Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
At Etwall Dental Practice we believe preventative dentistry begins with the eruption of your very first tooth. We strive to provide families with a relaxing, stress-free environment that helps children become accustomed to and comfortable in a dental practice.
It is vital that a professional regularly monitor your child’s mouth and dental development as they grow. We want to find and address any problems early before they become serious.
We also want to instil good dental hygiene habits and practices early to help provide a lifetime of good oral health for your child.
Yes, you should bring your child to the dentist for the first time within 6 months of their first tooth erupting.
Early dental appointments are as much about familiarising your child with the practice surroundings and all its sights, sounds, and smells, as about allowing them to get to know the dentist.
We will also teach you how to keep your child’s teeth and gums clean and healthy until they are old enough to start caring for their own oral health.
There are several ways you can enhance and maintain the condition of your child’s teeth and gums. These include:
We recommend bringing your child to see a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, typically around six months of age. These early visits are primarily about helping your child become familiar and comfortable with the dental environment while giving our team the opportunity to check that teeth are developing as expected. Getting into the habit of regular dental visits from an early age lays the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. At Etwall Dental Practice we strive to make every visit relaxed and positive for young patients.
Yes, dental treatment and check-ups for children under the age of 18 are available free of charge on the NHS. This includes examinations, X-rays, and necessary treatments. We encourage all families to take advantage of this provision to ensure any developing dental issues are identified and addressed early. If you are unsure whether your child is registered with a dentist or would like to book their first appointment, please contact our reception team who will be happy to help.
Dental anxiety in children is very common and something our team at Etwall Dental Practice is experienced in handling. You can help by talking positively about dental visits at home and avoiding phrases that might suggest pain or discomfort. Bringing your child along to your own appointments can help normalise the experience. During their visits our team will take things at your child’s pace, using gentle language and encouraging questions. We create a welcoming, stress-free environment so children gradually build confidence. Sedation is also available for children who experience significant anxiety.
Children typically begin to lose their baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth, from around the age of six. The front teeth are usually the first to go, followed by the back teeth over subsequent years. Most children will have lost all of their baby teeth by around 12 to 13 years old. Regular dental check-ups during this transition period are important to ensure adult teeth are erupting correctly and the jaw is developing as it should. Our team can monitor this process during routine appointments.
Yes, it is important to treat decay in baby teeth even though they will eventually be replaced by adult teeth. Untreated cavities can cause significant pain and infection, which may impact your child’s ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate. Baby teeth also act as space holders for the adult teeth beneath them. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or extraction, the adult teeth can come through in the wrong position, potentially requiring orthodontic treatment later on. Treating decay early is far less invasive and less stressful for your child than allowing it to progress.
The type of toothpaste your child needs depends on their age. For children under three, a smear of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm of fluoride is recommended. For children aged three to six, a pea-sized amount of the same concentration is appropriate. From the age of seven, children can move on to a standard adult fluoride toothpaste. It is important to encourage children to spit out toothpaste rather than swallowing it. Our hygienist can offer tailored guidance on age-appropriate toothpastes and the correct brushing technique at your child’s next visit.
