Caring for the little ones

A healthy smile begins with the first tooth

Caring for the little ones

A healthy smile begins with the first tooth

Practicing good oral hygiene with your children is crucial

Getting your children into the habit of cleaning their teeth correctly is best at the very early stages of their development, to familiarise them with such a crucial routine and to form consistency.

By the time your child is three, they should have a full complement of baby teeth (ten on the top and ten on the bottom). This is the ideal time to bring them in for their first dental visit, if they have not been already. First visits usually get them familiar with the dental environment, making them feel comfortable with coming back for future appointments.

You should always supervise your children when they are learning to clean their teeth, to ensure their daily brushing is thorough and consistent. It is important to develop healthy brushing habits.

To assist with this, why not create a family ritual to clean your teeth together and reinforce healthy eating habits (i.e. less sugar, soda and chocolate, more water, fresh fruits and vegetables)?

Try to avoid letting your child fall asleep with a milk bottle in their mouth. Milk contains sugar in the form of lactose. Lactose can cause decay in baby teeth. Protect your little one’s teeth now, to prevent future problems.

If your child is turning six and still has a dummy or thumb-sucking habit, they should stop. Dummies and thumb-sucking can prove detrimental to the eruption and growth of their teeth (due to the suction forces of the thumb/dummy and its position between their teeth).

CDBS

The government has introduced a new CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Scheme). Under this scheme, children under 18 can receive a benefit entitlement of $1,052 to use at the dentist of their choice. If your family is eligible, you would have received the CDBS letter sent by Medicare.

Our friendly staff will take care of the rest including bulk billing directly. Just be sure to inform our reception of your eligibility when making an appointment. And don’t forget to bring your CDBS letter and Medicare card when you attend your appointment with your child.

Book an appointment with us today! Call (08) 9310 3367.