fbpx

Children’s Check-Up: When and Why?

Being a parent isn’t the easiest thing in the world, and that’s partially down to the sheer amount of care that goes into raising a child. We all know it’s not as simple as feeding them food and keeping them safe and entertained; it’s also taking them to their regular doctor and dentist checkups. Which leads to; how often should I book my children’s check-up? At Dental Care Ireland encourage that children come in for at least two checkups every year.

Why do children need bi-annual checkups?

Preventive Care Vs Treatment

As children grow, they can potentially experience problems such as misaligned bites, tooth decay, and teeth growing in crooked. By coming in for a regular children’s check-up, we can assess their teeth and catch problems before they become, well, problems.

Establish Good Habits

It’s common for children to be resistant to brushing their teeth. However, by bringing your children in for a regular children’s check-up, we can instill a desire and a habit to practice good oral hygiene which can carry through into adulthood. If you still hate flossing as an adult, it might be because you didn’t establish this good habit at a young age!

Determine Need for Braces

Not every child is going to need braces, but you won’t be able to tell without the help of a children’s dentist. Dental Care Ireland offer orthodontic services at several locations across the country that can determine if braces are necessary. This will help you get a head start on the orthodontic process, and you may even prevent future issues!

If you would like to schedule your child’s next checkup with us, you can contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice or book online today. Of if you wish to learn more about your children’s oral health, why not check out our Children’s Dentistry page. 

Halloween special offer for children at Dental Care Ireland

Halloween special offer: Our practices around the country are offering two children’s dental exams for the price of one from October 28th to November 8th

 

 

As parents, we naturally want our children to have fun and enjoy themselves. However, at the same time, we also have to take responsibility for their health and well-being, which is where our Halloween special offer comes in.

This is highlighted each year at Halloween when the fun of dressing up and going ‘trick-or-treating’ has to be balanced with the ‘nightmare’ amount of sweets and chocolate they receive (and want to consume).

To help with this, all Dental Care Ireland practices around the country are offering a two-for-the-price-of-one Halloween special offer on children’s dental exams. This is available from Monday, October 28th to Friday, November 8th.

To book your children in, contact the Dental Care Ireland practice nearest you. Full list of Dental Care Ireland locations.

Tips for parents at Halloween

Obviously, you don’t really want your child to eat all the treats they get. Parents will have often witnessed their children coming home with huge bags full of treats donated from houses in the neighbourhood. So introduce some rules, such as only allowing sweets and chocolate to be eaten after a meal as a dessert substitute.

It is also worth getting them to eat before they go out ‘trick-or-treating’ so they aren’t as hungry and won’t be tempted to eat as many sweets as a replacement for dinner. Try to also spread out the number of days when they can consume the treats as well as putting an end date in sight. You can always donate any remaining treats.

Drink water

It is also beneficial to get your children to drink lots of water around Halloween as this will help to get rid of any sugar in the mouth. It will also dilute the acidity of sugary snacks.

And if you can, encourage the eating of fruit, nuts and cheese around this time so the child will be getting some healthier options as well as all the other stuff. (Bear in mind that this doesn’t include fruit juices and smoothies which often tend to contain a lot of sugar.)

Keep on brushing

It is important that your children stick to their teeth-cleaning routines around Halloween, particularly as so many will be on mid-term break at the same time this year. Our dentists here in Dental Care Ireland recommend brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste as well as flossing once a day. As mentioned above, drinking lots of water is also beneficial.

Get a check-up

There’s no time like the present for booking your children in for a check-up. You could always use have a dental examination as the balance for the consumption of sweets at Halloween!

The October mid-term break is also a good opportunity to take your children to the dentist as time always gets tight in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year. An exam will allow your dentist to check up on your child’s progress and assess what work needs to be done if any.

It will also give the dentist the chance to advise the child on the benefits of brushing which is always good for them to hear from the professionals, as well as from their parents. They can also tell them the professional view on eating too many sweets and drinking too many sugary drinks. This information is often best taken on board when coming from a dentist or dental hygienist.

Our offer

The Dental Care Ireland special offer is a good incentive for you to take your children to the dentist during the mid-term break. So, if you have children under 16 and want to get their teeth checked out, take advantage of our two-for-the-price-of-one deal.

To find out more about this Dental Care Ireland special offer, as well as the terms and conditions, go here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/special-offers/halloween-mid-term-kids-offer/

And, lastly, we hope you and your children have a great break and a ‘superscary’ Halloween!

