Take your child for regular dental check-ups as soon as their first milk teeth appear, at around 6 months.
Check-ups can be every 3, 6 or 12 months depending on how healthy their teeth are. Your dentist can advise you about check-ups.
Take your child to the dental clinic when you go to your own appointments. This can help them get used to the clinic before their visit to the dentist.
First dentist appointment
Get your baby's mouth checked by the dentist when their first teeth appear or by their first birthday.
Your dentist will check that their teeth are developing correctly. They will show you how to care for your baby's teeth.
They can also give advice on how to help with problems such as teething.
Injuries to baby teeth
If your baby injures their mouth or teeth in a fall or accident, take them to a dentist to be checked.
Falls or injuries can loosen, break, knock out or push a baby tooth up into the gum. This might damage the developing adult teeth.
Dental check-ups
Take your child for regular dental check-ups. For most children this will be once a year.
Your dentist may recommend visiting more often, depending on:
- how their teeth are developing
- their risk of dental decay
- other health conditions
Ask your dentist what they recommend.
What happens during a dental check-up
At each check-up, your dentist will:
- examine your child's teeth, gums and mouth
- ask about their general health and any problems they've had with their teeth, mouth or gums since their last visit
- ask about and give you advice on their diet and teeth cleaning habits
- discuss a date for their next visit
Dental procedures
Your child may need other appointments for:
- prevention advice and treatment
- other dental treatments, such as cleaning, fillings or tooth extraction (taking teeth out)
Teeth cleaning
A dentist or dental hygienist can clean and polish your child's teeth and help remove plaque.
Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that develops when bacteria builds up on teeth.
Removing it helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Looking after your child's teeth
Dental x-ray
Dental x-rays are images that help your dentist see the condition of your teeth and mouth.
A dentist uses a dental x-ray to:
- check for holes or decay in the teeth
- check for damage to the teeth caused by an injury
- make sure that the teeth are developing in the correct position
Fillings
If your child has tooth decay, they might need a filling. This involves removing the decay inside the tooth and filling the hole.
This may involve using medicine to numb the tooth.
If the tooth is not filled, the tooth decay may progress and lead to infection.
Fixing cavities in baby teeth
If your child develops a cavity in their baby teeth, talk to your dentist. Cavities in baby teeth can lead to infections.
Tooth extraction
Your dentist may tell you that your child needs a tooth or teeth extracted (taken out).
Common reasons for this include when:
- a tooth is decayed beyond repair
- a baby tooth is due to fall out to make space for the permanent tooth but is causing discomfort
- teeth are overcrowded
Teeth are taken out using local anaesthetic. This is painkilling medicine to numb the tooth, gum and surrounding area.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend a general anaesthetic. This puts your child to sleep. It may be used if they are too young or unable to co-operate with dental treatment.
Fissure sealants
Some children have deep fissures (crevices) or very uneven surfaces in their permanent back teeth (molars) when they appear at around age 6.
This means tiny bits of food can easily get trapped in their back teeth. If your child does not brush their teeth properly, bacteria may start to build up and cause tooth decay.
A fissure sealant is a coating that creates a seal over the crevices and smooths the uneven surfaces of the tooth. This can help to prevent tooth decay.
Applying the sealant is quick and painless.
The sealant normally lasts for several years. A dentist or dental hygienist can top up or replace these sealants when needed.
Braces
As your child grows you may be worried about the position or crowding of your child's teeth. Your dentist will check this at your child's check-up. They can usually tell you if braces might be needed in the future.
Braces are used for straightening teeth. If your child needs braces, your dentist will refer them to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a type of specialist. They will tell you what type of braces your child needs.
Children are screened for orthodontic problems during routine dental appointments in primary school.
The dentist may refer your child to our orthodontic services, if they are eligible. This means the services are free.
Not all children are eligible for free orthodontic care. Some people have to pay for this service.
Orthodontic treatment and braces provided by the HSE
Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare (NIPH) scheme
Your child can get braces under the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme.
This scheme allows you to get healthcare in a private healthcare service in Northern Ireland if you're on a HSE waiting list. After you have the healthcare, you apply to HSE for payment towards the cost of the healthcare.
Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme
Free dental services for children under age 16
We offer some dental services free of charge to children up to the age of 16. These services are provided by dentists in local HSE clinics.
To find out about dental services in your area, you can contact your HSE Local Health Office.
Routine dental treatment
We offer free dental check-ups to:
- children in 2nd, 4th, and 6th classes in primary school
- children with special needs
We give a follow-up appointment for preventative care or treatment, if needed.
Emergency dental care for children
We give emergency dental care to children under age 16.
For example, this could be for:
- pain
- infection or swelling
- injury (trauma) to the mouth or teeth
For emergency treatment, call your local HSE dental clinic.
Cross Border Directive (CBD) scheme
Your child may be able to get dental care under the Cross Border Directive (CBD) scheme.
The CBD scheme allows you to get healthcare in another EU or EEA country. You need to be eligible to get healthcare under the CBD.
