Dental care for children in Durban North
Check-ups and treatment that help children grow up relaxed in the dental chair, starting with their very first visit.
We see children at Durban Dental Care in Park Hill, Durban North, for check-ups, teeth cleaning, fissure sealants, tooth-coloured fillings and simple extractions, including baby teeth.
When to bring your child for the first time
Start early. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises a first dental check-up by the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming through. A first visit with nothing to fix is the easiest kind: your child gets to know the chair, the light and us long before any treatment is needed.
After that, children need a check-up at least once a year, and we'll tell you the right interval for yours. Older children who have never been are welcome too. Our guide to your child's first dental visit helps you prepare.
What happens at your child's check-up
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Step 1: Book
Send us a WhatsApp with your child's age, whether they have been for a check-up before and a day that suits you. A parent or guardian makes the booking.
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Step 2: Time to settle
At a first visit we take a little extra time to talk with you and your child before anything starts.
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Step 3: A careful look
We count your child's teeth and check the teeth and gums for early signs of decay.
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Step 4: Advice and a plan
You get brushing tips for your child's age, and if anything needs treatment, we talk you through the options.
If your child is nervous
Tell us when you book, and mention anything that has upset your child at a dental visit before. You can also ask whether something from our comfort menu, such as headphones, a blanket or softer lighting, would help.
"My son did not cry at all on his very first visit to the dentist thanks to the great staff here"
Looking after your child's teeth at home
Use fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth, in the right amount for your child's age:
- From the first tooth until age 3: a smear the size of a grain of rice.
- From 3 to 6: a pea-sized amount.
Brush for your child, or watch while they brush, until they're at least 7. Teach them to spit out the extra toothpaste rather than rinse, so the fluoride stays on the teeth.
If your child knocks or breaks a tooth
Never put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. Call us so we can check the gum and the teeth around it.
For an adult tooth that has been knocked out:
- Hold it by the top (the crown), not the root.
- Rinse it briefly if it is dirty.
- If you can, put it back in its socket and have your child bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it there.
- If it will not go back, keep it in milk. Do not let it dry out.
Then call us straight away on 031 563 2473: the sooner an adult tooth is seen, the better its chance. See toothache and broken teeth for how we see urgent problems.
For a chipped tooth, read what to do about a chipped or broken tooth. If your child plays rugby, hockey or another contact sport, ask about a sports mouth guard made to fit their mouth.
Investing in your child's teeth
The cost of a child's check-up depends mainly on whether X-rays are needed. We accept medical aid, card and cash, and you can ask about paying in instalments for any treatment that follows. Book a check-up and we'll talk you through anything your child needs, or read what a dental visit costs.
Fissure sealants for new back teeth
A sealant fills the deep grooves of the back teeth with a thin protective coating, set with a light. We place them soon after the adult back teeth come through, at about 6 and again at about 12.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth for two years. Read are fissure sealants worth it? for the evidence and the downsides.
Treatment for children
Check-ups and X-rays
Catch decay and gum problems early. We examine your teeth, gums and mouth, and take X-rays only where they're needed.
Teeth cleaning
Tartar and surface stains taken off, with your check-up at the same visit if it is due.
Fissure sealants
Seal the grooves where decay often starts in your child's back teeth, with no drilling and no injection.
Fillings
A cavity, a cracked old filling or a small chip repaired in composite matched to the shade of your tooth.
Why parents bring their children to us
We see adults too, so your own check-up can be at the same practice as your child's.
If school days are hard, ask us about a Saturday morning. There's secure parking at the practice.
Book your child's check-up
Add your name and a day that suits you, and send the request to us on WhatsApp.
Google review
A professional & friendly team. Overall great experience at the dentist. My 3 year old actually asked if he could visit again. Safe secure parking at the back.
Google review
Front he receptionist to the dentist and the assistant. No pains after and every step is explained. I think I just found a dentist for my kids and I.
Google review
Was an absolute delight visiting Durban Dental care, professional and gentle service, definitely would recommend them.
Happy patient !
Your questions about children's dental care
Durban Dental Care sees children for check-ups and treatment at North Coast Road Medical Centre, 490 Chris Hani Road, Park Hill, Durban North. Call 031 563 2473 or send us a WhatsApp to book.
It is common in children and often stops by the teens. Mention it at the check-up and we'll check the teeth for wear. Read more about teeth grinding.
Ask when you book and we'll tell you. Our guide to what a dental visit costs explains what a visit is made up of.