As a parent, it’s natural to assume that when your child’s baby teeth fall out, they have a chance to “start over” with their oral health habits. But the reality is that your youngster’s first set of teeth have an essential role to play in the health of their future smile.
To prevent common issues like gingivitis and tooth decay in your child’s lifetime, it’s crucial to form healthy oral hygiene habits from a young age. Here are some important steps to incorporate each day:
- Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s small enough to only cover 1-2 teeth at a time.
- Brush in a circular pattern, taking care to massage and clean the gumlines, where plaque tends to adhere the most.
- Use a rice-grain sized smear of fluoridated toothpaste for infants and toddlers and a pea-sized amount for children who are able to rinse their mouth.
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes.
- Clean between teeth once per day with traditional floss or a hand-held floss pick.
- Until your child can tie their shoes, help with their brushing and flossing.
- Schedule a check and clean every six months with your child’s dentist or oral health therapist.
- Treat cavities early, before they have the opportunity to spread into adjacent or developing teeth.
Your child may be eligible for the $1000 free CDBS;
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a program offered to families who qualify for Medicare and covers up to $1000 in approved dental services for children between the ages of 2-17.
Paediatric dental treatments that qualify include things like exams, cleans, fillings, fluoride treatment, fissure sealants and braces. All services are bulk billed, allowing for no-gap appointments when you bring your child to the dentist!
Meet Monica, Our Oral Health Therapist
Monica’s advanced training in paediatric dental health and attentiveness to our youngest patients makes her a vital part of our dental care team. She provides a full range of children’s dentistry services including exams, cleans, fillings and extractions and can see patients up to 25 years of age. Monica’s personalised approach to children’s dentistry and gentle manner make her the perfect resource for your child’s first trip to the dentist office!
During your visit, Monica will provide information and educational resources for you and your child, aiming to prevent potential concerns before they start. Whether it’s talking through your child’s nervousness or establishing good diet habits, the one-on-one approach to care will be exactly what your child needs to enjoy optimal oral health.
Call Us Today
Schedule your child’s first dental checkup with Monica today. Contact us now to reserve a time that fits your preferences.