Children’s Dental Care

Children’s Dental Care

To ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles, it’s important to introduce your children to professional dental care from an early age, even as young as 2 or 3. Regular checkups from this age will allow them to feel comfortable in the chair, and help establish a friendly relationship with the dentist and dental nurse.

At Logan Village Dental, we aim to help teach you the best strategies to keep your families teeth healthy. It’s always important to remember that prevention is better than a cure, and with this in mind we have a strong focus on preventative advice during our regular six monthly checkups. Using the latest in digital dental technology, your family will be shown exactly what they are doing right, or wrong, and where they need to make some changes.

Children need to brush twice a day using a small, soft toothbrush with a pea sized amount of toothpaste. Children from about three years of age should be encouraged to do some of the tooth brushing themselves so that they develop tooth brushing skills. We recommend that some adult assistance is important until they are at least 6 or 7 years old. They should be encouraged to eat nutritious healthy snacks and limit sweet sugary foods, especially between meals. Drinking water rather than sugary drinks when thirsty is also highly recommended.
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Here are a few things you may not know:

  • Children’s primary (baby) teeth are important as they play a vital role in achieving a healthy diet, and learning to speak
  • The primary teeth also keep the correct spaces for the permanent (adult) teeth to move into later on
  • Prolonged thumb sucking habits cause the front teeth and surrounding bone to be pushed out of shape. If this habit continues into preschool years, it can cause developmental abnormalities in the future, and therefore some form of intervention is usually recommended.
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In some children we may recommend fissure sealants. Fissure sealants are used to prevent decay in the deep grooves of your back teeth. Sometimes the fissures (grooves) can be so narrow not even a toothbrush bristle can clean it properly. Fissure sealants are a preventative treatment and are quick and painless. They are a tooth coloured resin that is bonded in the grooves of the teeth to prevent decay.

If your child is nervous about visiting the dentist then it is important that we all work together to make it a pleasant experience. We like to start with simple things on their first visit, which is why it is so important to bring your children to the dentist before problems arise.

Kids pick up on so much so it is very important not to share your fears of the dentist with them or let family or friends joke or tease them about their up coming visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child have their first dental visit?
The Australian Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental check-up by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits help your child become comfortable at the dentist and allow us to monitor their oral development from an early age.
How often should children visit the dentist?
Most children benefit from a dental check-up every six months. Regular visits allow us to identify any concerns early and provide preventive care to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
What happens during a children’s dental check-up?
A children’s dental appointment typically includes an examination of the teeth, gums and jaw development. Depending on your child’s age and needs, we may also provide a professional clean, preventive advice and discuss oral hygiene habits.
How can I help prevent cavities in my child?
Encouraging twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and attending regular dental check-ups can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Establishing good oral hygiene habits early can support lifelong oral health.
Are baby teeth really that important?
Yes. Baby teeth help children eat, speak clearly and maintain space for their adult teeth. Looking after baby teeth can also help prevent pain, infection and future dental complications.
What should I do if my child is nervous about visiting the dentist?
It’s common for children to feel anxious about dental visits. We aim to create a friendly and welcoming environment, taking the time to explain procedures in an age-appropriate way to help children feel comfortable and confident.
What are fissure sealants and does my child need them?
Fissure sealants are a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help reduce the risk of decay. They are often recommended for children when their permanent molars erupt, depending on their individual risk factors.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child experiences a toothache, dental injury or a knocked-out tooth, contact our practice as soon as possible. Prompt assessment can help relieve discomfort and improve the chances of a successful outcome.