Dentistry for children

Dentistry for children covers a child’s first visit to the dentist and ongoing preventive care as their teeth develop. It suits any child, from their first tooth through to their teenage years, and their parent or guardian. Dr Annabel Davies provides dentistry for children at BRS Dental on Strand Street, in Cape Town City Centre.

A child’s first visit

Guidance generally points to a child’s first dental visit happening around their first birthday, or soon after their first tooth appears. An early visit is usually less about treatment and more about checking that the teeth and jaw are developing as expected, and helping a child become familiar with the dentist and the surroundings before there is ever a problem to deal with. A parent can expect to be closely involved, including holding a young child during the examination, and it is normal for a small child to be unsettled at first, since it is a new experience for them.

Ongoing care

As a child grows, regular check-ups let the dentist keep track of their teeth and gums and pick up on anything that needs attention early. The dentist can also advise on brushing technique for each stage, on diet and its effect on decay, and on caring for teeth through the changes of losing baby teeth and growing permanent ones.

Preventive care at home

Cleaning a baby’s mouth can begin before any teeth appear, wiping the gums gently with a clean, damp cloth. Once the first tooth comes through, brushing twice a day with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste is recommended, increasing to a pea-sized amount as the child grows. Sugary food and drink, including in a bottle at bedtime, should be limited, since sugar has a direct effect on the risk of decay. As children get older, they can be taught to brush their own teeth properly, in circular motions and covering every surface, with an adult supervising until they can be trusted to do this well on their own.

How she helps a nervous child

She aims to give each appointment the time it needs, and a nervous patient can set the pace. Patients hear what she has found, what the choices are, and what each involves, which applies to a child’s appointment as much as to an adult’s.

Getting in touch

Fees for a child’s appointment are discussed with reception. The panel on this page shows how to get in touch to book a first visit or a check-up.