The Australian Dental Association promotes Australian dental health week in the first week of August. This compliments the advice from Holistic Dental Melbourne cbd recognising that dental awareness and oral health care should commence when children are very young.
So how do you decide on the pediatric dentist in Melbourne that is going to suit your child?
Choosing a Pediatric Dentist Melbourne
Things to know:
=> Qualified Pediatric Dentist Melbourne
It’s true that a general dentist can treat children and some dentists have a high degree of experience providing children’s dentistry.
A key point to note however is that only a dentist that has successfully completed the required postgraduate training, research and clinical work in addition to general dentistry training, can assume the title of Pediatric Dentist.
Pediatric dentists generally do charge more, so if you are on a budget then seeing a children’s dentist may be the best option.
=> Communication Style
A study published in July 2011 concluded that approximately 11% of children and adolescents suffer from fear of the dentist. For those children that suffer fear, they may require more invasive treatment in the future due to avoidance of going to a dentist for oral check-ups or when a minor dental problem arises.
Children sometimes have an unrealistic or unjustified fear of a dentist and seeing a pediatric dentist who is specifically trained to deal with behavioural issues, can help ease their stress.
Pediatric dentists are trained to interact positively with this young age group (infants to teenagers) bringing a sense of calm to perceived daunting dental situations.
The way a pediatric dentist communicates with verbal and non-verbal cues can help children when they visit a pediatric dentist in Melbourne. If fears are reduced, the likelihood of dental visits is increased thereby providing for better oral health going into the future. (Reference: https://europepmc.org/article/med/10925769)
Some pediatric dentists also provide general dentistry which will give you the opportunity to meet your child’s potential dentist. If you want to ensure the dentist is a good match for your child, make an appointment with them about your own oral health and bring your child along.
=> Commencing Oral Health Care
Teeth arrive at different times and in a different order with young children. On average, a first baby tooth may erupt around 6 months of age.
Some parents like to commence brushing with a soft cloth or toothbrush at this time; equally important is nutrition to support strong teeth and healthy gums.
The first round of teeth are important as a toddler learns to speak and chew and we recommend you see a pediatric dentist when your child is approximately 2 years of age. Given that the growth of teeth is individual, and dental problems may arise before that, you may need to book in earlier or later.
=> Dental Clinic Design and Approach
A dental clinic that offers pediatric dental care should be designed with children in mind. It needs to be welcoming and comforting, avoiding a ‘clinical feel’.
The approach of the staff and dental team also go a long way to helping children become comfortable with their dental visits.
Bringing your child along to your own dental appointments and showing them you’re confident will also assist them with familiarity and build resilience.
Having a consistent dental practice and pediatric dentist that you partner with, will help to alleviate fear through familiarity and also provide for your child to build a dental history with a consistent dentist.
=> Common Kids Dental Problems
Pediatric dentists are trained specifically to identify dental issues in smaller gums and teeth of little people.
The following dental problems may or may not require treatment and this will depend on the age of your child, development of their teeth and their oral health.
=> Thumb sucking
=> Bad breath
=> Tooth decay
=> Gum disease
=> Teeth grinding
=> Tooth loss
=> Crooked teeth
=> Over-retained baby teeth (teeth that remain and impede adult teeth development)
=> Sensitive teeth
At Holistic Dental Melbourne cbd, we provide children’s dentistry through our highly qualified dental team. We are able to bulk bill when you are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) so please mention this when you book an appointment with one of our dentists.
We welcome you and your little ones to our practice and aim to make your child’s experience as fun and friendly as possible.
