Children's Dentistry
We provide a friendly, comfortable environment for the whole family. We look forward to helping you with your children’s dental care from baby to teenager and beyond!
Children’s dentistry services include:
- Examinations and x-rays
- Fissure sealants
- Removal of stubborn baby teeth
- Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments
- Oral hygiene guidance
- Orthodontics
- Fillings
- Sports mouth guards
Good habits start young
It is important that children get used to coming in to see a children’s dentist while they are young so that they can form good associations, and a fear of dentists can be avoided.
While children are growing, it is also essential that their facial growth and dental development are monitored closely. This will help them avoid crowding of teeth and jaw issues. We also assess and address other factors like large tonsils, sleep apnea and snoring, mouth breathing and thumb sucking as soon as possible.
Bring your children to see us so that problems can be diagnosed early, and your child can develop a happy, healthy, trusting life-long relationship with dentistry. If any issues require addressing, our calm and positive environment will help ensure your child stays relaxed and happy while they are with us.
When should I make my kids first appointment?
What about teenagers and their teeth?
Teenagers who have braces often find their teeth particularly difficult to clean and we strongly recommend regular 6-monthly check-up and clean appointments to help maintain oral hygiene through this time.
We can also offer dietary advice tailored to this age group who may be particularly prone to snacking and sugary sports drinks.
Fissure Sealants
Most decay starts in the narrow pits and grooves on the biting surfaces of the back teeth (molars). The permanent molars have the highest risk of tooth decay and benefit the most from dental sealants.
For most children, the first permanent molars come through at about six or seven years of age and the second molars at about age 11 or 12 years. As the molars come through, they are at greater risk of tooth decay. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your child’s molars checked at around this age to see if sealants might be helpful. Sealants fill up the small grooves, keeping food and bacteria out and stopping decay from happening in the fissures.
There are several benefits to using sealants, including:
- They are white or clear
- They are put on by an oral health professional (dentist, hygienist, or oral health therapist)
- They fill and block up the small pits and grooves in the teeth to prevent decay
- They take a few minutes to apply
- They do not cause pain
- They do not require injections or need to be drilled
- They do not dissolve in saliva and are safe
Sealants can last from two to seven years but may last up to 15 years and will be reviewed by your hygienist at the preventative care appointments.
Mouthguards
If your child plays a contact sport, a fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection. Chat to us about the colours and styles available.
FINANCIAL
Child Dental Benefit Schedule
Our practice supports the Child Dental Benefit Schedule. The Government-funded Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is now available for families with children aged 2-17 years who receive Government Benefits.
The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment. If eligible, children may receive up to $1000 over two calendar years for preventative and restorative dentistry.
Eligible services include:
Examinations
X-rays
Cleaning
Fissure sealing
Fillings
Root canals
Extractions
Note that the CDBS does not cover cosmetic dental work or orthodontics. To check if you are eligible or check your remaining funds, please contact Medicare.
