Ideal time to bring children to the dentist
June 12th, 2019
With summer here and children getting off school, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring them to the dentist whether for their first visit, a regular check-up or an orthodontic consultation
It can be hard to get your children to the dentist at the best of times, but when they’re at school, it can be even more difficult for busy parents to organise. So when summer arrives, it is often easier for all concerned to make the time for a vital check-up.
First visit
It is recommended that infants should first be brought to the dentist when their first tooth appears which is generally when they are about six months old. It is good to get them used to the idea of a dentist from an early age. Dentists will also be able to advise you on how best to look after your young children’s baby teeth. They will also be able to spot the beginnings of any problems that may occur later.
We have written in the past about how to ensure your child’s first dental visit is a success and we believe it is crucial that children should feel comfortable and relaxed so that subsequent visits are also stress-free.
School children
Most national or primary level school children finish up at the end of June. You may then be going on holidays or they may be doing summer camps, so it is worth booking them in for a check-up before those things happen. That way, you won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the summer or be under pressure when school begins again in late August.
Ideally, of course, there would be regular free check-ups during school and the Irish Dental Association (IDA) has consistently urged to government to introduce more frequent dental screenings in Irish schools. The Health Service Executive (HSE) does operate the Schools Screening Services which aims to screen children in second, fourth and sixth class. However, the IDA points out that “due to restrictions in the public service, these target classes are not always reached”.
So it is worthwhile bringing your children yourself. Your dentist will then get an opportunity to assess what treatment is needed, if any, including fissure sealants or fillings. They will also be able to advise you and your child on how best to look after their first teeth, including what food and drink to avoid and how to brush properly. Often, children need to hear this not just from you as parents but from a professional.
As with most health issues, prevention is better than cure, so regular visits will allow dentists to spot potential problems and deal with them as early as possible. At this age – from four to 12 – regular dentists will also be able to monitor how your child’s mouth is developing and when – or if – they will need to see an orthodontist.
Teenagers
If your children have been used to going to the dentist regularly from an early age, it will generally be easier to get them to go when they become teenagers. However, as any parent will tell you, bad habits can begin to slip in when your children hit their teens.
It is up to you to encourage good dental habits, such as brushing regularly, flossing and having the right diet (as much as possible). It is also worth encouraging them to be independent and take care of themselves, which means going to the dentist for a check-up or to see a hygienist. However, as we all know, ‘ordering’ teens to do anything, let alone go to the dentist, can be counter-productive.
Teenagers, like the rest of us, care about their health and their appearance so will want to have strong, healthy teeth. So help them to achieve this by allowing them to make their own appointments with the dentist and taking responsibility for their own wellbeing.
However, you can also make an appointment for them and bring them to the dentist if that’s easier for all concerned. The important thing is to make sure they are getting regular check-ups.
Orthodontics
As well as good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, orthodontic treatment will probably be the biggest dental treatment your children will need. A majority of young people need to get braces fitted and the best time to do it is usually between the ages of 10 and 13, though it will depend on the child.
While braces were once unwieldy and sometimes uncomfortable, nowadays they are much easier to fit and to wear. Thanks to modern technology, people can now choose from traditional braces, tooth-coloured ceramic ones or clear Invisalign types which are custom-made for patients’ mouths and which blend in naturally so that they are not unsightly. We use all three kinds in Dental Care Ireland practices and we work with our patients – and their parents – to choose the most suitable type.
Click here for more on the range of treatments available in Dental Care Ireland practices around the country. To find a practice nearest you, visit our website here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/
