Children’s Dentistry
When should my child start going to the dentist?
The Australian Dental Association states that ‘as a general rule of thumb, it is time for a dental visit when your baby’s first tooth becomes visible, or they reach 12 months old – whichever comes first. If you notice anything you think is out of the ordinary before this time it’s better to be safe than sorry, so book an appointment straight away. The earlier your child visits the dentist the better. Prevention is better than cure and early dental visits will help protect your child from tooth decay.’
How often should we come in?
ADA recommends a regular check-up once every 6 months to maintain good oral health. Decay can happen to the teeth of babies, so it is important to take preventative measures to avoid this as it can lead to complications down the track. Your dentist can also provide advice on common habits like thumb sucking and methods of good oral care including nutrition and teeth brushing.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
Many children have a fear of the dentist – however we truly believe the experience can be made into an enjoyable one through cultivating a happy and positive atmosphere. Our staff are well trained in handling children of all ages and levels of anxiety. We encourage you to prepare your little one for their trip to the dentist by using positive language and a smile to describe their upcoming visit. Take photos, write it down in a memory journal or give the dentist a fun name like the tooth fairy. Whatever your concern, we’ll be there to make the experience better for everyone.
Do you offer the $1000 children’s dental benefit?
Yes! The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) scheme provided by Medicare offers up to $1,000 AUD over two years to contribute towards the costs of a range of dental services including examinations, cleaning, repairs and more. It doe not cover braces, Invisalign and other orthodontic and cosmetic treatments. To find out if you qualify and what is covered please visit the Department of Human Services website.