CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY
Children require the same amount of attention as adults when it comes to oral care. It is important that your child develops healthy eating habits and follows an effective cleaning routine that is completed everyday.
Bringing your child to regular dental examinations will ensure the development of good oral habits. Instruction on how to brush and its importance can be explained and shown from an early age. We can also explain the importance of a healthy diet and help you to assist your child in understanding the nasty effects of a sugary diet.
More importantly, during your child’s development, their teeth can be monitored for decay or alignment issues. In many cases, major treatment can be avoided if addressed early – even alignment problems!
At Word of Mouth Dentistry we pride ourselves in providing a fun dental experience for all children that visit our practice, from the toys, books, games, aquarium and our Word of mouth racing car in our welcome lounge, to the fun time had in our treatment rooms. All of the clinicians at Word of Mouth dentistry are warm and friendly and love treating children. We aim to make every child’s first dental visit a memorable visit, because it’s fun!
CHILDREN'S TEETH
It is recommended that children should go to the dentist with their parents as soon as possible. You should then take them regularly, as often as your dentist recommends. This will let them get used to the noises, smells and surroundings and prepare them for future visits. The earlier these visits begin, the more relaxed the children will be.
First or 'baby' teeth have usually developed before your child is born and will start to come through at around 6 months. All 20 baby teeth should be through by the age of 2. (refer to Mother and Baby leaflet.)
The first permanent 'adult' molars (back teeth) will appear at about 6 years of age, behind the baby teeth and before the first teeth start to fall out at about 6 to 7. The permanent 'adult' teeth will then replace the 'baby' teeth. It is usually the lower front teeth that are lost first, followed by the upper front teeth shortly after. All permanent teeth should be in place by the age of 13, except the wisdom teeth.
All children are different and develop at different rates.
When should I start cleaning my children’s teeth?
As soon as your child has teeth it is a good idea to introduce a toothbrush, cleaning your child’s teeth should be part of your daily routine. When your child’s first teeth start to come through, try using a child’s toothbrush with no toothpaste and brush their teeth. Once your child can spit, you can then introduce a child’s low fluoride toothpaste. It is important to help your child brush their teeth until they are eight years old. Everyone should brush their teeth morning and night.
To prevent tooth decay in your children it is recommended that they have a well balanced diet, brush two times daily and visit the dentist at least every six months.
* Medicare Bulk Billing is available for entitled children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule whilst adequate funds available. Must advise of intended use PRIOR to appointment. Offer excludes all other Medicare programs & some treatments.