To find the Dental Care Ireland practice nearest you, check our list of locations here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/

Baby teeth: all you need to know about your child’s oral health

Baby teeth: In this week’s Q&A, Dr Suzanne O’Connor from our Knocklyon practice in Dublin answers some common queries on how to prepare for a child’s first dental visit

 

 

Q: When should I first bring my child to the dentist to have their baby teeth looked at?

A: Ideally before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives at around six months. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and give you an opportunity to ask questions on brushing, maintenance and diet.

Q: What is the best time to schedule a visit?

A: Try to pick a time of day that suits you both, so that nobody feels too rushed, tired or hungry. For a first visit, it is particularly important to ensure that your child is as relaxed as possible.

Q: How can I prepare my child for a first visit?

A: It can be useful to introduce child-friendly books or songs about brushing teeth and trips to the dentist. Try to also use positive words and phrases such as check-up, counting teeth or looking at the mouth, rather than unfamiliar terms such as extractions or fillings.

Q: When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

A: It is a good idea to introduce the concept of oral hygiene as soon as the first baby teeth arrive at approximately six months. Try introducing a small brush for your baby to hold at bath time so that they can get used to the idea of brushing.

Q: Should I use toothpaste to brush my baby’s teeth?

A: For 0-2 year olds, brushing with atoothbrush and water is best. From 2-7 years, children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Incorporating supervised brushing into your child’s usual morning and evening schedules is key.

Q: What happens at a first dental visit?

A: Depending on the child’s age, they can either sit on a parent’s lap, or else sit on the chair by themselves. The dentist examines the child’s mouth and gums, in order to identify any issues such as decay, crowding problems, or developmental anomalies. If needed, they may take an X-ray. They will then polish the child’s teeth and offer the parent preventative hygiene and dietary advice.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

All you need to know about baby teeth

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Colm Traynor from our Carlow practice answers some common questions about losing baby teeth and how best to protect the new permanent teeth that will shortly follow

 

Q: When do children lose their baby teeth?

A: A child’s baby teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out at about age six, allowing space for the permanent adult teeth to grow.

Q: Which is the first tooth to fall out?

A: Children usually lose teeth in the same order that they first appeared. Hence, the first baby teeth to fall out tend to be the two bottom front teeth and the two top front teeth.

Q: When will my child stop losing baby teeth?

A: Although timing varies from child to child, the process of losing baby teeth usually continues for a number of years until they lose the last tooth at around age 12 or 13.

Q: What if a baby tooth falls out too early?

A: Baby teeth generally stay in place until they are pushed out by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth early as a result of tooth decay or trauma, make sure to visit your dentist as there may be a risk of infection or damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Q: How long does it take a wobbly tooth to fall out?

A:  Once you or your child notices that a tooth is loose, it can sometimes take a few days or even a few months to fall out. This depends on how quickly the tooth root resorbs.

Q: Should I help my child to loosen a wobbly tooth?

A: It is generally best not to pull a loose tooth, but rather to let nature take its course. Most children will wiggle a tooth themselves until it falls out of its own accord. This will minimise any pain and bleeding associated with losing the tooth.

Q: What happens after a tooth falls out?

A: When a tooth finally falls out, you can help minimise your child’s discomfort by following some simple steps:

  • Remove the tooth with clean fingers or a moistened gauze
  • Reduce any bleeding with pressure from tissue or gauze for a brief few minutes
  • Encourage your child to gently rinse with warm water later that day
  • Brush the area gently for a day or two, to avoid irritation
  • Contact your dentist if you have any concerns, or if any portion of the baby tooth remains in the socket

Q: How can I help my child to look after the new adult teeth?  

A: Your child’s new permanent teeth will need to last them a lifetime, so establishing a thorough dental care routine from the outset is key.

  • Remind your child to brush at least twice a day for two minutes
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep their teeth strong and prevent dental decay
  • Help your child floss his or her teeth daily to remove plaque
  • Ensure a healthy diet and limit frequency of snacks, especially those high in sugar
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to help dilute any acid attacks
  • Schedule regular dental visits for your child, to monitor permanent teeth eruption

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

Taking care of teething in your little ones

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Niamh O’Grady from our Castlebar practice in Mayo answers some frequently asked questions about teething and offers advice on how best to ease the transition for little ones and parents alike

 

 

Q: When does teething start?

A: Although timing varies widely, first teeth usually start to erupt into a baby’s mouth at about six months old.

Q: Which is the first tooth to arrive?

A: The two lower front teeth are generally the first to appear, followed by the two upper front teeth. For some children, each new tooth erupts one at a time. For others, teeth can arrive in pairs or sets.

