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family dentist in hailsham

Children’s Dental Care in Hailsham

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Sometimes you come across a small person that needs all the confidence boosting you can muster. These are patients that need lots of extra care because already in their short life they have been ‘put off’ going to the dentist.

There can be all sorts of reasons for this they maybe autistic, have learning difficulties, be shy, have medical problems or that they have already had a horrible experience at the dentist.

We have sat on the floor drawing pictures, looked at teeth whist a lovely lad did a headstand in the chair and talked about everything from Dr. Who to Manchester United football club!

It’s about knowing what makes these children tick, what we can do to engage with them so that they feel we understand them.  childrens dentist east sussex

At The Dental Barn we have time, patience and bags of enthusiasm to try to help these youngsters. Unfortunately, we don’t always succeed, due to the severity of the circumstances, but we always try!

With frightened children we have had great success and would like to tell you a couple of stories.

A mum contacted me on Facebook and asked about her daughter who refused to go to the dentist because of past harsh treatment and I invited them to come in for a chat.

They bought some bread to feed our ducks and we sat and talked about why and what she didn’t like about going to the dentist. We set goals for treatment which she completed easily and she continues to come to the practice completely fear free. My loveliest memory was when she came rushing into the surgery saying “do you like my new sparkly leggings Ali” with not a thought about treatment.

A mum rang and explained that her daughter was 9 and that she had a huge fear of going to the dentist and of her wobbly teeth.

The dental practice I was at the time thought that she would be better to see me, as I was a mummy too. She came in for a chat and it was evident that she was terrified of everything! So, we started a plan that each time I would set her a little goal and she would get a sticker every time she achieved the goal. Goal 1 was to just get in my treatment chair, Goal 2 chair and open her mouth, Goal 3 chair, mouth and let me look at her teeth. Each goal only took 5-10 minutes and we never failed to reach them.

childrens dentist in hailsham

Fast forward 15 years and that lovely girl has turned into a dentally confident lady who told me last visit that she was off to Australia for a year and might not be back! It has been wonderful to see her grow up and for many years not bat an eyelid at coming to my practice for treatment. She’s coming in for one more visit before she goes and I may have to have a tissue in my pocket!

Time, patience and kindness are qualities that we have in abundance here at The Dental Barn.

 

For more information on children’s dentistry in Hailsham call us on 01323 325397.

 

 

teeth, health, smile, dentist,dentalhealth, oralhealth

Does My Child Need Surgery To Treat TMJ?

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Children affected by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can experience pain and discomfort when eating and yawning. You may have heard about TMJ surgery, but this is not the only treatment option.

– There are several non-invasive TMJ treatments available.

– Mouthguards can help correct or manage TMJ if teeth grinding is the cause.

– Orthodontics may help if a bad bite is the cause.

– Surgery is often seen as a last-resort solution.

Call the Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397  for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.

 

teeth, health, smile, dentist,dentalhealth, oralhealth

Baby Teeth May Hold Clues to Origin of Autism

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Experts believe that certain nutrients may have links to the developmental disorder known as autism.

– Researchers are examining baby teeth to see what nutrients or chemicals they have been exposed to.

– Baby teeth form in the womb, their growth layers can be studied like tree rings.

– Researchers have identified differences in levels of zinc and copper in the baby teeth of children with and without autism.

Speak to your dentist if you would like to know more about dental needs during pregnancy.

Call The Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397  for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.

 

teeth, health, smile, dentist,dentalhealth, oralhealth

Tips to Prevent Infant Gum Disease

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Lack of good oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis in infants, the beginning of gum disease. It is essential to clean your baby’s mouth after feeding, even when they are still without teeth.

– Use a clean, damp wash cloth to clean the gums of your child after feeding, or a small toothbrush if they have teeth.

– Signs of gum disease include swollen gum tissue, bleeding, sensitivity and redness of the gums.

– Consult a dentist straight away if you suspect your child may be developing gum disease.

Call The Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397  for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.

teeth, health, smile, dentist,dentalhealth, oralhealth

First Aid After Your Child Breaks His Tooth

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Children break their teeth from chewing hard substances, playing without a mouth-guard and other accidents. If your child has a broken tooth don’t be alarmed. Here’s how to save your child’s broken tooth.

– First, call the emergency line of the nearest dentist for medical assistance.

– As first aid, clean the tooth and gently press it back to its original position.

– Your child might need x-ray to determine the extent of damage and stabilising wires to secure the tooth.

Call The Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397  for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.