What We’re Learning From Generation Z

Our kids have lots to teach us about our approach to their dental care – they just don’t know it! Move over, Millennials, because Generation Z is coming of age – and they’re already influencing how organisations operate, from retail through to education and healthcare. Unlike any other group before them, Generation Z, born around 1998 onwards, have never known life without smartphones and social media. Their connectedness has given them a new understanding of themselves, their health and their future. It’s especially important for children’s healthcare providers to embrace this, putting systems in place that appeal to Generation Z as they gradually move towards parenthood. Generation Z was programmed Read More…

Breaking the habits of a lifetime

As parents we all want to pass our good habits on to our children…. But when it comes to oral health, many of us have missed the memo that things have moved on since our own childhoods. Here we set the record straight about the dentistry dos and don’ts for the kids of today. Myth 1: Flossing is for grown-ups Not true! While in the UK many of us aren’t introduced to flossing until we’re in our teens, the fact is you’re never too young to start. Of course, no one expects a four-year-old to be able to floss – but we do know that children learn best through play Read More…

Help! My child needs a filling!

Some children are simply more prone to tooth decay than others – here’s what you can do about it. The problem of tooth decay in children isn’t always as clear-cut as we’d like to think. Many parents follow the oral health rulebook to the letter, ensuring their child brushes properly twice a day, and limiting sugar in their diet – only to discover at the dentist that their child has cavities. It can feel mortifying – not to mention completely unfair, especially when other children get away with eating far too much sugar and still enjoy healthy, happy smiles. The fact is that some children are simply more vulnerable to Read More…

The Truth About Fluoride: Busting the Myths

Sarah Tukmachi, one of our specialist paediatric dentists, explores the real truth about fluoride. Fluoride is commonly found in toothpastes, mouth washes and dental gels. But what exactly is fluoride, why do dentists rave about it, and as a parent, should you have any concerns about fluoride? Our specialist paediatric dentist, Sarah Tukmachi, busts the common myths about fluoride. Myth 1: fluoride is not natural Fluoride is a mineral that is present in nature from many sources, from our natural water supply to tea, fish and beer. When added to drinking water, fluoride has been shown to drastically reduce tooth decay. The World Health Organization and Public Health England are Read More…

Why should we care about baby teeth?

Baby teeth fall out naturally – why should we care about them? If you’ve gone through weeks of looking after a grizzly, dribbly, teething baby, you’ll likely be celebrating when that first tooth finally makes an appearance! But, as a new parent, you’ll know by now that every hurdle you overcome with your baby opens the door to a fresh set of challenges – and those first teeth are no exception. But why do baby teeth matter? Baby teeth are essential for getting the right nutrition Babies and children need a variety of nutrients to help them grow, and they get these from consuming an increasing variety of food and Read More…

Introducing #Lovetobrush

#Lovetobrush: let’s get more kids brushing their teeth! We all love that just-brushed feeling, so why don’t we brush more? Several statistics* have really shocked us recently: roughly 40% of kids don’t visit the dentist each year and sugar makes up 15% of the daily calories consumed by four to ten year olds in England. Research also tells us that over a third of all children starting school each year have signs of tooth decay and that tooth extractions are the biggest reason children are admitted to hospital for general anaesthetics in the UK! @HappyKidsDental Day out on a train, still love to brush! #LoveToBrush pic.twitter.com/lxaL9ehV17 — Viv (@VeeJay78) May Read More…

How much does the tooth fairy pay ?

How much do Tooth Fairies across the UK pay? A recent conversation with our founder, Dr Roksolana Mykhalus, got us thinking about the Tooth Fairy – or Tooth Fairies – and how they each have different methods. Roksolana told us how one of her son’s teeth cost her £2. “I remember that morning how Marco came to the kitchen beaming with pride, holding £2 in his little hands and asking how soon he would lose all of his teeth, because that seemed like a good business opportunity to him!” So how much do you pay for a tooth?  Is £2 a lot or a little? How much does the Tooth Read More…

Ouch that hurt!

Ouch, that hurt! What to do in a dental emergency No matter how careful we are, how well we watch our kids or how safe we try to keep them, accidents do happen. It’s rare for children to grow up without having had a bump or a scrape along the way – and the same goes for a dental emergency. So let’s focus on the second part of our parental responsibility: kissing it and making it better! When mouths are the bits that are bumped, the resulting injury can seem a lot worse than it really is. That’s because mouths bleed a lot, and the blood mixed with saliva can Read More…

4 signs your child needs early orthodontics

If you endured train tracks as a teenager, you may be worried that your children will suffer the same fate. But thanks to early orthodontics, it doesn’t have to be that way for the next generation! Treatment with early orthodontics can minimise the need for braces and is increasingly considered the modern approach. At Happy Kids Dental, we can assess your child’s bite and teeth positioning as early as age seven. Taking advantage of a child’s still-growing jaw means we can use gentle treatments that may prevent the need for surgery or long-term braces in the future. So if you have a child under seven, here are the top signs to Read More…

Help! My child is scared of the dentist!

As a parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your child distressed – and a difficult dental visit can be as traumatising for you as for your little one. At Happy Kids Dental, we are passionate about making fear of the dentist a thing of the past, and our team is specially trained to help with dental anxiety in children. If your child is scared of the dentist, let us help get them on the right path to a lifelong healthy smile: from play-based activities to dental sedation, we will work with you and your child to find the best proven solution for your family’s needs. Here’s a round-up of what Read More…