Children’s Week: Maintaining Good Dental Health For Your Child

As part of Children’s Week (starting 21–29 October), DentArana wants all Australians to know that if kids have healthy teeth, they have a great chance of having them for life and avoiding dental disease.

Children’s Week is an annual event celebrated in Australia during the fourth week in October, and seeks to focus the attention of the wider community on children, their needs and achievements.

In support of Children’s Week, DentArana is highlighting the importance of looking after your teeth from an early age.

In 2014, Professor David Manton, Vice-Chair of the ADA’s Oral Health Committee, said: “Half of all Australian six year olds have tooth decay in their baby teeth. (1 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australia’s Health 2014)

“There is significant information available to suggest that if dental disease can be avoided in childhood then it is likely to be avoided or significantly reduced in later life. Likewise, if dental disease arises in childhood it is inevitably a predictor of dental disease for later life.”

So, one of the gifts that we can give our children during Children’s Week is the gift of dental health, for it is the gift that keeps on giving!

Dental Care For Children

It is very important that children learn from a young age how to look after their teeth and gums. Here’s how:

• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day, using small circular motions. Their teeth should be cleaned after eating and before bed using toothpaste with fluoride that is suitable for children, which can help to strengthen the outside of the teeth and prevent decay.
• Try to get into a regular tooth brushing routine, and give your child plenty of praise when they brush their teeth well.
• Replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three months.
• You should supervise, or help children with their tooth brushing, until they are at least seven years old.
• When they start brushing by themselves, check every few days to make sure they are doing it properly.
• Make sure your child has dental check-ups twice a year. Find your nearest dentist in the National Health Services Directory.
• Ensure your child eats a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Try to keep sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes.
• As your child’s adult teeth grow through, you should make your dentist aware of any misalignment of the teeth or jaw. They will advise if corrective treatment is required.

Why should my child see a dentist?

Regular check-ups by a dentist help with good dental habits and can prevent costly and painful problems later.

It is important that your first visit to the dentist happens while your child still has baby teeth to help put in place habits that will protect their permanent teeth, which should last for life.

When should my child visit the dentist?

Your child should start to see a dentist sometime between 1 and 2 years of age.
Your child should also see a dentist:

• as soon as a possible dental problem is noticed by you or them
• before they start playing contact sports
• if you notice dark spots in the pits of the teeth
• if the upper and lower teeth do not come together correctly in a uniform ‘bite’.

Protect the Dental Health of Your Children

Protecting the health of your child’s smile is important for their well-being, during Children’s Week and beyond. DentArana, we welcome the opportunity to care for the smiles of our youngest patients. Our dental team enjoys working with parents and kids to protect those beautiful smiles at our office in the Arana Hills area.

We Love Your Kids!

Going to the dentist does not need to be scary for children. Beginning dental treatments from an early age can help kids feel comfortable with receiving dental care. Our dental team loves kids and ensures they feel comfortable and at ease when they come in for their routine visits.

We want all our young patients to grow up without any fear of receiving dental care so they can retain their beautiful smiles for a lifetime.

If you are searching for a quality, kid-friendly dentist contact DentArana today! We are committed to excellent dental care for all our patients, especially kids. We offer family block dental appointments to make it simple and convenient to get the dental care you need for your whole family.

Your Trusted Family Dentist in Arana Hills

If you have a child in need of treatment, or any other dental issues, do not hesitate to call us at DentArana on (07) 3351 3366.

Visit us today and take advantage of CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule) and receive up to $1,000 worth of basic dental treatments over 2 calendar years.

DentArana is open from Monday to Saturday to cater to all your dental needs.

Call us on (07) 3351 3366, or book your appointment online.