Children’s Dentistry in Hervey Bay
Good habits for a healthy mouth begin in childhood. At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, our children’s dentistry services emphasise prevention, education, and a fun experience. We are dedicated to helping children develop strong oral hygiene habits while ensuring that their dental visits are enjoyable and stress-free.
Dental Check-Ups for Children
As your child grows, their teeth and mouth develop rapidly. For this reason, we recommend regular dental check-ups to ensure their oral health stays on track. Bringing your child in for a check-up helps them develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, our experienced team, including our dentist and Oral Health Therapist, is dedicated to making your child feel welcome and comfortable during their visits. We take the time to engage with children, ensuring they have a positive experience at the dentist.
What Kids and Parents Can Expect from Smile Dental Hervey Bay
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we warmly welcome kids of all ages into our practice. We understand that positive dental care experiences in childhood play a crucial role in fostering a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our team is committed to creating a friendly & supportive environment where children feel comfortable & engaged during their visits.
What Your Child Will Experience at Their Appointment:
At their appointment, your child will:
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- Be welcomed by our smiling, friendly team.
- Enjoy screen time with our ceiling-mounted televisions above the dental chairs.
- Participate in engaging conversations about their dental health.
As a special treat, every child will receive a calico bag filled with a selection of dental products to use at home, promoting good oral hygiene habits.
Parents and guardians can expect to be:
- Welcomed into our practice and acknowledged as experts in caring for their child’s oral health.
- Asked about their child’s medical and dental history to ensure personalised care.
- Kept well-informed about their children’s dental health throughout the appointment.
- Fully informed about the dental services that may be recommended for their child, including fees, benefits, potential downsides, and options.
- Guided on how to support their children in learning to care for their oral health, including skills like tooth brushing, choosing tooth-friendly foods, and other effective ways to prevent dental disease.
Information Provided by Our Dental Team
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- Teething: Understanding the teething process and how to soothe discomfort.
- Brushing Technique: Tips for effective brushing to ensure your child maintains good oral hygiene.
- Bite and Orthodontics: Guidance on bite issues and when to consider orthodontic care.
- Gums and Cheeks: Information on maintaining the health of gums and cheeks.
- Habits: Advice on habits such as thumb-sucking and their impact on dental health.
- Risk of Decay: Insights on preventing tooth decay and promoting a cavity-free smile.
- Prevention of Trauma: Strategies to prevent trauma to your child’s mouth during play and sports.
- Nutritional Advice: Guidance on nutrition and its importance for oral health.
Some services we offer for children’s dental care include
Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of teeth, particularly in the deep grooves and crevices that are most susceptible to decay. These thin layers of tooth-coloured filling help seal off vulnerable areas, significantly reducing the risk of cavities. By filling these deep cracks and folds, fissure sealants provide an effective preventive measure to maintain your child’s dental health.
Fluoride Treatments
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we strongly encourage fluoride treatments as a regular part of children’s dental care. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay. Young teeth are particularly effective at absorbing mineral content, making this an ideal time for fluoride application. By incorporating fluoride treatments into your child’s dental routine, you can help strengthen their teeth and enhance their overall oral health.
Mouthguards
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we strongly encourage the use of mouthguards, particularly for children and athletes participating in contact sports. We highly recommend custom-made mouthguards, as they provide superior retention, comfort, and security for the teeth. These professionally fitted mouthguards are designed to effectively protect your child’s smile from potential injuries during play, ensuring a safer sporting experience.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we are proud to offer no-gap (free out-of-pocket) dental care to eligible patients through the Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS). This Medicare-funded program is designed to support children’s dental health and is available for children who meet the following criteria:
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- Aged between 2 and 17 years
- Eligible for Medicare
- Receiveing a payment from Services Australia
The CDBS covers essential dental services up to $1,052 over two calendar years, including regular check-ups, professional cleaning, and fillings. If you have any questions regarding the Child Dental Benefit Scheme, please feel free to reach out to our team. You can also find more infomation on the Services Australia CDBS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Should a Child First Visit the Dentist?
Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone in their oral health journey. At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, we recommend bringing your child in for their first appointment when their baby teeth first emerge or by the age of 12 months, whichever comes first. This timeline aligns with guidelines from the Australian Dental Association and helps establish a foundation for healthy dental habits from an early age.
How Often Should a Child Come in for Dental Visits?
The frequency of your child’s dental check-ups will depend on their individual dental health needs. At Smile Dental Hervey Bay, most children come in for a check-up at least once a year. However, some may require more frequent visits if they need additional support to maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums. Regular check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of dental issues, ensuring your child’s smile remains bright and healthy.
