HDG NEWS
Lifelong Smiles: A Guide to Children’s Dentistry in Hertford & Ware
6th May 2025
The importance of protecting our children’s teeth cannot be understated. Children's dentistry is crucial to ensuring that little ones grow up with strong, healthy teeth and the confidence that comes with them. From those first baby teeth to their transition into permanent ones, regular dental care helps prevent cavities, correct alignment issues, and instill healthy habits early on.
Did you know that tooth decay has become the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine across the country? There’s never been a better time to get talking to your children about the importance of a good oral health routine. This includes brushing twice a day, a healthy diet and regular dental visits.
At Hertfordshire Dental Group, our friendly team are all about making dental visits comfortable and even fun - after all, healthy teeth lead to happy kids!
When should I start taking my child to the Dentist?
Every child is different, but we would always advise parents to bring their children to their first appointment as soon as possible after the appearance of their first baby teeth.
Starting visits early on in childhood will not only help with the prevention of any issues but also helps build familiarity, making future visits more comfortable and stress-free.
Don’t hesitate to bring them along with you to your dental appointments, even at a very young age - it’s never too early for children to learn the importance of good oral hygiene.
Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dentist
We understand the unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells of the dentist can be intimidating for a little one – but we promise your child’s first visit will be relaxed and stress-free at Hertfordshire Dental Group.
We’ve been looking after nervous patients (big and small!) for years, and we believe a visit to the dentist should be a happy and rewarding experience for all.
On their first visit we’ll talk to your child, show them some of the interesting kit we use and teach them good oral hygiene. Your child can meet the dentist and go for a ride in the chair if they wish!
Should they need some extra encouragement you can bring a tablet with their favourite tunes or a calming story or let them clutch a cuddly or fidget toy.
Parents Play a Vital Role
Parents play a crucial role in helping children maintain healthy teeth at home. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Start Early: Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth emerges. Use a soft toothbrush and a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. We recommend you oversee your child’s brushing up until they are 7 years old.
Model Good Habits: Let your child see you practising proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing regularly, so they learn by example.
Make Brushing Fun: Turn brushing into a game or use songs or role play to make it enjoyable. Many toothbrushes have built-in timers and interactive features to keep kids engaged, or you could try asking your smart speaker to ‘set a timer for two minutes!’.
Use a Mouthguard During Sport: If your child is at an age where they enjoy high impact pursuits like football, rugby, hockey, or martial arts, we strongly advise they use a well fitted mouthguard to protect teeth and gums from injury.
Teach Healthy Eating Habits: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, particularly between meals or before bedtime. Encourage a balanced diet with foods that promote dental health, like fruits, vegetables, and dairy – and watch out for those hidden sugars in things like ketchup and cereals!
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule dental health check-ups every six months, starting at an early age. Changes can happen very quickly in milk teeth and it’s important your child visits regularly so we can stay on top of things.
Use Rewards: Create a sticker chart or reward system for consistent brushing and flossing.
Children’s dentistry is a partnership between families and dentists to nurture happy, fearless little patients. By teaching children to care for their teeth and practising good oral hygiene at home, parents play a vital role in establishing lifelong healthy habits. Coupled with regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits, these efforts significantly reduce the likelihood of costly and uncomfortable dental treatments in the future.
To make your life easier, we can offer convenient after-school appointments and even provide a Child Membership Plan designed with your family’s needs in mind.
Starting early is key to setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental routines, so why not make an appointment to pop in and see us today.
