Children’s Dentistry

Your local Children’s Dentist

Feeling comfortable with coming to the dentist and preventing problems are two of our top aims when it comes to children’s dentistry at Ricci Dental. We focus on making it a pleasant experience, which helps to maximise your child’s dental health for life

When should I take my child for their first visit to the dentist?

Baby teeth are the foundations for the adult teeth that will follow so it makes good sense to start visiting your dentist once the baby teeth start erupting but no later than 3 years.

Often we suggest that little ones come along to a routine appointment that another family member is having and experience sitting in the chair and get used to sounds and smells, just to get them acquainted with it. Our dentists are highly experienced with children and have the extra time that some children may need to build that important relationship and the balloons and stickers don’t hurt either!

 What will happen on the first visit?

• A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
• If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque buildup or stains
• Discuss preventive techniques including fissure sealing of molar teeth and fluoride applications to help keep your children’s teeth free of disease
• A demonstration on proper home cleaning.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Just like adults, children benefit greatly from regular six-monthly dental check-ups. These visits allow us to monitor your child’s oral development, ensuring their teeth are growing in the right direction, their bite is forming properly, and that their gums remain healthy. Early detection is key—check-ups help identify any potential issues such as crowding, early signs of decay, or problems with jaw development, allowing us to manage them before they become more serious.

During these appointments, we also reinforce good oral hygiene habits and offer guidance tailored to your child’s age and stage. Preventive care is at the heart of children dentistry, and with consistent check-ups and positive dental routines at home, many children can avoid major dental work later in life. By making dental visits a regular part of their routine, you’re setting them up for a future of strong, healthy smiles.

What is a fissure sealant?

Fissure sealants are a simple, painless, and highly effective way to protect children’s teeth—especially the molars—from decay. These back teeth often have deep natural grooves and pits on their chewing surfaces, known as fissures. While these grooves are completely normal, they can be extremely difficult for children to clean properly with regular brushing, particularly in younger years when motor skills are still developing.

As these grooves deepen over time, they can trap food particles and bacteria, creating the perfect environment for plaque build-up and tooth decay. Even with good brushing habits, these areas can be nearly impossible to keep completely clean, increasing the risk of cavities.

To help prevent this, our dentists may recommend fissure sealants. This involves thoroughly cleaning the tooth and then applying a thin, protective layer of a tooth-coloured resin to the grooves. The sealant forms a smooth barrier over the fissure, preventing bacteria and food particles from settling in those hard-to-reach areas.

The process is quick, non-invasive, and completely pain-free—no needles or drilling required. Once applied, the sealants can last for several years, offering long-term protection during the most cavity-prone stages of childhood. Regular dental check-ups will ensure they remain intact and continue to do their job effectively.

Fissure sealants are a great preventive tool in children dentistry, helping to maintain healthy teeth well into the teenage years and beyond. Combined with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits, they can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and the need for future dental treatment.

How can I protect my child’s oral health at home?

One of the best methods you can take at home is to lead by example. You will need to help your child brush their teeth until they are old enough to manage it themselves.

Once they are brushing on their own, a twice daily brushing habit with a soft tooth brush will help to keep them cavity free with healthy gums.