Despite advances in dental cleaning aids and the effectiveness of water fluoridation, tooth decay remains common in young children. An increasingly sugar-centred diet has contributed to alarming numbers of cavities in ‘baby teeth’, while a lack of education for both children and parents has meant tooth decay in young people remains a significant problem. Our dentists at Dental on Hollywood are experienced in treating children of all ages, providing a range of treatments and offering guidance for kids and parents regarding their children’s oral health.
Most kids have a set of twenty ‘baby’ or primary teeth before their adult teeth come through. These primary teeth tend to starting erupting at six months of age; it is around this time that our dentists in Bondi Junction recommend your child is first brought to the dental clinic. At this initial appointment, the dentist can examine if the teeth are coming through in the right order and at the right location, as well as give you advice on how to correctly brush your child’s teeth, using the proper toothbrush and fluoride concentration in your toothpaste. At Dental on Hollywood we understand that young kids can be anxious about visiting the dentist, but by attending from an early age children quickly become familiar with the clinic and what happens during an appointment. Our accommodating attitude means that by the end of the first visit, most fears are dispelled.
Regular, six-monthly check-ups for your kids will ensure any potential problems are diagnosed earlier and treated in a more conservative, effective way. The early loss of a primary tooth, whether due to tooth decay or trauma (for example, from a fall) can cause big ramifications for your child’s ‘adult’ or permanent teeth, including crowding issues and lasting damage to their adult teeth. Once the first adult teeth come through around five or six years of age, our dentists teach your kids about the most efficient tooth-brushing technique for their adult teeth, setting them up for good oral health and preventing problems with their teeth later in life. Our dentists also discuss the importance of flossing and whether mouthrinses or other dental cleaning aids should be used.
At Dental on Hollywood, we are experienced in a range of dental treatments for children, including check-up and cleans, fissure sealants, fluoride treatment, fillings and extractions. Fluoride delivers excellent protection for young, developing teeth against tooth decay, but must be used in the correct way and in a safe dosage to be effective. Fissure sealants offer a physical barrier against tooth decay in areas of a tooth that a toothbrush is often too large to clean properly. As discussed in an earlier blog, fillings provide protection for your child’s teeth to stop further tooth decay and prevent pain. If you have any questions about your children’s oral health or the importance of bringing your kids to the dentist, don’t hesitate to call us or visit our clinic in Bondi Junction and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
Dr Anthony Chepurin
