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As parents, we all want the best for our children, and that includes a healthy smile. But did you know that laying the foundation for good oral health starts early?
This is where paediatric dentistry comes in, a specialised field dedicated to nurturing the smiles of our little ones from toddlers all the way through adolescence.
Why Choose Paediatric Dentistry?
While baby teeth may seem unimportant since they’ll eventually fall out, they actually play a crucial role in jaw development, speech formation, and self-confidence.
Paediatric dentists understand this and create a positive dental experience, especially for those with special needs, focusing on prevention, early detection of issues, and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Benefits of Paediatric Dentistry
Here’s how dentistry for children unlocks a world of benefits for your child’s oral health:
Prevention is Key
The primary focus of dentistry for children is identifying potential problems early on, before they become more serious and require extensive treatment. This could involve regular cleanings, fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth, and applying dental sealants to protect against cavities.
Early Detection and Intervention
Just like catching a cold early makes it easier to recover, catching dental problems early can prevent future complications. Paediatric dentists have the expertise to detect issues like tooth decay, misalignment, or gum problems during their early stages. This allows for timely treatment, minimising discomfort for your child and saving you money in the long run.
Developmental Monitoring
A child’s mouth is constantly growing and changing. Dentistry for children are trained to monitor this development, ensuring that teeth and jaws are erupting and aligning properly. Early and timely intervention for any developmental concerns can prevent the need for braces or other corrective procedures later in the future.
Healthy Habits for Life
Dentistry for children isn’t just about fixing teeth; it’s about teaching children the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Dentists provide age-appropriate guidance on brushing and flossing techniques, as well as advice on healthy eating habits that promote strong teeth and gums. This sets your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy dental practices.
Addressing Special Needs
Not all children have the same dental needs. Some children may have specific dental issues due to medical conditions or developmental delays. Paediatric dentists are equipped to handle these situations with sensitivity and expertise, ensuring that all children receive the best possible dental care.
Creating a Comfort Zone
Dental visits can be intimidating for kids. However, paediatric dentists excel in creating a welcoming and fun environment. Their clinics are typically vibrant and filled with toys, and the dentists themselves are experts at putting young minds at ease. This positive first experience goes a long way in fostering a lifelong comfort level with dental care.
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Visit?
It is recommended that a child’s first visit to the dentist should happen by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting. This early visit allows the dentist to assess your child’s oral health, answer any questions you may have, and establish a foundation for future dental care.
What dental care can one expect from a paediatric dentist?
Paediatric dentists possess specialised expertise in addressing the unique dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Unlike general dentists, they undergo additional training specifically focused on paediatric oral healthcare. Some of the expertise that paediatric dentists have includes:
Growth and Development
They have a deep understanding of the growth and development of children’s teeth, jaws, and oral structures. This knowledge allows them to anticipate and address issues related to dental development, such as teething problems, orthodontic concerns, and oral habits like thumb sucking.
Preventive Care
Paediatric dentists focus on preventive care strategies to maintain children’s oral health and prevent dental problems before they occur. This includes providing guidance on proper nutrition, oral hygiene practices, and the use of fluoride and dental sealants to protect teeth from decay.
Treatment of Dental Issues
They are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dental issues that are common in children, such as tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and dental emergencies. Paediatric dentists use child-friendly approaches and techniques to ensure that treatments are effective and comfortable for young patients.
Child Psychology
Paediatric dentists are trained to understand child psychology and behaviour management techniques. They know how to communicate effectively with children of different ages and temperaments, especially those with anxiety issues, to ensure that their dental experience is as calm and comfortable as possible during visits.
Behaviour Management
Paediatric dentists employ various behaviour management techniques to help children feel relaxed and cooperative during dental procedures. This may involve positive reinforcement, distraction techniques, and, when necessary, the use of sedation or anaesthesia to ensure the safety and comfort of the child.
Special Healthcare Needs
Paediatric dentists are trained to care for children with special healthcare needs, including those with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. They understand how to adapt their approach to accommodate the unique needs of each child and provide compassionate and inclusive dental care.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Paediatric dentists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, orthodontists, and speech therapists, to address comprehensive oral health issues in children. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that children receive holistic care that considers their overall health and well-being.
How much does paediatric dentistry cost?
The cost of paediatric dentistry for a typical dental check-up can range $50 to $100, and the additional charges depend on several other factors, including:
Location
Costs can differ based on where you live in Australia. Urban regions may have slightly higher fees compared to rural locations.
Experience of the Dentist
More experienced paediatric dentists may have higher fees.
Type of Service
The cost will vary depending on whether it’s a routine checkup, cleaning, more complex procedures like fillings or extractions, or specialised care for children with special needs.
Dental Insurance
If you have Child Dental Benefits Schedule for your child, it can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) ensures your child receives quality dental care without breaking the bank. This program offers financial assistance for basic dental services for eligible children aged 2 to 17 years.
Here’s what you need to know:
Benefits
The CDBS provides up to $1,095 worth of dental care benefits over two years. This covers most general dental services, like check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and X-rays.
Note: Specialist services like orthodontics or procedures requiring general anaesthesia are not included.
Eligibility
There’s no need to register for the CDBS. Services Australia will notify you if your child is eligible based on your family receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or a similar Australian government payment.
Checking Eligibility and Balance
You can easily check your child’s eligibility and remaining CDBS balance through your Medicare online account at myGov.
How can you contribute to your child’s dental health?
It is essential to build a strong partnership between your child and the paediatric dentist for your child’s optimal oral health.
Here’s how you can contribute:
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Make sure to schedule regular check-ups for your child, ideally every six months. These appointments give the dentist the chance to keep an eye on your child’s growth and development and promptly address any issues that may arise.
Brush and Floss Together
Make brushing and flossing a fun and positive experience for your child. Use a soft-bristled brush appropriate for their age and supervise their brushing routine until they develop the necessary skills to do it effectively on their own.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Limit your child’s consumption of sugary drinks and snacks that can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium to promote strong teeth and gums.
Communicate Openly
Keep the lines of communication open. Don’t hesitate to ask your paediatric dentist any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.
By working together with a paediatric dentist, you can unlock the door to a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Remember, a healthy smile is not just about good looks; it’s also essential for overall well-being and self-confidence.
We are here to bring smiles to your child’s face
Springvale & Richmond Dental Group is a trusted team of family dentists, specialising in Dentistry for children.
Our focus is on providing a pleasant and comfortable dental experience for children while instilling healthy oral hygiene practices from a young age. With our experienced dentists and staff, we ensure a safe and friendly environment for kids of all ages.
We take the time to make each child’s visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Contact us and schedule that first appointment for your child’s paediatric dentistry needs, embarking on a journey of happy, healthy teeth for your little one!