Protecting Tiny Teeth: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Smiles in York

24th September 2025

Protecting Tiny Teeth: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Smiles in York

Each year, thousands of children in Yorkshire and the Humber are admitted to hospital for tooth extractions caused by decay, with some as young as five already having up to four decayed, filled, or extracted teeth.

The good news is that with the right support, many of these issues can be avoided – and at The York Dental Suite, we focus on empowering families with the knowledge and care needed to protect children’s teeth. Our commitment to dental health begins with our youngest patients. We emphasise a friendly, personalised approach to provide the very best dentistry in York for every generation of the family, from tiny teeth to grown-up smiles.

In this blog, we’ll explore when your child should first visit the dentist, what dental care for children involves, and how treatments such as Invisalign can support growing smiles.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

Promoting dental hygiene and good oral health from a young age can make a huge difference in preventing problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and the need for more invasive treatments later in life. Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play an essential role in guiding adult teeth into their correct positions and supporting clear speech and proper chewing.
Visiting the dentist early also helps children feel more comfortable in the dental chair. By building confidence from the start, dental visits become routine and stress-free rather than something to fear.
Small touches, like our little book library for children, combined with our fun, down-to-earth team who avoid dental jargon, help make visits to The York Dental Suite feel relaxed and welcoming.

When Should Children Start Visiting the Dentist?

We recommend that children come to see us as soon as their first tooth begins to appear. Early visits allow us to monitor how their teeth are developing, check that their oral health is on track, and offer guidance on brushing and diet. Importantly, these early appointments also give your child a chance to become familiar with the sights and sounds of the dental environment, helping to reduce nerves later in life.
At The York Dental Suite, we are proud to support families by offering free routine dental health examinations for children aged 0-5 when they attend with their parent. This continues until their 6th birthday and is part of our mission to create healthy dental foundations for future generations.

Dental Care for Children in Yorkshire

The most important part of children’s dental care is the regular examination. During these check-ups, we will look for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or bite issues. By spotting problems sooner rather than later, we can provide quick, gentle, and effective treatment.
Some of the treatments we may recommend for children include:

Fluoride treatments – strengthening the enamel and helping protect against decay.

Fissure sealants – a protective coating applied to the grooves of the back teeth where food and bacteria can get trapped.

Fillings – if necessary, to restore teeth affected by decay.

We also take the time to provide advice for both children and parents on how to care for teeth at home. From brushing techniques to choosing tooth-friendly snacks, our goal is to educate and empower families to keep oral health on track every day.

Orthodontic Care for Children

One of the questions we are often asked is whether orthodontic treatment can begin before the teenage years. The answer is yes. In fact, intercepting issues such as crowded teeth, overbites, or underbites early can make a big difference to long-term outcomes.
Here at The York Dental Suite, we are proud to be Invisalign Diamond Level Providers. This means we are highly experienced in using Invisalign aligners to correct smiles, even for children as young as seven. Invisalign aligners are comfortable, discreet, and designed to fit seamlessly into a child’s daily routine.
For younger patients, early orthodontic treatment may help restore normal chewing and breathing function, as well as create space for adult teeth to emerge correctly. For older children and teens, Invisalign provides a virtually invisible solution that allows them to feel confident at school and in social situations while their smile transforms.

Top Tips for Protecting Tiny Teeth

Caring for children’s teeth can feel overwhelming at times, but a few simple steps at home can make a world of difference. Here are some helpful suggestions for parents to keep little smiles strong and healthy:

Start brushing early

– Begin brushing as soon as the very first tooth appears.

– Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice for under 3s, and a pea-sized amount for older children).

– Brush twice daily, especially before bed.

Encourage tooth-friendly foods

– Calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt help strengthen developing teeth.

– Crunchy fruit and veg like apples, carrots, and celery help clean teeth naturally.

– Limit sugary snacks and drinks, as these are the biggest contributors to decay.

Lead by example

– Children love to copy their parents, so let them see you brushing and flossing too.

– Make brushing fun with a song, timer, or sticker chart to encourage healthy habits.

Take the Next Step in Protecting Your Child’s Smile

At The York Dental Suite, protecting tiny teeth is at the heart of what we do. From the very first tooth to the teenage years, we are here to provide expert care, education, and guidance. Whether your child needs a simple check-up, preventive treatment, or early orthodontic advice, our dedicated team – led by Dr Mafalda Queiroz – is ready to help.

We believe that helping children understand and value their oral health from an early age lays the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and healthy habits. Protecting little smiles is about more than simply avoiding cavities – it’s about empowering children, giving parents peace of mind, and creating positive experiences that last well into adulthood.
If you are looking for a trusted family dentist here in Yorkshire, we’d love to welcome you to The York Dental Suite. Our practice is conveniently located on Bishopthorpe Road, just behind York Racecourse, and we can offer evening and weekend appointments to fit around busy family schedules.

Book a consultation with us and take the first step towards giving your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.