Children’s Dentistry in Warrnambool
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As parents, you probably agree that maintaining good oral hygiene habits early on sets the foundation for good oral health in children.
Similarly, a child’s initial experience at the dentist can set the tone for their outlook on dental visits for the rest of their lives which is why choosing the right dental clinic is essential.
At Warrnambool Dental, we understand the importance of making dental visits enjoyable for children. With a warm and welcoming environment and a friendly team, we will do everything possible to ensure your child has a pleasant experience at our dental clinic.
Why Is Children’s Dentistry
Important?
Children’s dentistry or paediatric dentistry is all about caring for your child’s oral health during infancy and adolescence. It’s not just about fixing dental problems once they arise but about preventing dental issues altogether. Through our children’s dentistry services, we strive to set the stage for a lifetime of confident and healthy smiles by preventing dental problems and ensuring your child grows up with good oral hygiene habits.
The need for children’s dentistry is important now more than ever, with tooth decay being a far too common problem for children in Australia. Dental care from a young age will help avoid such problems and protect your child from pain, cavities and infections. These early experiences will also lay the foundation for good dental habits that your children will carry well into adulthood while helping to reduce their dental anxiety and fear.
Recommended Age For Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
If you are wondering if your baby needs to have their teeth checked, the answer is yes! In fact, the sooner you bring your child in for a dental visit, the better. It’s generally recommended that you take your children to the dentist by the time they reach one year or within six months of their first tooth appearing.
An early start allows our dentists to perform a comprehensive checkup and monitor the development of teeth. We will then discuss and provide advice on topics such as teething, habits such as thumb sucking and your child’s bite. In addition, we will also educate parents on nutritional advice and how to prevent tooth decay.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit:
What To Expect
As parents, feeling anxious about your child’s first dental appointment is normal. At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we can assure all anxious parents and children that there’s no need to worry. Our experienced paediatric dentists are committed to making your child’s dental visits memorable and enjoyable.
Here’s what you can expect from your kid’s visit to our dental clinic:
- A warm welcome by our friendly team, who’ll ensure both parents and children feel right at home.
- A gentle approach aimed at getting your child acquainted and comfortable with the dental setting and equipment.
- A review of your child’s dental history followed by a comprehensive examination of your child’s teeth, gums, bite and jaw development to identify signs of decay, crowding or malocclusion.
- Age-appropriate discussions and demonstrations that convey the importance of a good oral care routine.
- Parental education about nutrition, oral health and hygiene.
- If any dental issues are identified, our experienced dentists will discuss them with you and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Feel free to clarify any concerns or questions about your child’s oral health, as our paediatric dentists are open to addressing any and all questions you may have.
Children’s Dental Services We Offer
We offer a range of tailored dental services for your child. Including but not limited to:
Regular Pediatric Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are important for children. It allows our dentists to identify and treat dental problems such as tooth decay at their early stages before they worsen. These visits will also help familiarise your child with dental tools and the environment, setting a positive tone for future visits.
Preventative Care
Prevention is always key when it comes to oral health which is why we focus on proactive measures will help keep tooth decay and other dental problems at bay. Our preventive children’s dental solutions include professional dental cleanings, fissure sealants, diagnostic tests and oral hygiene education.
Children’s Dental Emergencies
With children, there can be situations where their teeth can get chipped or knocked out. At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we are equipped and trained to handle paediatric dental emergencies with treatment that may help save your child’s tooth and alleviate pain with timely dental care. We create a child-friendly environment to ease anxiety and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Children’s Orthodontics
If you notice signs of misalignment in your child’s teeth or jaw, they may need orthodontic treatment. Our dentists will check and identify symptoms of orthodontic issues to formulate a personalised treatment plan. We will then treat alignment and biting problems to help your child get straighter teeth and improved oral health. Our modern orthodontic treatments aim to provide comfort and minimise disruption to your child’s daily life.
Free Kids Dental With CDBS
We know that taking care of your child’s oral health is one of your top priorities. Making this possible is the Children’s Dental Benefits Schedule.
