Paedodontics

We recommend that you begin taking your child to the dentist no later than six months after the eruption of their first tooth. Early dental appointments promote optimal oral hygiene in youngsters and eliminate any associated anxiety.

Diet and poor oral hygiene are the two primary causes of tooth decay. Child-friendly guidance and guidelines are available for both of these. In Ireland, one in four children are diagnosed with dental decay before they begin school, and they lack the manual dexterity to correctly brush their teeth until roughly the age of six, so regular check-ups are essential to monitor their teeth and remind them of the best procedures.

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we provide specialised therapies, such as inhalation sedation and interceptive orthodontics, for children. For additional information on how interceptive orthodontics can be used to reduce or eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment in adolescents and young adults, please visit the following website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my baby start getting their teeth?

Teething varies amongst babies but in general lower front teeth appear between the age of 6-8 months.

What is early childhood caries or decay?

Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent exposures by infants to liquids that contain sugar such as milk(including breast milk), formula, fruit juice or other sweetened drinks. Rapid tooth decay can occur if a baby is put to bed or for a nap with a bottle of anything other than water. Sweetened drinks swish around children’s teeth and bacteria can produce acid attacks on your child’s enamel. If a bottle is given as a comforter at night time it should only include water. If your child cannot fall asleep without their bottle then gradually dilute their drinks over a period of 2-3 weeks.

It is important to wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque after feeding. The best way to do this is to sit down and place your child’s head in your lap so that you can see your child’s mouth easily.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic, Bayside Medical Centre, Bayside Shopping Centre, Sutton, Dublin 13 we recommend that you bring your child for a dental check up every 6 months as soon as they have their first tooth.

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic we ensure that your child has a pleasant and happy first visit to the dentist.

At your child’s first visit we instruct parents on how to clean their child’s teeth. We advise on the best use of fluoride products and how to plan healthy eating habits to minimise your child’s exposure to sugar. Your dentist in Smile Hub Dental Clinic will also be able to give you tailored advice in relation to feeding practices which can cause tooth decay in your child’s baby teeth. Your dentist will also be able to give you advice in relation to soother and digit sucking habits to avoid future dental problems. If any early dental disease is detected during your child’s dental exam then minimal interventions can be planned to avoid the progression of dental disease.

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic we perform a comprehensive dental examination for all our paediatric patients. If necessary we will advise x-rays and then discuss any findings. All treatment options are always discussed in detail with parents including any alternatives and all associated costs provided before any required treatment begins.

If your child requires dental treatment our dentists use age-appropriate language to provide their dental treatment and make your child’s treatment journey as pleasant as possible. At Smile Hub Dental Clinic we provide inhalation sedation for all nervous children. This is a safe mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen gas which relaxes your child and allows them to communicate with us throughout treatment. Inhalation sedation, if required also reduces any discomfort which your child may experience during their dental treatment.

How often should a child have a dental check up?

It is recommended that children come for dental check-ups every six months. This is to get them used to coming to the dentist and having exams so they do not develop any fear of the dentist. It is also to ensure that there are no early signs of cavities and if there is there can be intervention to stop them. If your child is more at risk of dental problems, they might need to come more regularly to monitor their oral health.

How often are radiographs recommended to be taken in a child with a high risk of decay?

X-rays are taken to spot any cavities or other dental problems in children’s teeth. Children are more likely to develop cavities or tooth decay because their teeth are not as strong as adults. This is why it is recommended to take x rays every two years unless there is a specific problem. If a child is has a higher risk of developing cavities they may get x rays more frequently.