Paediatric dentistry
Paediatric dental care is of extreme importance but is very often disregarded or avoided. Paediatric dentistry ensures the oral health of a child’s primary teeth remains healthy and free of disease or decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital starting right from infancy, so it is encouraged to incorporate various dental hygiene habits into your child’s daily routine. Children should be taken to the dentist for checkups at least twice a year; therefore, regular visits to our dentist South Yarra can guarantee that your child will have the best start to their oral health by eliminating the risk of any future dental problems.
Creating good habits at home
In addition to taking your child to visit the dentist South Yarra, it is important to assist your child in developing good oral hygiene habits at home to prevent trips to the dentist from becoming invasive and fearful for children.
The most evident and imperative habit children should learn as soon as they begin growing their first teeth is brushing; as soon as a tooth grows, plaque can build up on its surface, thus increasing the risk of decay. At this stage, your child’s teeth don’t have to be thoroughly cleaned; it is more important that your child gets used to brushing their teeth as part of their daily routine. Here at The Dentists, we advise that parents brush their teeth along with their children so that they can set an example and imitate the motions. It is recommended that babies use a tiny smear of toothpaste while children between the ages of 3-6 years old use a pea-sized amount of paste. Brushing should be carried out twice a day and as your child grows in age, the brushing can become more thorough.
Other measures parents can take to ensure their children’s oral hygiene is up to a suitable standard, is to limit their sugar intake. Sugar is a common cause of tooth decay, so it is best to avoid giving children sugary drinks and sweets as long periods of exposure to sugar can increase the risk of decay. If you would like advice on how to cut down sugar in your child’s diet, our dentist South Yarra can provide you with more information on how to manage a healthier diet.
Visiting the dentist
Most parents are unaware that it is just as important to take your child for a visit to the dentist as it is to take them to the doctor. As soon as your infant reaches the age of a year old, it is advised to book an appointment with the dentist so they can assess their milk teeth and provide you with advice on how to take care of them properly. Thereon, your child should see their dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups, as their teeth will be evolving constantly for the next few years. Regular visits to the dentist from a young age will also minimise the chances of your child developing dentophobia (fear of visiting the dentist) in later stages of their life, thereby ensuring their teeth are always looked after by a professional should they suffer any dental problems in the future.
Disclaimer: All treatments carry their own risks and individual consultation is required with one of our expert practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
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