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When should my child first see the dentist?
We recommend bringing your child in to visit us at G Dental before they reach the age of two years old. This gives us the chance to keep track of their development and notice any changes from their last visit.
As children typically eat a lot more sugary and sweet foods than adults, they are more prone to tooth decay, which is something we can catch if they come and see us regularly for a check-up.
How can I keep my children’s teeth clean?
Getting them into a good cleaning routine every morning and before bed gets your child used to this activity, so they start doing it naturally without being asked. Use a reward chart if you are finding it difficult to get your child to stick to a cleaning routine.
Make teeth cleaning a fun activity! Make it into a game or use playful colourful toothbrushes that are now available for children — this will make their cleaning routine an enjoyable experience.
Bringing them in for regular check-ups makes sure that the teeth are being cleaned properly and allows us to give you advice if needed.
Make sure your child is eating a lot of nutritious foods. Instead of chocolate or lollies for a treat, try crunchy vegetables or natural yoghurts and encourage them to drink water instead of sodas.
Why is it so important to take my child to the dentist?
Bringing your child to the dentist allows for education about oral hygiene to start early. We want your little ones to grow up knowing how important brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is.
Regular check-ups whilst your child is growing up allows us to keep checking on their oral health, the structure of their mouth and jaw and their enamel formation.
It also allows us to check for any problems that may occur in the eruption of their permanent teeth. This means we can identify and fix any problems early, resulting in hopefully less orthodontic or restorative treatment later on in life.
How can I make visiting the dentist better for my anxious child?
We suggest booking your child in for a check-up at the same time as the rest of the family (if possible). If the child sees their parents having a check-up and realises that there is nothing to be scared of, this will reduce their anxieties.
Another good idea is to have your child see the same dentist every time. This allows for them to become familiar with their dentist who will make them feel more comfortable at each visit.
By making visits to the dentist an enjoyable and fun experience, you will hopefully help to eliminate any fears and anxieties that your child has about their check-up.
If you are due for a check-up, call G Dental on 03 9435 6063 or Contact Us to arrange an appointment.
Children’s Dentistry FAQs
When should my child’s first trip to the dentist be?
The Australian Dental Association recommends your child have their first dental visit at 12 months of age, or shortly after their first baby teeth erupt.
Your child’s first dental visit will evaluate overall oral health, look at their face and jaw for signs of misalignment, try to examine any teeth that have come through to evaluate their health, and instruct their parent or guardian on diet, brushing and general oral health tips as well as fluoride use.
Regular dental visits starting at an early age help lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral and dental health and hygiene. At G Dental, we realise that a traumatic first visit will shape your child’s view on dentistry for the rest of their life, and we aim to create a safe and reassuring environment.
It is vital to know how to detect early childhood decay. Starting as white patches close to the gum that seem unable to be brushed away, childhood decay often occurs close to the gum and eventually breaks down further to form holes.
How young can children receive numbing injections at the dentist?
Administering localised anaesthetic in the form of an injection to a young patient can prove a challenge as they usually feel extremely anxious and need a lot of treatment at once. Therefore, many dentists prefer to use a general anaesthetic, either through oral sedation, laughing-gas or via drip administration. This helps to make the treatment quicker and easier as well as create less anxiety in the child.
What are the most common dental problems in children?
Making sure your children’s oral health is well-maintained is crucial, and cavities are a common problem that can be easily avoided. Encouraging regular brushing and flossing, frequent dental check-ups, and making smart dietary choices will help keep their teeth strong and healthy, enabling them to smile confidently and avoid any tooth discomfort caused by cavities.
What happens at your child’s first dentist appointment?
During your child’s initial visit to the dentist, they’ll have an enjoyable and welcoming experience. You’re welcome to be present near your child as they sit in the dental chair, and you can also hold them on your lap during the examination. The dentist will examine each tooth to check its health and durability, and x-rays may be taken as well.
This appointment also provides an excellent chance for kids to learn about maintaining proper oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, and any other advice that the dentist may offer. Parents are encouraged to ask any questions they have about their child’s dental health.
Are X-Rays Safe for Children?
Parents often feel anxious about taking their children for dental check-ups, mainly because they’re uncertain about the safety of x-rays for their little ones. It’s worth noting that dentists only take x-rays when essential, so there’s no need to worry about their safety. However, your dentist will take all necessary precautions to ensure your child’s safety and minimize their radiation exposure during the procedure.