When your child is born they will have a full set of deciduous (primary) teeth beneath the gums. These start to emerge through the gums, starting with the lower teeth, from about 6 months but can show up much sooner. By the time your toddler is 3 years old all of the deciduous teeth will be through.
Because we dentists love healthy teeth, you can bring your children in to see us as soon as heir teeth start to pop through. We will ensure their teeth, gums and other soft tissues are OK and developing as they should. However if you have any concerns before this point, we are more than happy to have a look.
A really important aspect to bringing your children to the dentist in the early years as acclimatization to the strange environment of the dental clinic. It is better for us to meet your children for a straightforward check-up, than if their first visit to the dentist requires treatment, which may set them up with an unhelpfully negative view of going to the dentist. We'd far rather their first experience is a fun one!
A recent survey* published in 2013 showed that over 27% of 5 year olds in the UK have tooth decay. In 2009, tooth decay was reported as the third most common reason for children's admittance to hospital**. This is alarming.
We believe your children's oral health and good prevention is paramount, which is why at Market Place Dental we provide free private dental treatment for children under 6 years old. Our aim is that by preventing tooth decay in their deciduous teeth, your children will be set up for a lifetime of good oral health.
*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/survey-finds-27-of-5-year-olds-have-tooth-decay
