We understand that our little patients need re-assurance and sometimes older children need encouragement to take on the responsibility for their own dental hygiene. Whatever their age, our team will provide you and your family the expertise and skills to ensure your children establish and maintain a lifelong commitment to good dental hygiene.
Make brushing part of your child’s daily routine. Until your child is capable, we recommend you supervise and encourage good brushing techniques. For infants, clean their gums with a clean, damp cloth.
Visit our dental practice every six months for a check-up. Prevention is better than the cure. If an issue does arise, early detection can assist to avoid complicated or costly procedures.
Sugary, fizzy and acidic drinks are a leading cause of cavities, especially in teen years. Limit sports and soft drinks and adopt water and milk into your children’s diet. Parents with babies should try to avoid a bottle at bedtime.
These hard protective coatings are applied to the grooves (fissures) of the tooth. The aim is to stop food becoming trapped in between the fissures that can then lead to tooth decay and the need for fillings. They are a powerful way to protect your children’s teeth from decay.
If your child plays sport, consider a sports mouth guard. Not all mouth guards are the same. They range in price and protection levels. If budget allows, a custom made mouth guard will offer your child the best protection as they are moulded and fitted to the exact size of your child’s teeth which also makes them more comfortable to wear. Over the counter varieties do not offer much in protection or comfort due to their “one-size fits all” philosophy.
Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) provides $1000 towards general dental services to eligible children between 2-17 tears.
Some dental treatments for kids under this service include:
Cosmetic and Orthodontic treatment are not covered by this scheme and restrictions apply to certain general dental item codes.
Funds are accessible over a 2 year (calendar) period. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or a relevant Australian Government payment. For full information on eligibility visit Department of Human Services.
Children should have their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth appearing or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help establish a positive relationship with the dentist and ensure proper oral care from the start.
You can prepare your child by talking positively about the dentist, reading books about dental visits, and role-playing with them. Keep explanations simple and age-appropriate to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety.
Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss daily. Supervise brushing until they can do it effectively on their own. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and promote a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and water.
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to reinsert it. Instead, apply pressure to stop any bleeding and contact your dentist immediately. If it’s a permanent tooth, gently rinse it with water (do not scrub) and try to reinsert it into the socket, holding it in place while seeking immediate dental care.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent cavities. They are especially beneficial for children who may have difficulty brushing properly. Your dentist can advise whether sealants are recommended based on your child’s dental health.
Children should start brushing their teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Initially, parents should assist with brushing and gradually transition to allowing the child to brush on their own under supervision.
In the event of a dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, severe toothache, or injury to the mouth, parents should remain calm and contact their child’s dentist or seek emergency dental care immediately. It’s essential to follow the dentist’s instructions and provide comfort to the child until they can receive professional treatment.
At Greenvale, we offer comprehensive pediatric dental care and prioritise your child’s comfort and well-being
To make an appointment or for further information contact us
