How early can I take my baby to the dentist? A guide to child dental health, from a Sunderland expert

Good habits start early and could prevent problems later in life. Picture – supplied.

The secret to having the healthiest teeth you can, for the longest time, starts way before you might think.

According to Colin Caster, who co-owns City Dental, that means babes in arms – often with no teeth at all – would benefit from seeing the dentist.

He said: “The NHS advice is for all babies to see a dentist before their first birthday. That may seem ridiculously young, but from getting them into a good dental health routine, to normalising visits to the dentist – which some older children find scary – it’s a great thing to do.

By normalising dental visits you not only prevent or spot problems early, but you help eliminate nervousness. Picture – supplied.

“We’d recommend bringing baby along to the parent’s routine check up to begin with, to get them registered and checked.”

In this, the first of a two-part series around lifelong dental health, Colin has identified and helped throughout childhood.

– Baby steps: An early visit to the dentist almost certainly will be quick and simple, with the dentist aiming to make baby smile. From there he or she will be able to take a quick look in the mouth, checking for any signs of abnormality. While these are rare, the earlier they are spotted the better, as this makes treatment to correct things likely to be less invasive.

– Brush up your ideas: Once teeth pop through, and throughout the toddler years, children should be brushing their teeth and adults should be supervising them to ensure it is done. It’s vital to get started on the twice a day brushing habit to prevent periodontal disease from getting a grip.

Sunderland dental practice: Why babies need dental care. Picture – supplied.

– Get things straight: Adult teeth can often look crowded in a child’s mouth, giving a snaggle-tooth look. For some teens simple growth in the jaw and face will remedy this, for others braces will be necessary. By being under the continuing care of a dental practice early solutions will be found for those who need it.

Colin added: “Modern dentistry is all about promoting dental health and conserving your natural teeth for as long as possible. We don’t want to be pulling teeth or replacing them with crowns, implants or dentures unless it is totally unavoidable.

“Peridontal disease is one of the most common diseases in the world but is also one of the most preventable. Good dental hygiene from an early age is vital, and it should be continued on into adulthood. It’s not a disease you cure, and it goes away, with every sugary snack, drink or meal, bacteria forms, and people need to take care to stop it forming.”

City Dental is run by dental technicians, who set up their own business over 10 years ago, then operating as A-line Dental Services. They employ dentists, hygienists and nurses, who have a mission to help the people of Sunderland smiling.

In next month’s column Colin will look at adult dental care, and how patients can help keep their natural teeth healthy for longer, to avoid costly and invasive treatments.

Adults and children can register at the practice via the website www.city-dental.co.uk or call the practice on 0191 548 4916 to arrange a free of charge consultation. City Dental is at 57 Dovedale Road, Seaburn Dene, Sunderland SR6 8LP.