Q: When will my child stop teething?

A: Typically, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they reach three years of age.

Q: Is teething painful for children?

A: Signs and symptoms of teething vary from child to child. Some babies may feel little or no pain, while others show symptoms of teething that can last for weeks or months before a tooth erupts.

Q: What are the signs of teething in a baby?

A: While there is no single set of indicators, a baby may experience some or all of the following teething signs:

  • Red and slightly swollen gums
  • Red or flushed cheek(s)
  • Excessive drooling/dribbling
  • Chewing on objects
  • Ear pulling or cheek rubbing
  • Restlessness
  • Reduced appetite
  • Irritability

Q: Should I give my child a teething ring to ease discomfort?

A:  A teething ring can provide a safe and soothing item for your baby to chew on, as well as a mild distraction from the pain. Never use a frozen teething ring as it could damage your baby’s gum.

Q: Are there any other ways to ease the pain?

A: Try using a clean finger or moistened gauze pad to lightly rub your baby’s gums in the affected area. The counter-pressure should help ease any discomfort. For babies over six months, some cold natural yoghurt or chilled fruit purée can also provide great comfort and relief for hot and swollen gums.

Q: How can I prevent skin irritation from drooling?

A: Excessive drooling is part of the teething process. To prevent skin irritation, keep a clean cloth handy to gently dry your baby’s chin, consider applying an approved moisturiser, and use a bib for additional comfort.

Q: Can I give my child medicine to relieve teething pain?

A: If your baby is experiencing a lot of pain and especially irritable, you may want to consider a suitable over-the-counter remedy such as children’s paracetamol, as recommended by your pharmacist.

Q: When should I first bring my child to the dentist?

A: Ideally before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives at around six months. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and give you an opportunity to ask questions on brushing, maintenance and diet.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

Ideal time to bring children to the dentist

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.

For more on the range of treatments available in Dental Care Ireland practices around the country, click here. To find a practice nearest you, visit our website here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/

Make a success of your child’s first dental visit

Your child’s first dental visit is a hugely important step towards making them feel comfortable and secure in what is a new environment

 

The old notion of the dentist as someone to be feared is thankfully long gone, but that doesn’t mean that everyone goes to their local practice completely free of nerves. These nerves generally derive from difficult trips to the dentist in childhood, or from exaggerated scare stories heard through the grapevine.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your child’s first dental visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so they can be properly introduced to an environment that is both safe and friendly.

How do children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth?

Children’s teeth differ from adults’ teeth in size, colour and consistency. Generally, children’s teeth are smaller, thinner and whiter than adult teeth, which are bigger, darker, more dense and a little more yellow. Given the size and state of children’s teeth, it is important they get the care they need as early as possible to ensure their oral and dental health are as good as can be.

When should your child see the dentist for the first time?

Your child’s first dental visit should happen when the first tooth appears. This generally occurs when they are six months old.

What can you do to make the first visit as easy as possible?

There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s first dental visit goes as smoothly as possible.

First of all, go at a time that suits both you and your child, to make sure it’s a stress-free visit. Make sure they have had a sleep so they’re well rested, and also that they’re not hungry or cranky in any way, such as first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re rushed or stressed, your child will pick up on that and probably won’t be happy as a result.

You’ll want to give your child a decent bit of time to acclimatise to what is a new and strange environment for them! Dental practices are very bright and clean, and it’s important your child isn’t rushed in and out of the practice too quickly.

Parents are present at all times during the child’s first dental visit to put them at ease, and to hear about what the examination will entail, as well as take-home tips. The dental examination usually involves counting the child’s teeth to see how many have appeared.

Dentists are also looking for a growth pattern, to establish a baseline for what’s present and seeing if there are any tell-tale signs of issues down the line that they can advise on to prevent them becoming a problem.

Overall, the visit should be fun and enjoyable for the child, so that next time they visit, they aren’t scared or apprehensive.

What take-home messages do you need?

After your child’s first dental visit, you will gain some valuable insights into brushing techniques, some oral and dental health advice in general and dietary advice so your child isn’t eating or drinking too many sugary foods and drinks. This is particularly important as it will hopefully establish good dental habits for life.

Your dentist will want to closely monitor your child’s dental health, progression and growth in the months and years to come. If you follow these simple tips, you will greatly increase the chances of both a successful first dental visit for your child, as well as subsequent visits to come.

If you’re looking to book an appointment in one of our practices around the country, we can offer you the help and care that you need. Dental Care Ireland practices around the country open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours for more information