Paediatric Dentistry (Dental Care for Children) in Chatswood
At iCare Family Dental Chatswood, we are providing gentle, fun, and effective dental care for children of all ages. Our paediatric dentistry services are designed to ensure your child's oral health starts off on the right foot and continues to flourish as they grow
Why It's Important:
Paediatric dentistry is crucial for several reasons:
- Early Prevention: Addressing dental issues early can prevent more serious problems in the future.
- Establishing Good Habits: We teach children proper oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
- Positive Dental Experiences: Our child-friendly approach helps kids develop a positive attitude towards dental visits.
- Monitoring Growth: Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your child's oral development and address any concerns promptly.
- Overall Health: Good oral health contributes to better overall health and well-being.
- Confidence Building: A healthy smile boosts a child's self-esteem and confidence.
The Procedure:
Our paediatric dental visits typically involve the following steps:
1. Welcome and Familiarisation:
- We introduce your child to our friendly team and dental environment.
- For very young or anxious children, we might use the "tell-show-do" technique to explain procedures.
2. Comprehensive Oral Examination:
- Visual inspection of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
- Checking for signs of decay, misalignment, or other oral health issues
- Assessment of oral development and tooth eruption
3. Gentle Cleaning:
- Removal of plaque and tartar using kid-friendly instruments
- Polishing of teeth to remove surface stains
- Flossing between teeth
4. Fluoride Treatment:
- Application of fluoride varnish to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay
5. Digital X-rays (if necessary):
- We use low-radiation digital X-rays when needed to detect hidden issues
6. Preventive Treatments:
- Application of dental sealants to protect against cavities
- Discussion of mouthguards for children involved in sports
7. Oral Hygiene Education:
- Fun, interactive lessons on proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Nutritional advice for maintaining good oral health
8. Treatment Planning:
- Discussion of any findings with parents
- Development of a personalised treatment plan if required
9. Rewards:
- Children receive a small prize for their cooperation and bravery
What to Expect:
Before:
- Talk positively about the dental visit with your child.
- Avoid using words that might cause unnecessary fear.
- Bring your child's favourite toy or comfort item if desired.
During:
- The appointment typically lasts 30-45 minutes.
- Parents are welcome to accompany their child during the visit.
- Our team uses child-friendly language and a gentle approach throughout.
After:
- We'll provide you with a summary of the visit and any recommendations.
- Your child will receive a small reward.
FAQs
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We recommend bringing your child for their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits help familiarise your child with the dental environment and allow us to monitor their oral development from the start.
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Generally, we recommend check-ups every six months. However, some children may need more frequent visits, especially if they're at high risk for cavities or have other oral health concerns. We'll recommend an appropriate schedule based on your child's individual needs.
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At iCare Family Dental Chatswood, we use digital X-rays which emit significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays. We only take X-rays when necessary and use protective measures to ensure your child's safety. The minimal radiation exposure from occasional dental X-rays is considered safe for children.
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Our team is experienced in working with anxious children. We use various techniques to help children feel comfortable, including:
- Explaining procedures in child-friendly terms
- Using positive reinforcement
- Offering distractions like Movies / TVs or toys
- Allowing parents to be present during the visit
For extremely anxious children, we can discuss sedation options if necessary
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- Help them brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Assist with flossing once a day
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Encourage drinking water after meals
- Use positive reinforcement for good oral hygiene habits
- Set a good example by maintaining your own oral health
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Dental sealants (Fissure sealing) are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They help prevent cavities in the deep grooves of molars. We often recommend sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, typically around age 6 and again at age 12.
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If your child experiences a dental emergency (such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken tooth), contact us immediately. We offer emergency appointments and can guide you on immediate steps to take. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, try to reinsert it gently or keep it moist in milk until you can see us.
Remember, our team at iCare Family Dental Chatswood is always here to answer any questions you may have about your child's oral health. We're committed to providing gentle, fun, and comfortable care for your little ones. Our goal is to help your children develop healthy dental habits and maintain beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. We look forward to being your partners in your child's dental journey, from their first tooth to their dazzling teenage grin!