Children’s Dentistry

Geelong West Dental offers diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental care services for your child with state-of-the-art dental technology, equipment, and materials. We are committed to support the needs of your child and address any concerns you may have.

When Should Kids Start Seeing A Dentist?

The need to meet with a dentist does not always stem from an oral health problem. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), you should visit the dentist when your baby’s first tooth erupts, becomes visible or when they reach 12 months.

What To Expect During The First Appointment?

Depending on how comfortable your child is, the examination could take place in a knee-to-knee position where you and the dentist would sit facing each other, with your child on your lap. The child’s head would then be lowered on the lap of the dentist, so a clear view of their mouth can be seen as they look up at you. 

Your dentist will then thoroughly assess their teeth, jaws, gums and oral tissues. If plaques are present on the teeth, professional cleaning may take place, followed by polishing and the removal of tartar or stains. Depending on your child’s risk for tooth decay, topical fluoride may or may not be placed on your child’s teeth.

Preventive Treatment For Children

Your dentist may recommend the following treatments to protect your child’s teeth against decay or other problems:

Fluoride treatment

Fluoride is especially helpful if your child is at high risk of developing dental caries, or cavities. After cleaning, the fluoride is applied to the surfaces of the teeth to strengthen it against the bacteria that forms plaque and causes tooth decay.

Fissure sealing

An opaque resin coating, sealants are protective layers applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. This procedure only takes a few minutes without the need for local anaesthesia and may prevent the formation of decay. The longevity of the sealant depends on diet, hygiene and oral habits. 

Sports mouthguard

If your child plays sports or other outdoor activities, custom fit mouthguards are recommended to reduce risks of any injuries or dental emergencies that may arise.

Types Of Dental Procedures

Considering your child’s dental condition, your dentist may recommend the following treatments:

White fillings

Tooth-coloured resins used to fill cavities, white fillings restore the teeth to its shape and function while maintaining its appearance.

Root canal treatment

A procedure to remove diseased pulp from your child’s tooth, root canal may be necessary in cases of serious tooth decay and even trauma or injury. If not removed, the infection can cause severe pain and sensitivity. Extraction is an alternative procedure to root canal treatment.

Extraction

As a last resort, extraction will be required when the decay, infection or damage to the tooth is too severe.

All dental procedures carry potential risks and complications. Please refer to individual sections under general dentistry for more information.

At-home Practices

• If your child is younger than 8 years old, we recommend that you help them brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to strengthen their tooth enamel – this prevents decay and cavity in the long run.
• Floss their teeth once a day to remove leftover food debris.
• Make sure to use age-appropriate toothbrushes with soft bristles that would not aggravate the surrounding tissues and gums.
• Replace toothbrushes every 3 months if possible or as recommended by manufacturer
• Do not allow excessive intake of sugary snacks and beverages. Instead, encourage tooth-friendly alternatives such as fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products.
• Make sure they consume plenty of water daily.

Warning Signs To Look Out For

Consult your nearest dentist in Geelong if your child develops any of the following concerns:

Loose teeth. Children may lose their first baby tooth around age 6 and complete this process around age 12. While there is plenty of variation in this schedule, losing teeth before age 3 or 4, may be a cause for concern that may indicate underlying issues. Similarly, if a permanent, or adult tooth, becomes loose or is traumatised, an appointment to assess and examine the tooth is vital.

Abscesses. A painful collection of pus formed inside the teeth, gums or in the bone that holds the teeth in place, this condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Bleeding, red or swollen gums. Tooth decay and gum disease, also known as gingivitis, occasionally occur simultaneously. Gums that are significantly swollen in a certain spot may indicate the formation of abscess.

A dark or discoloured tooth. Discoloration of teeth may not be normal occurrence. In early stages of the tooth decay process, the teeth develop white chalky areas which then turn brown or black in later stages. The upper four front baby teeth are most commonly affected. Early childhood caries is caused when liquid or foods that contain sugar is left in the mouth of the child as they sleep, which then feeds the bacteria that overtime decays their teeth.

Persistent pain. Brief discomforts may be dismissed, but if your child is experiencing constant sensitivity or pain, especially when eating, these symptoms could indicate tooth decay, broken tooth, chipped tooth or any other underlying issues. Even if the pain subsides eventually, we recommend identifying the source and addressing it with your dentist for an early detection.

Bad breath or bad taste in mouth. Persistent, bad breath is often an indication of excessive bacteria in the mouth cavity that could imply a larger underlying dental health concern. 

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) – every 2 years for eligible children, up to $1,052 (or as updated by Medicare periodically)

Under the Australian Government’s CDBS scheme, basic and preventative dental treatments are covered for children between the ages of 2 to 17. Note the following requirements;

• Bulk billed through Medicare
• Your children within the stipulated age are eligible, if you receive Family Tax Benefit A or other relevant Australian Government payments at least once that year.

The list of procedures applicable for Child Dental Benefits include:

• Dental check-up and teeth cleaning
• Dental X-rays
• Fissure sealants and fillings
• Root canals
• Extractions

Note that the CDBS benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and any dental services offered in a hospital. For more information on this scheme, please visit the Department of Human Services or contact us for an appointment.

If you’re looking for a children’s dentist in Geelong that prioritises your kids’ comfort, find us at Geelong West Dental. Along with a friendly and welcoming environment, our team of experienced dentists in Geelong  provide a variety of services including diagnosing the risk factors contributing to your child’s dental issues, offering tailored dietary advice, brushing instructions and more.

We also offer orthodontic consultations as part of your child’s check-up, so you can discuss any queries and concerns you may have.

Photo is stock image only.