Children’s Dentistry at Abbey Mead

At Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic, we believe that children’s dentistry is all about building strong, healthy habits from the very beginning. Your child’s first dental appointment is a big milestone. We work hard to make sure it is a positive, happy experience for both of you.

What Happens at My Child’s First Appointment?

The first visit to the dentist sets the tone for lifelong oral health. During this appointment, your child will meet our friendly dental team and explore the dental chair in a relaxed, supportive environment. We aim to make your child feel safe, comfortable, and even excited about visiting the dentist!

If your child feels nervous, there’s no need to worry. Our team is highly experienced in working with children. We use gentle techniques, friendly language, and lots of encouragement to help even the shyest child feel at ease.

This first visit is also a great opportunity for parents. We’ll advise you on the best toothbrushes, toothpaste, and oral care routines suited to your child’s needs. We can also discuss diet, snacking habits, and show you how to protect your child’s teeth against decay. When appropriate, we may apply fluoride varnish to your child’s back teeth for extra protection.

Our goal is simple: to make children’s dentistry a positive, educational experience and help your child build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The NHS Change4Life website has tips and ideas for cutting down on sugary foods and drinks.

When and How Often Should Children Brush Their Teeth?

• Brush teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
• Always brush just before bedtime and before breakfast.
• After meals, wait a few minutes before brushing to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
• Encourage spitting out toothpaste but avoid rinsing, so fluoride stays on the teeth longer.

Consistency is key in helping your child develop strong dental habits.

Dietary Advice and Oral Health Education

Good dental care starts at home. Our trained Oral Health Educators are on hand to provide visual demonstrations and expert tips on diet and oral hygiene. They offer advice not just to families, but also to schools and nurseries. Reducing sugar intake and encouraging a tooth-friendly diet can dramatically improve your child’s dental health.

Looking After Baby Teeth

Many parents don’t realise that baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. Brushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears, using a tiny smear of high-fluoride toothpaste (minimum 1,000 ppm fluoride).

Healthy baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Losing them too early can cause future alignment problems. Protecting these early teeth helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues later on.

Make sure your child spits out excess toothpaste but doesn’t rinse—this keeps the fluoride working longer.

My Child Won’t Brush Their Teeth — What Can I Do?

Struggling to encourage brushing? Try these tips:

• Use fruit-flavoured toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Only use a ‘pea-sized’ amount of toothpaste from age two upwards.
• Let your child choose their own fun toothbrush with a small head.
• Create reward systems like sticker charts.
• Make up silly songs or download a Toothbrush Timer app.
• Use a big egg timer and turn brushing into a fun game!

A little creativity can turn brushing into an activity your child enjoys.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

We recommend an orthodontic assessment around the age of 8. By this age, many adult teeth have started to come through. Early detection of orthodontic issues can prevent more complex problems later. In some cases, early intervention can even eliminate the need for braces altogether.

Our specialist orthodontists will guide you through the best options for your child.

Ready to start your child’s dental journey the right way?
Meet our friendly team on our meet the team page.