Paediatric Dentistry

The branch of dentistry specialising in children’s dentistry is known as Paediatric Dentistry.  Our goal from your child’s very first visit is to encourage a life-long positive attitude towards dental care. Every trip to the dentist should be a fun and relaxed experience for every child. All our dentists are child-friendly and may be able to assist. Just ask our patient care staff when making your appointment.

First Visit

Children from 1 years old should visit the dentist for six-monthly check-ups. Early identification of a problem can have a significant impact on the ease with which it is treated. We will make their first visit a fun experience and ensure your child is set-up for lifelong oral health.

Your child’s first set of teeth, the primary teeth, are extremely important. Strong, healthy primary teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly and look good.  It’s important to know that your child’s general health can be affected if diseased and broken primary teeth are not treated early. Primary teeth also hold the spaces for permanent teeth to erupt into good positions.  For all these reasons, it is really important that the first dental visit is a pleasant experience.

During the examination, the dentist will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine the bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist will clean teeth and assess the need for fluoride.  Parents will also receive an education on oral health care basics for children,  together with a discussion  dental developmental issues and answer any questions.

Topics the dentist may discuss with you might include:

• Good oral hygiene practices for your child’s teeth and gums
• Cavity prevention
• Fluoride needs
• Oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking)
• Developmental milestones
• Teething
• Proper nutrition
• Schedule of dental checkup visits.

Many dentists like to see children every 6 months to build up the child’s comfort and confidence level in visiting the dentist, to monitor the development of the teeth, and to promptly treat any developing problems

Preventive Care

We encourage parents to bring their children in for regular dental check-ups. Check-ups may include oral examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants (coatings to protect healthy teeth), x-rays, oral hygiene instructions, nutrition advice, and mouth guards (to help prevent sports injuries). By providing a dental care program to minimise tooth decay and cavities, we aim to give you and your child the tools to practice good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Children should see a dentist every 6 months from the age of 1 unless otherwise directed by the dentist. Identifying an issue early will have a definite impact on the ease with which the problem can be treated. Check-ups may include oral examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants (coatings to protect the chewing surfaces of healthy teeth), x-rays, oral hygiene instructions, nutrition advice, and mouth guards (to help prevent sports injuries). By providing a dental care program to minimise tooth decay and cavities, we aim to give you and your child the tools to practice good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Special Needs

Many parents of children with special needs are anxious about how their child will cope with dental treatment. This anxiety can lead to parents not taking their children to the dentist. We have over 20 years experience of dealing with children with special needs and we will work with you on the best approach to make your child relaxed and comfortable throughout their appointment.

Coming to the dentist for a child with special needs may be something the parents and child avoid as too difficult to manage. Everyone needs to look after their dental hygiene and regular dental visits should not be deferred. We have an experienced paediatric dentist who understands how to give special needs children a positive dental experience. Call us and let us guide you through a stress-free dental experience.

Timing is everything

Children may be better able to cope at particular times of the day, for example first thing in the morning when they aren’t tired. Children with ADHD often manage their appointments best soon after taking their medication while their levels are still high. Diabetic children require specific sugar levels at the time of treatment to ensure they feel at their best during their appointment. We can accommodate your schedule so please let us know what suits.

Familiarity breeds comfort

For all children, but especially those with special needs such as autism spectrum disorder, fear of the unknown can create a great barrier to receiving dental care. We often find that if the child has ample opportunity to become familiarised with the dental setting their anxiety levels decrease significantly. Parents are welcome to bring their child in however many times it takes time to explore the clinic, meet staff and be shown the various parts of the dental rooms before any treatment is attempted.

Let’s be flexible

We often have this concept of dental care as being in a specific setting where the child sits in the dental chair and receives treatment in the same fashion as adults. In reality there are many ways that the dental appointment can progress. If the child is in a wheelchair the check up can be performed with the child in their own chair. If the child is too afraid to come into the surgery the check up can be carried out in the waiting room or on the parent’s lap. Indeed, there is a range of different ways we can deliver treatment. We are happy to try anything that works!

Work together!

Special needs dentistry is a field which has advanced significantly in the last decade for products and techniques to improve your child’s dental care, in the clinic and at home. Talk to your dentist and you will discover how much easier it can be for you to care for your child’s teeth more effectively.

Good dental care for your special needs child is always achievable. Our children’s dentist, has been looking after children with special needs for many years. Let us help you take care of your child’s dental health.