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we provide free kids dental for children eligible for CDBS. What sets us apart is that we bulk bill all eligible services up to $1052, unlike other dental practices in Warrnambool. However, to be eligible, you must be claiming Family Tax Benefit Part A or similar.
Under this scheme, your child can avail a comprehensive range of dental services. So, call or visit us to check eligibility for CDBS and receive access to quality dental care.
Cost of Children’s Dental Care in Warrnambool
The cost of paediatric dentistry depends on the treatment required and the number of teeth to be treated making it difficult to give an accurate cost breakdown without seeing your child. However, when you bring your child for an appointment, we can provide an accurate cost estimate after examining your child’s dental needs.
We provide flexible payment plans to ensure that your child receives the dental care they deserve. If you are worried about dental costs, give our friendly team a call to learn more about available payment plans.
Children’s Dental Care at Warrnambool Smile Dental
Your child’s smile deserves the best care and attention. Positive dental experiences at the early stages of your child’s life can set the stage for good oral hygiene and a beautiful smile as they grow up which is why giving your child the best possible dental care is important.
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, our family dentists and team have created a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable. With a gentle and friendly approach to dentistry, we want to make dental appointments pain-free and comfortable for our little patients. When you choose Warrnambool Smile Dental, you can rest assured that we will maintain and protect your child’s smile!
We also offer a wide variety of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, wisdom teeth removal, smile makeover and much more to cater to all your dental needs.
Our Principal Dentist
FAQS
Children’s dentists or paediatric dentists specialise in tending to the dental needs of children. They are trained specialists who work with children throughout their childhood, from infancy to teenage years.
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, our children’s dentists adopt a proactive approach. We will examine the developmental patterns of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw to identify any early signs of dental problems. At the same time, we will also educate both children and parents on effective oral hygiene practices and techniques.
Having understood the importance of positive dental experiences at early ages, our team is committed to making your child feel comfortable and happy throughout their dental appointment.
Good oral health and dental hygiene habits should be developed in children early on, in the comfort of their homes. The first step towards this is to start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. And as they grow, parents should teach their kids about the importance of dental care.
Here are some things you can do at home to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy and clean.
- Create a routine and clean your child’s teeth at least twice daily.
- Limit your child’s consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and keep it in moderation.
- Make brushing their teeth a fun and enjoyable activity! They will then associate positive feelings and keep it up for the rest of their lives.
- Teach them proper brushing techniques.
In addition, make sure you also schedule regular check-ups with our dentists. During these appointments, our dental professionals will guide you and your child on caring for their teeth.
Most of the time, children can get cranky and nervous about going to the dentist. While that’s normal, there are a few things you can do to prepare your child for dental visits. One of the first things you should do is to remain positive and calm. We understand that, as parents, you may feel anxious about your child’s dental appointments. But, since children pick up on your nervous behaviour, you must remain calm.
Then, you can talk to your child about the dentist before taking them to the dental clinic. You can talk about the dentist light-heartedly, how everybody goes to the dentist, and how you like the dentist to create positive associations. But you don’t have to worry too much. Our friendly team at Warrnambool Smile Dental will ensure your child feels comfortable throughout the visit. We have created a comfortable environment for children to make their dental visits more enjoyable.
We understand the importance of affordable dental care, so we offer free dental care for children eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme.
A dental check-up typically includes an examination of your child’s teeth and gums, a gentle cleaning and guidance on oral care.
There are a few key steps you can implement to reduce your child’s risk of cavities:
- Ensure a balanced diet
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Encourage drinking more water
- Develop a regular oral hygiene routine
- Schedule checkups every 6 months
Permanent teeth usually begin to erupt around the age of 6. However, the timeline can vary for each child. Our dentists can monitor the transition of baby teeth during regular check-ups.
Gently rub your child’s gums with a clean finger, using a cold teething ring or an age-appropriate teething toy to help provide relief. Consult our dentist for more safe teething tips.