s dentistry should include regular, early visits to the dentist as these are important for normalising the experience for your child, so they feel comfortable and secure with us. This will prevent any fears or anxieties from arising and sets the foundation for making sure a visit to us is an enjoyable experience.

What treatments do you offer to children?

Our paediatric dentistry services involve routine dental examinations for children, including a health screening as well as help and advice in creating an at-home care regime. With a dedicated treatment coordinator, we will be able to shape a care plan unique to every child. As the child gets older, this may include fluoride application and orthodontic treatment. If you would like to speak to someone about children’s dentistry in Cheadle, feel free to get in touch.

Ensuring your child maintains good dental health is crucial for their overall well-being and development. A strong foundation in dental care can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Here’s how you can support your child’s dental health through various stages of their growth.

Encouraging Good Habits Surrounding Food

Our diet plays a significant role in dental health. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as sugar can lead to tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria in the mouth. Instead, offer healthy snack alternatives like cheese, yoghurt, or nuts, which can actually help strengthen teeth. Once they reach an appropriate age, make sure your child understands the connection between what they eat and how this can impact their dental health.

Enforcing Teeth Brushing

Good dental health and hygiene starts with regular teeth brushing in childhood! Teach your child they need to brush their teeth at least twice a day. For younger children, you should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and assist them as they brush to ensure they reach all areas of the mouth. Some parents choose to make brushing a fun activity by using a timer, playing a song, or rewarding consistent brushing habits.

Don’t forget to also encourage flossing once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline. Developing these consistent habits at an early age will help your children maintain positive dental hygiene routines as they grow.

Orthodontics for Children

Orthodontic evaluations should start early to address any potential issues with jaw growth or the alignment of teeth as they arise. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis with your child will help determine whether your child will need braces or not. Often, the key dental changes that can lead to requiring orthodontic treatment occur when all milk teeth have come out and adult teeth are settling in. While not all children will need braces at this age, early examination can identify problems that may benefit from early intervention. Optimal ages for braces usually range from 9 to 14, depending on individual growth and development patterns.

How to Help Your Teething Child

Teething can be a challenging time for both children and parents. To alleviate discomfort, offer teething rings made of firm rubber, or gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger. Cold items like a chilled spoon or dampened, chilled cloth can also provide relief. Avoid teething biscuits and frozen items that can be too hard and risk harming your child’s gums or emerging teeth. If your child is very distressed as their teeth are coming through, talk to your dentist or doctor for advice on pain relief measures. 

General Advice on Caring for Children’s Teeth

Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months to keep your child’s teeth healthy and to catch any potential issues early. Make visits to the dentist as fun an experience as you can, to help avoid the formation of negative associations that can lead to fearing the dentist.

Fluoride Treatments: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments or supplements to strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent decay. This additional level of protection can help you save money in the long run.

Dental Sealants: Children are more prone to developing cavities, especially in the back teeth as they’re harder to brush. Ask your dentist about dental sealants – these are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which can prevent cavities.

Mouthguards: If your child participates in sports, make sure they wear a custom-made mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. You can request one is made with your usual dentist.

Lead by Example: Children often mimic their parents’ behaviours. Practice good oral hygiene yourself to set a positive example

How much does Children’s dentistry cost?

Children’s examinations are broken down into the following two groups. 18+ are priced as adults.

Dental exam 12 and under – £15

Dental exam 13 to 17 – £35

Contact us at Ringway Dental to find out more about any of our treatments or book a consultation.