Your Complete Guide to Children’s Dental Treatments

When it comes to looking after children’s health, dental care is often one of the most overlooked areas, but it plays a vital role in their overall wellbeing. Baby teeth may only be a temporary stage of our child's dental journey, but they serve essential functions in speech development, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into the correct position. That’s why regular visits to a dental clinic from a young age are more than just a formality, they’re essential for the healthy development of your child's teeth!  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common dental treatments for children, how these treatments differ from adult care, and what you can do to support your child at home. Whether it’s understanding the purpose of a dental checkup, learning about teeth scaling, or exploring orthodontic options, you’ll find clear, reassuring answers right here. To learn more, keep on reading our article. 

How Children’s Dental Treatments Differ from Adult Care

Children’s mouths are constantly developing, and it’s important to recognise that their needs are very different from adults. From the structure of baby teeth to the importance of building good oral habits early on, a child’s first experiences at the dentist can shape how they view dental care for life! Visiting an experienced oral hygienist or dentist who understands children’s unique dental requirements can help to detect and prevent issues such as decay, misalignment, and gum problems before they become more serious. So, how do children’s dental treatments differ from adult dentistry? 

Smaller, Softer Teeth Need Special Attention

Children’s baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, have thinner enamel than adult teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to decay and wear. Because decay can progress rapidly in baby teeth, early detection and treatment are critical. A small cavity in a child’s tooth can worsen quickly if it's not addressed and cared for properly. 

Monitoring Growth and Development

Dentists and oral hygienists do more than just look for cavities during a child’s visit. They also:

• Monitor the development of adult teeth under the gums.

• Check jaw growth and bite alignment.

• Spot early signs of orthodontic problems, like crowding. 

This proactive approach allows many issues to be treated earlier, which stops them from developing into greater issues. 

Comfort and Communication

It’s not uncommon for people to dislike visiting the dentist, and in some cases this starts even in childhood. Paediatric dentists and trained dental professionals understand this and use a friendly approach to make children feel comfortable during their treatment. This might include:

• Explaining procedures in simple, child-friendly terms.

• Using distraction techniques such as cartoons or ceiling-mounted TVs.

• Offering praise and rewards for cooperative behaviour.

Treatment with the Future in Mind

With adults, treatment often focuses on restoring or maintaining long-term function. In children, it’s equally about protecting developing permanent teeth, preserving space in the jaw, and preventing habits like thumb-sucking from affecting bite alignment.

What to Expect at a Child’s Dental Checkup

According to NHS guidelines, children should have their first dental checkup by the time their first tooth appears, usually around six months of age, and certainly by their first birthday. After that, checkups are typically recommended every six months. During a children's dentist check up, you should expect: 

• Visual Examination - The dentist will count your child’s teeth and inspect for early signs of decay, gum inflammation, or bite issues.

• Discussion with Parents - Advice on brushing techniques, teething, thumb-sucking, fluoride use, and dietary habits.

• Fluoride Varnish Application - If needed, the dentist may apply a protective fluoride coating to strengthen the enamel.

• Growth Monitoring - Tracking the growth of new teeth and spotting early dental concerns.

Common Children’s Dental Treatments Explained

Learn more about some of the most common children’s dental treatments below. 

Fillings

Cavities in children are more common than many parents realise, especially due to sugary snacks and drinks. When decay is caught early, the dentist will clean out the cavity and fill the space with a safe, tooth-coloured material (composite resin) that blends in with natural teeth.

Stainless Steel Crowns

When a cavity is too large for a standard filling, or the tooth is weak, a stainless steel crown may be recommended. These caps cover the entire tooth and provide strength until the baby tooth naturally falls out.

A Child-Friendly Root Canal

If decay reaches the inner part of the tooth (the pulp), a pulpotomy might be carried out. This treatment removes the infected part of the tooth while preserving the rest of the tooth’s nerve. 

Extractions

Typically a last resort, when a baby tooth is severely decayed, infected, or blocking the path of an incoming adult tooth, an extraction may be needed. 

Encouraging Good Oral Habits at Home

While regular visits to the dental clinic are essential, much of a child’s oral health depends on what happens at home. Here’s how parents and carers can support their child’s smile every day!

Brushing Twice a Day

Daily brushing, twice a day, is one of the most important things you can do to help your child maintain good oral health. Choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles and a fluoride toothpaste suitable for their age, and make sure your child is brushing for 2 minutes. Children typically need help brushing effectively until at least age 7, so make sure you're supervising brushing time!

Make Brushing Fun, Not a Chore

Turning oral care into a game can make sure your children don't view it in a negative light. Try using a song during brushing, brushing apps that track progress and reward consistency, or even using a sticker chart for positive reinforcement. 

Healthy Eating = Healthy Teeth

What your child eats has a direct impact on their dental health. Try limiting sugary snacks, especially before bedtime, and encourage drinking water after eating. Fruit juices and fizzy drinks, even the sugar-free kind, can be acidic and contribute to enamel erosion. Milk or water are the safest choices for teeth.

Give Your Child a Smile That Lasts a Lifetime

Your child’s dental health starts with strong daily habits and the support of a trusted dental clinic. Whether it’s time for their first dental checkup, a routine visit, or a specialist consultation, our team is here to help. Here at Acorn Dental Health, we offer a range of professional dental services. Simply get in touch with our team today to learn more.