Children's dentistry

Children's teeth

Preventing decay and health tips

Your child’s teeth are one of his/her most important possessions. Perhaps no part of a child’s body more directly governs their physical and mental wellbeing than their teeth. They may be vigilant guardians of health and happiness; or they may become vigorous agents of disease and worry. Whatever they will be, depends on whether you give them proper attention or neglect them.

Your child's first appointment

A child's first visit to the dentist should ideally occur by their first birthday, although many parents in Uganda tend to wait until their child is between 3 and 6 years old. Early dental visits are crucial due to the increasing prevalence of cavities in preschool children. The main goal of the first visit is to establish a positive relationship between the child and the dentist, helping the child develop a comfortable and positive attitude towards dental care.

Introducing a child to the dental environment can be done casually by having them accompany a parent or older sibling during their dental appointment. An older sibling who is cooperative and happy during treatment can serve as a positive role model. It's important for parents to stay calm and avoid showing any anxiety, as this helps foster a reassuring atmosphere for the child.

While some dental emergencies happen during everyday activities like sports or jobs demanding manual labor, patients may prevent others with good upkeep of their oral hygiene.

Why care for the primary teeth

The primary teeth should give valuable service for one fifth of the average life span. The following, are some of the reasons why it is important to retain the primary teeth in a healthy condition for the desired normal period.

  • They preserve normal function in chewing. A child may avoid good food if eating is a painful procedure and will not gain weight accordingly.
  • Badly infected teeth make the child more prone to sore throats, colds and chest infections as the beginning of the airway houses large concentrations of harmful bacteria.
  • Holding the space in the dental arch for the succeeding permanent teeth.
  • Preventing pre-mature or late eruption of permanent teeth.
  • To act as a guide for the eruption of permanent teeth.
  • To prevent pain and emergency time off school and work for the parent.
  • Prevention of spread of diseases to the different parts of the mouth.
  • Contribution to pleasant appearance and normal personality development.

Preparing your child for the first visit

This approach to preparing a child for a dental visit is thoughtful and supportive. It emphasizes creating a calm and reassuring environment, which can significantly reduce any anxiety the child might feel.

Key points to consider

  • Timing and Environment:

    • Inform the child about the dental visit in a relaxed setting, such as during a meal. This helps ensure the child feels comfortable and safe when receiving the news.
    • Older siblings should be informed in advance to avoid teasing or making the younger child anxious.

  • Communication:

    • If the child asks what will happen, explain simply that they will meet someone who looks after the family’s teeth. This keeps the explanation straightforward without overwhelming them with details.
    • Playing “dentist” at home can help familiarize the child with the idea of someone looking in their mouth, making the real visit less intimidating.

  • Language Use:

    • Avoid using words that might cause fear or anxiety, such as “needles,” “injection,” “pain,” or “hurt.”
    • Instead, use neutral or positive language to maintain a calm atmosphere.

  • Behavioral Expectations:

    • Avoid threatening the child with consequences like injections if they don’t behave. This can create unnecessary fear and make the experience more stressful for both the child and the dentist.