Treatment Spotlight: Kids’ Dentistry
Treatment Spotlight: Kids’ Dentistry
Paediatric dentistry - or kids’ dentistry - is a field of dentistry that caters to young children, from ensuring teeth and gums are developing correctly to addressing common oral health concerns in children.
With experience in all aspects of kids’ dentistry, the team at National Dental Care Group is here to make your child’s dental visits as smooth and hassle-free as possible. From oral health assessments and preventative care to children’s dental treatment, we’re here to help your child maintain optimal oral health and practice good dental hygiene throughout their life.
In this article, we’re answering your common questions about kids’ dentistry and how to keep your child’s oral health in the best condition as they grow.
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
Assuming there are no earlier dental health concerns, you should start bringing your child in for regular dental check-ups from the age of two.
A regular check-up will enable the dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth, assess their oral health, and address any concerns or potential issues.
What can I expect in my child’s first dental appointment?
During your child’s first visit to the dental practice, your dentist will perform a visual examination of their teeth to assess the state of their oral health. You’ll also be able to ask your dentist any questions you may have about maintaining proper dental hygiene at home, as well as discussing any specific concerns.
Aside from checking your child’s oral health, this first appointment will also give them the chance to get used to the environment of the dental practice - from sitting in the dental chair to having their mouth examined and interacting with the dentist and other staff. Our team members are experienced in children’s dentistry and will ensure your child is as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout their visit.
What do paediatric dental services cover?
At National Dental Care Group, we offer a range of dental services targeted towards children, in order to address the needs of our younger patients.
Paediatric dental services may include:
● Preventative care to avoid oral health issues from developing or worsening
● Routine dental cleaning to provide a thorough clean for teeth and gums
● Oral examinations to assess dental health and check for issues
● Dental x-rays for a more in-depth look at the mouth
● Fillings to provide early treatment for tooth decay
● Orthodontics to address crooked, gappy or misaligned teeth
● Extractions in cases where teeth need to be removed
What type of oral health concerns might my child experience?
While every child is different, there are certain oral health conditions that are more commonly experienced in children. These conditions may result from poor diet, habits such as thumb-sucking, or other factors including genetics.
The following are some of the oral health concerns that may be found in children:
● Tooth decay
● Cavities
● Damage to teeth as a result of accidents
● Issues resulting from thumb sucking/dummy sucking
● Bad breath
● Gum disease
● Tooth grinding
What can I do if my child is nervous about visiting the dentist?
It’s perfectly normal for children to feel anxious or uncomfortable before or during their dental appointment, particularly if it’s their first visit. Rest assured that our team is skilled in working with children and will do all they can to make their experience positive and calm.
In order to prepare your child for their dental appointment, it’s a good idea to talk to them about their upcoming visit - explain the importance of visiting the dentist and what they can expect. You may also want to bring younger children along to their older siblings’ dental appointments, to help them get used to the practice environment before their own visit.
We want to help you keep your child’s oral health in the best possible condition, as well as supporting them to continue practising good oral hygiene in the future. If you have any questions about our children’s dental services - or to book an appointment - contact your local practice today.