Kids' dentistry
Paediatric dentistry
Warm, patient, and honest dental care for children — because how a child feels at their first appointments shapes a lifetime of dental habits.
A calm start for little patients
Children are not small adults. Their teeth, jaws and emotional needs are different — so their appointments should be too. Dr Wood's approach is quiet, unhurried and built around trust.
First visits are kept short and simple: a chair ride, a count of the teeth, a mirror tour, and lots of explanation. There is no pressure and no surprises. Treatment, when needed, is only started when your child is ready.
Prevention comes first. We focus on brushing technique, snacking habits, and sealants where appropriate — small habits now save far bigger interventions later.
At a glance
- First visit recommended by age 1 or when the first tooth erupts
- 'Tell-show-do' approach at every step
- Parents welcome in the room
- Fluoride, fissure sealants and preventive care
- Gentle management of small cavities before they grow
What to expect
Why patients choose this treatment
Calm, familiar chair time
Short, positive visits build trust long before anything more involved is ever needed.
Parents included
You stay with your child. We explain everything to both of you in plain language.
Prevention first
Sealants, fluoride and brushing coaching prevent most childhood cavities.
Teaching, not lecturing
Kids learn best through curiosity — we show them what everything does and why.
Baby & toddler friendly
Very small children get 'ride only' visits until they are ready for more.
Honest advice
If something can safely wait, we say so. If it can't, we explain exactly why.
What we care for
You may be a good candidate if
- First dental visits and check-ups
- Preventive care: cleaning, fluoride, sealants
- Small fillings on baby and adult teeth
- Trauma review after a knock or fall
- Advice on thumb-sucking, dummies and orthodontic timing
Not usually recommended if
- Complex specialist paediatric hospital care — we refer where appropriate
- General anaesthetic dentistry — referred to a suitable specialist facility
Your treatment journey
- 1
Welcome & chair ride
A friendly hello, exploration of the chair, and a look at the tools before anything happens.
- 2
Count & check
A gentle count of the teeth, a mirror tour, and any needed photos or images kept short.
- 3
Clean & fluoride
A soft polish and fluoride application when age-appropriate — turned into a game where possible.
- 4
Home-care coaching
Simple, practical brushing and diet advice for parents to make daily routines easier.
- 5
Plan next visit
Recall interval is set based on your child's cavity risk — typically every 6 months.
Good questions
Frequently asked
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
The first visit is recommended by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — mostly to build familiarity and give parents guidance.
Do baby teeth really matter?
Yes. Baby teeth guide the position of adult teeth, support speech and chewing, and untreated decay can cause pain and infection.
What if my child is anxious?
That's completely normal. First visits are kept simple — sometimes just a chair ride. We never push treatment before a child is ready.
Do you use X-rays on children?
Only when clinically necessary and with the lowest appropriate dose. We explain the reasons before any imaging is taken.
Are you a specialist paediatric dentist?
Dr Wood is a general dentist with a special interest in caring for children. Complex specialist paediatric cases are referred to an appropriate specialist.
Do you accept medical aids?
Yes — we submit to most major medical aids. Any co-payment is explained and consented to before treatment.
Ready to start?
Book a personalised consultation
The right plan starts with a proper assessment. Book a private consultation with Dr Wood at Cavendish Dental Claremont.
Paediatric dental care is tailored to each child. Dr Wood follows HPCSA ethical guidelines; individual clinical decisions are made in consultation with the parent or guardian. Information here is general and not personalised medical advice.