Children’s Dentistry Ballarat
At Dr Williams’s Dental Practice, our goal is to make children feel relaxed and warmly welcomed, so they can build a life-long positive relationship with dentists. We recommend that the first dental visit for your child happen as early as 6 months old, just when their first tooth erupts. This is ideal time to get started on a perfect plan for dental care and nutritional health, and we welcome Bulk Billing.
Early infant oral care
The time of eruption of the first tooth varies among babies. Generally, the first teeth to erupt are the lower front teeth. They make their appearance when the baby is around six to eight months old.
As soon as the baby gets the first tooth, schedule a dental visit to ensure that all teeth develop in perfect health. The first visit is also a good opportunity for parents to understand how to care for the baby’s teeth to prevent decay and other problems. Bottle tooth decay is a common problem caused by frequent and long exposure of the baby’s teeth to milk and other sweetened liquids.
Wipe the baby’s teeth and gums clean to remove bacteria and food debris. Do not put the baby to bed with a bottle. If you must, fill the bottle with just plain water. Older children may be taught to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Teach them to clean their teeth thoroughly immediately after eating anything sticky or sugary.
Schedule dental visits every 6 months, so any problems can be identified and treated at the earliest.
Fluoride and dental sealants
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element which reduces the chances of tooth decay. If the diet is deficient in fluoride, teeth do not develop enough strength to resist cavities. Fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste are the two primary sources of fluoride. If your water dispenser filters out fluoride from the tap water, then the diet may contain less than optimum amount of fluoride. Our dentist will evaluate whether your child is getting enough fluoride, and if there is some deficiency we recommend fluoride supplements.
Prevention is better than cure, and one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay is applying a dental sealant to the teeth. Sealants are applied to the teeth surface, thus forming an effective barrier between the teeth and food debris. The nooks and crannies of the teeth surface are filled out thus eliminating the possibility of food particles getting caught there and causing cavities.
Mouthguards
When children start participating in sports, there is a higher chance of injuries occurring and teeth getting knocked out. A custom-fitted mouthguard is an important item of athletic gear that can safeguard your child’s teeth and smile. Use the mouthguard during any activity where a blow to the face or mouth could potentially happen. Mouthguards can prevent injuries to the teeth, tongue, and lips. A properly fitted mouthguard will not hamper talking and breathing.
Restorative care
In spite of all the precautions you take, your child may still develop dental problems such as tooth decay. At Dr Williams’s Dental Practice, we offer several dental restorative procedures to bring back the health and functionality of the teeth. Cavities in the beginning stages may be treated with just fillings, but advanced tooth decay may need root canal treatment to save it. If the decay is in the milk teeth, the simplest thing to do may be to remove them and wait for the permanent teeth to come in. We will advise you on the best treatment after a consultation.
Our team at Dr Williams’s Dental Practice take pride in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our young patients. If you are looking for a child-friendly clinic, give us a call right away.
