Children's Dentist in Harrisdale
The Importance Of Regular Dental Check Up
Sometimes, parents are hesitant about bringing their children to the dentist at an early age.
At Piara Waters Dental, our team understands the importance of dental health and we want you to feel confident in making this decision for your family. We know how stressful it is to take your child to their first dentist appointment. In addition, we also understand that you feel that this may be an unpleasant experience for both you and them.
Our Services To Help With Your
Child's Dental Health
First dental visits
It is important that your child feels comfortable during their first visit to the dentist. The dentist’s appointment should be brief and include little treatment, so that their natural fears are not exacerbated by spending too much time in a dental clinic. The dentist may also request that you wait in the reception area so that they can get to know your child.
The dentist will evaluate your child’s teeth for decay, their bite, and any possible abnormalities with their gum lines or oral tissues. The dentist will clean the teeth and evaluate if they need fluoride treatment. In addition, the dentist will advise you on primary oral health care for children and answer any questions you may have.
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Early Orthodontic Treatments
While not all children need early orthodontic treatment, it is sometimes essential to ensure that permanent teeth emerge properly. As early as seven years old, children can have orthodontic treatment such as dental braces if necessary. Orthodontic therapy lowers the risks of improper permanent tooth development and misalignment issues in children who still have some or all of their primary teeth.
There are several options for early orthodontic treatment available, depending on the child’s specific dental health situation. The three most common types of early orthodontic treatment are palatal expanders, dental braces, and retainers. The goal is to correct jaw and alignment issues before or shortly after permanent teeth develop.
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Why Choose Piara Waters Dental As Your Children's Dentist
Call us today at 08 6196 4661 or Book an Appointment online now!
FAQ’s About Children's Dentistry
Benefits Of Regular Dental Visits For Children
Preventative care
Children’s dentists have a reputation for being proactive and detecting problems before they become serious complications later in life, such as tooth decay or dental damage. Cavities in the molars can be prevented by using sealants. Aside from filling cavities, dentists can diagnose and prevent conditions such as tooth grinding.
Hygiene and oral care training
In some situations, kids may not listen to their parents about their dental hygiene routines or be unaware of proper brushing. Dental professionals can teach children and parents about good oral hygiene. A dentist may teach children how to thoroughly clean their teeth and also how to floss properly.
We can also help parents encourage their children to eat foods that are good for their teeth and help them limit their frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks. They can also advise kids not to chew on toys, pencils, hard sweets, ice, or other items that could chip their teeth.
Orthodontic exams before and during treatment
Your child’s dentist may detect signs that require them to wear braces. If possible, they will try to have early intervention to address the issue, such as straightening the teeth as early as possible. If necessary, they may recommend you to an orthodontist.
Emergency dental treatment
Accidents can occur while young children are starting to walk. Older children are more likely to play sports or participate in activities that are harmful to their teeth. A fractured or broken tooth can be treated by a children’s dentist. When primary teeth are damaged, they may be extracted to avoid problems when permanent teeth erupt. If you experience a serious mouth injury, your dentist may advise you to consult a paediatric oral surgeon.
When Should A Child's First Dental Visit Be?
How To Keep Children's Teeth Healthy
Regular dental checkups
Encourage your child to visit the dentist twice a year. You can make it a habit by attending your appointments, which will turn it into a routine for you. Your child should have their first dental appointment between the ages of 6 months and one year following their first tooth or birthday, whichever comes first, with follow-up checkups every six months after that.
Proper brushing of teeth
Dental professionals often advise brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes. You can use a timer to ensure that your child brushes for a sufficient length of time. Also, we recommend using less abrasive and fluoridated toothpaste to keep teeth free of cavities.
Fissure sealants
Consult your dentist to see if sealing your child’s teeth is a suitable option for healthy teeth. Dentists can use sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth from cavities.
Make healthy food choices
Avoiding foods and drinks that have high sugar content can help to improve general health and prevent tooth decay. Sugar has a substance that promotes tooth decay, especially without proper brushing of the teeth.
How Old Can A Child Have Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no standard age for bringing children for their initial orthodontic assessment and treatment. However, there is an ideal time for a consultation for children who require one.
While orthodontic treatment is often common among younger patients, some teenagers can also benefit from braces, as can older teenagers. The age of a patient is not as significant as their general dental and tooth development, which indicates whether they are ready to start the treatment.
Once a child’s first permanent teeth have emerged, you can arrange a consultation for them. This development usually happens between the ages of six and eight. As your child’s permanent teeth are still forming, alignment issues may already exist. Early consultation and treatment is an excellent technique to detect problems and develop a long-term plan.
What Is The Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The CDBS is a programme run by Medicare. The plan is to provide coverage for basic dental services such as checkups, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, and tooth fillings. More invasive treatments like root canals and tooth extractions are also included. However, it does not cover orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, or use as payment for hospital services.
The government will provide $1,000 over two years to each eligible child. Benefits that you do not use throughout the two years will not be carried over to the next year.