Children’s Dentistry in Pinner

What Happens at the First Visit?

Children’s early experiences with dentistry can have a lasting impact on their feelings towards dentistry in their later years.

Early exposure to a children’s dentist in London can help build your child’s confidence and compliance should they need treatment at a later time.

We advise bringing your child to a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, which is around 6-18 months of age.

At their first visit they may not even let us look at their teeth.

But the aim is make them comfortable and give you, their parents and carers, advice on how best to look after their teeth.

At their examination we get them to sit in the dental chair and wear some sunglasses.

We will count how many teeth they have and assess their bite.

Early detection of bite problems is something often overlooked and by treating these early we can try and avoid more complex orthodontic treatment when older.

We will help with brushing and give tips for healthy snacks and eating habits.

46% of children aged 8 in the UK have tooth decay¹.

As parents with young families, we understand the worries parents have about health and want to engage them into good habits to prevent avoidable extractions, infections and disease.

Additional treatment may be advised as part of the assessment and preventative plan such as fluoride application, fissure sealants, x-rays or an orthodontic (braces) consultation.

Even if your child doesn’t display the symptoms of a dental issue, taking them to regular children’s dentist appointments is an investment for their health.

Why Early Interceptive Orthodontics is Important

By providing braces while baby teeth are still present we can create the space for the adult teeth to grow in a better position.

If some more alignment is required later, the treatment is more straight forward and less complex.

Often braces are not placed until all the adult teeth have come through and by this age 35% of children (aged 12) are too embarrassed to smile or laugh².

Some problems such as cross-bites and large overbites can now be corrected whilst some baby teeth are still present.

The advantage of early treatment is:

• Improve your child’s quality of life, by improving their function and reducing the risk of trauma.
• By detecting and treating bite problems early your son or daughter can potentially avoid more complex orthodontic treatment, or extractions, when older.
• Improving your child’s smile.

Why wait until the teenage years to obtain a beautiful smile?

Dental services for children play an essential role in prevention, as they reduce the risk of chronic dental diseases and other health issues.

• Prevent cavities and tooth decay. According to Public Health England, 26% of children missed an average of 3 days from school last year because of dental pain and infection and 38% had sleepless nights because of it³. However, cavities are highly preventable if children go to the dentist regularly.
• Fissure sealants can be placed on adult teeth to protect them from developing decay. Placing them is painless and does not require any drilling. It seals the biting surface of the tooth, protecting it against bacteria infiltration and makes it smooth so it is easier to clean.
• Acclimatising to the dental office. Getting used to seeing a dentist regularly will help children build trust and understand that this is something normal that they don’t have to fear.

Why Choose Our Practice?

Paediatric dentistry requires a different approach compared to treating adults.

Children are very much involved in their treatment and we will never treat them against their wishes.

This is a journey of trust and we will always do what is in their best interest.

Our main emphasis is on prevention, however, if treatment is required this will be done in a very gentle manner.

We are a mercury-free practice and do not use amalgam fillings.

You need a practice to make them feel save and comfortable.

At West House Dental, we are proud to have created such an environment.

We are family-oriented dental practice in North West London and our children’s dentists know how to make the youngest patients feel at home.

We have a gentle, education-based approach to preventative dentistry that not only makes your little one feel safe, but also teaches them to adopt good habits on how to maintain their teeth.