What should I do if my child’s first permanent teeth appear to be crooked?

 This is not unusual and is not necessarily something that will last. Whereas front teeth, in particular, can come through at unusual or odd angles the muscles within the tongue and lips do usually correct this within around 3 months.

 However, if a parent has had a history of crowded teeth, this may be passed on and result in the child also suffering crooked teeth. Orthodontic tooth movement can correct this problem, but this is not generally attempted until all permanent teeth have erupted. Importantly, if you do become worried about how your child’s teeth are emerging then please feel free to contact our team for advice and guidance.

How can I encourage my child not to be nervous about going to the dentist?

 It is important not to pass on any fears that you have about the dentist to your children. Furthermore, there is no need to make a fuss about the child visiting the dentist, or to tell them how brave they are, as this will only encourage the impression that there is something to be scared of. Here at Tara Martin Dental care we pride ourselves on putting patients at ease, either young or old ! Visiting a dentist can be a daunting prospect so we aim to make this as comfortable and stress free for all members of the family.

 Initiating regular visits to the dentist at an early age is vital in helping children to get used to the environment and procedures at the surgery. Unfortunately, pain and distress can occur at any age and it is crucial to have prepared your child beforehand. This will make any necessary treatment run much more smoothly for everyone involved.

 What should I do if my child breaks or loses a tooth?

 You should contact your dentist straight away. We operate an emergency service for all people, even those not registered with us, although priority is given to registered patients.

 In the event of a tooth being knocked out by an injury to the mouth, take the tooth to your dentist as soon as you can. Store the tooth in fresh milk until you arrive at the dentist, as it may be possible to restore it to its original position. This process is called reimplantation, but this can be hindered if attempts are made to wipe or clean the tooth in any way.

 Alternatively, if the tooth is broken, cracked or chipped, you should keep any lost fragments if possible and bring these to the dentist as soon as you can.