Children’s dentist in Surrey – dental care for kids’ teeth

Start cleaning your baby’s gums even before teeth appear, using a soft, damp cloth after feeding. Once the first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months), begin brushing twice daily with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). At age 3, you can increase to a pea-sized amount. Children typically need help brushing until around age 7-8, when they develop the dexterity to brush effectively themselves. At Love Teeth, our team provides demonstrations during appointments to ensure parents and children master proper brushing technique.

Talk positively about the dentist in the days leading up to the appointment, avoiding words like “pain,” “hurt,” or “needle.” Read children’s books about visiting the dentist or watch age-appropriate videos. Let your child know they’ll meet friendly people who help keep teeth healthy and strong. Avoid using dental visits as threats or punishments. At our Surrey practices, particularly our Worcester Park children’s clinic, we’ve designed the environment to be welcoming and fun. Many children are excited to visit once they see the cinema and child-friendly atmosphere. Schedule morning appointments when children are typically more cooperative and well-rested.

Yes, dental X-rays are extremely safe for children. We use digital X-rays at Love Teeth, which produce up to 80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The amount of radiation exposure is minimal – comparable to what your child receives during a short airplane flight. We only take X-rays when clinically necessary, typically to check for cavities between teeth that can’t be seen during visual examination, assess the development of permanent teeth, or evaluate orthodontic needs. Children wear protective lead aprons during X-rays for added safety. The benefits of detecting problems early far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure.

This is a dental emergency requiring immediate attention. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown (top part) only – never touch the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline solution (never tap water or soap). Try to place it back in the socket if possible, holding it in place with clean gauze. If you can’t reinsert it, keep it moist by placing it in milk, saline solution, or having your child hold it in their cheek (if old enough not to swallow it). Call Love Teeth immediately on 020 8337 0629. Time is critical – the tooth has the best chance of being saved if reinserted within 30 minutes. For baby teeth that are knocked out, don’t attempt to reinsert them, but still contact us for assessment.

The ideal time for orthodontic assessment is around age 7, though treatment may not begin until later. Early assessment allows us to identify issues like crossbites, severe crowding, protruding front teeth, or jaw growth problems while they’re easier to address. Some children benefit from early interceptive treatment between ages 7-10, which can prevent more complex problems later. Most comprehensive orthodontic treatment begins between ages 11-14, when most permanent teeth have erupted. However, every child is different. At Love Teeth, we offer Invisalign Teen for teenagers who want discreet orthodontic treatment, as well as traditional options. Our Diamond Apex Invisalign provider status means your child receives expert orthodontic care across all our Surrey locations.

We typically recommend dental check-ups every six months for children. However, some children may need more frequent visits if they’re at higher risk for cavities, have orthodontic appliances, or have other dental concerns. Regular visits allow us to monitor oral development, catch problems early when they’re easier to treat, provide professional cleaning and fluoride treatment, and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. These routine appointments also help children become comfortable with dental visits, reducing anxiety as they grow. At our Worcester Park children’s clinic and across all Love Teeth Surrey locations, we make every visit positive and educational.

Dental anxiety in children is common, and we’re experts at helping anxious children feel comfortable. Our team, recognised with the 2024 Child-Friendly Practice of the Year award, uses gentle, patient-centred techniques. We never rush appointments, explain everything in child-friendly language, use “tell-show-do” techniques to build trust, celebrate brave behaviour without shaming fear, and allow parents to stay with their child during treatment. For children with significant anxiety, we offer gentle sedation options including happy air (nitrous oxide) to help them relax. Our Worcester Park clinic’s cinema and engaging environment help distract and calm nervous children. Many parents tell us their previously anxious children actually look forward to visiting Love Teeth.

Yes, if your child plays contact sports or activities with risk of mouth injury (football, rugby, hockey, basketball, skateboarding, etc.), a custom sports guard is essential. Sports injuries account for a significant percentage of dental emergencies in children. A properly fitted sports guard protects teeth from chips, fractures, or being knocked out, cushions blows that could cause jaw fractures, and protects soft tissues like lips, tongue, and cheeks. At Love Teeth, we create custom sports guards tailored to your child’s mouth, offering superior protection and comfort compared to shop-bought versions. They’re available in various colours, making them appealing to young athletes. Custom guards are more comfortable, stay in place better, and allow easier breathing and speaking during sports.