At Spring Meadows dental clinic we understand that good oral hygiene and preventive dental care must begin at an early age. We ask parents to register their children at the practice and to encourage regular attendance for check-ups. To help you, we actively involve you and your children in dental education so that the importance of a good dental regime is fully appreciated.

We understand the unique dental needs of children. Our compassionate and gentle approach to children’s dentistry ensures a positive experience for your little ones. From regular check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments and education, we prioritize their oral health. With a child-friendly environment and a team that loves working with kids, we make dental visits enjoyable and lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Brushing Techniques

You may want to supervise your children until they get the hang of these simple steps:

• Use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Take care that your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the inside surface of each tooth first, where plaque may accumulate most. Brush gently back and forth.
• Clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the outer gumline. Gently brush back and forth.
• Brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Gently brush back and forth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom.
• It’s always fun to brush the tongue!

Proper Diet

A balanced diet is necessary for your child to develop strong, decay-resistant teeth. In addition to a full range of vitamins and minerals, a child’s diet should include plenty of calcium, phosphorous, and proper levels of fluoride.

If fluoride is your child’s greatest protection against tooth decay, then frequent snacking may be the biggest enemy. The sugars and starches found in many foods and snacks like cookies, candies, dried fruit, soft drinks, pretzels and potato chips combine with plaque on teeth to create acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and may lead to cavities.

Each “plaque attack” can last up to 20 minutes after a meal or snack has been finished. Even a little nibble can create plaque acids. So it’s best to limit snacking between meals.

Fissure Sealants

A fissure sealant is a thin, plastic film that is applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth creating a protective barrier which prevents food and bacteria getting into the teeth.

This safe and painless technique thereby protects children’ teeth and prevents dental decay.

Scientific studies have proven that properly applied sealants are 100% effective in protecting the tooth surface from caries.

• Fissure sealants are safe and effective
• Painless in application and unnoticeable after treatment
• Prevent decay of molars and premolars
• Should last for many years
• Easier to keep clean due to a smoother tooth surface
• Reduce the likelihood of fillings in your child’s mouth

In line with Spring Meadows dental philosophy on preventative dentistry, all parents are encouraged to elect to have their children’ teeth fissure sealed and/or ozone treated, as appropriate.

We recommend fissure sealant treatment when your child’s first permanent teeth come through, usually at the age of 6-7 years and the remainder of teeth be sealed as they appear thereafter usually between 11-14 years.