Children's Dentistry

Paediatric dentistry is the speciality of dentistry that focuses on the dental health of children. A Paediatric dentist (Paedodontist) has undertaken an additional 3 years full time specialist training programme providing them with the expertise to carry out specialist dental care for infants, children, adolescents and children with special care needs.

Good oral health is an important part of overall general health. Early establishment of the right preventative dental health practices will reduce the risk of developing dental disease in childhood.

A child who has a pleasant dental visit will gain trust and confidence in dentistry that can last a life time. Dr McCafferty’s goal is to provide every child with a positive, calm, fun and educational dental experience in a child friendly environment which has been especially created here at Citygate Specialist Dental Clinic.

A child has 20 primary (baby) teeth which begin to erupt when a child is around 6 months old. All of the baby teeth are usually present in a child’s mouth by the age of 3.

Once baby teeth erupt into the oral environment they are susceptible to developing tooth decay. This will occur if the teeth are exposed to the risk factors that cause tooth decay: excessive sugar in the diet, build-up of plaque and bacteria. The bacteria on the tooth use the sugar from the diet to form acids which dissolve the teeth at the surface and will eventually cause a cavity.

Baby teeth begin to fall out naturally around aged 6. The lower front incisor teeth are usually the first baby teeth to exfoliate. The back molar teeth do not naturally fall out until your child is between 10-12 years.

Baby teeth matter!