Children thrive in routines. And we aren’t just talking about your morning routine, either – it’s just as important that you make good habits into a routine while your kids are young. Trust us, it’ll pay off when they grow older!
Good oral hygiene is one of the most important habits that children need to build.
Unfortunately, it’s also an area that many parents find themselves struggling with – not because it’s hard, but because they don’t know where to start, or what’s appropriate for their child!
Luckily, that’s something that our family dentists in Armadale are here for.
We’re here to answer all of your questions. In addition to providing treatments, our team can also equip you with all the knowledge, techniques and tools you need to build good habits and protect your child’s teeth for life!
Our family dentist in Armadale answers all of your questions
Question #1: When should children visit the dentist for the first time?
Any parent can tell you that teaching their child oral care habits such as brushing, flossing, and drinking plenty of water can be challenging until it becomes a habit (and even then, getting them to stick to it can be tough).
Their first visit to the dentist should be when they don’t have any preconceptions or a learned “fear” of the dentist. Their first visit should be both fun and instructional.
The idea is to desensitize them to coming along for visits at the dentist, such that when subsequent visits occur, it is just like coming along to the supermarket, or going for a haircut.
If you’re having a hard time convincing your children to do so, we suggest starting early – ideally, as soon as their baby teeth start erupting.
Not only does this turn it into a routine, but it also helps make them familiar with their Armadale dental team before they “learn” to be scared of dentist trips, reducing the likelihood of developing that all-too-common dental phobia.
After that, we suggest scheduling an appointment with our Armadale dentist every 6 months, or as advised.
Question #2: What should I expect during my child’s first dental visit?
At our family dental clinic in Armadale focuses on two things during your child’s first ever dental appointment:
- Safety
- Comfort
After all, we know that this is an entirely new experience for baby – the last thing we want to do is scare them away from seeing the dentist forever!
Our dentists in Armadale are polite and friendly, helping set your child’s mind at ease.
You’ll also have the opportunity to accompany them in order to ease any discomfort and nervousness that they may experience.
Of course, that isn’t all you can do to set your child’s mind at ease – while it’s not mandatory, it would be a huge help if you could:
- Talk to your child beforehand and explain what’s going to happen
- Do a little bit of a practice run yourself so they get used to the feeling of someone else in their mouth
- Pop in to our Armadale dental clinic to help them get comfortable with the place
Don’t worry, your child’s first appointment won’t involve any drills or pliers – unless something’s horribly wrong, their first dental appointment is all about taking stock. We’ll look at their teeth as they are to see if they’re erupting properly, as well as their gums and jaw.
Once we’re done with that, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about looking after their teeth. Young teeth need soft brushes, as well as a gentler brushing technique to ensure that you aren’t too rough.
Parents shouldn’t expect a positive response immediately – your child may feel a bit awkward, hesitant or even shy during their first dental appointment.
Whatever you do however, don’t let this stop you from arranging future dental visits.
Question #3: How to educate kids about good oral hygiene?
It’s the million dollar question, isn’t it?
Good oral care habits start at home. Luckily, there are many tactics parents can use to ingrain good oral health habits, and encourage children to brush their teeth.
In our experience, the best thing you can do is educate.
Educating them means teaching them about the importance of their oral health, as well as the proper way to brush and floss – if you do a good job your child will internalise it and brush without the need for prompting!
If you need help, just drop our dentist in Armadale a line and we’ll be sure to bring it up during their next appointment, educating your children about the importance of good oral health.
Other tactics include:
- Gamify brushing, offering rewards for sticking to a routine (just don’t offer lollies or soft drinks!)
- For older kids, encouraging them to be good role models to their siblings
- Leading by example
- Making brushing a group activity and a ‘fun’ part of the morning and evening routine
Whatever approach you take, the key is consistency!
Question #4: How to choose a family dentist for children?
If you have kids, you’re going to want a dentist that you know isn’t going to scare your kids, and who’s simultaneously authoritative, supportive and friendly.
Dentists are human beings, just like you. Some of us are great with kids – others, not so much.
Before you bring your child along to their first dental appointment, it’s important that you select someone who you know for a fact:
- Has experience working with children
- “Clicks” with your kids
- Offers a child-friendly atmosphere for young ones
At Dental Care Group, we like to call ourselves family dentists – reason being that we can treat every member of the family from young tots to your elderly relatives.
Over the years, we’ve helped people of all ages look after their oral health, including kids.
No matter how young or old your child is, we do our best to make them feel secure:
- Our friendly team are gentle, reducing your child’s discomfort
- Techniques like sleep dentistry and even nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) put young patients at ease
- We’re all-smiles!
Choose the best family dentist in Armadale
Schedule an appointment today!
Good oral care habits start young.
And they start by building a good routine, drilling into your kids the importance of dental health and by seeing a pediatric dentist in Armadale on a regular basis.
Whether they’re teething, their adult teeth are erupting or you simply need advice creating an oral health routine, our friendly staff are here to help.
And while you’re there, why not get checked up yourself?
Contact Dental Care Group at (03) 9509 1500 or schedule an appointment with your dentist in Armadale.
