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kids dentistry

In many cases, children are at higher risk of some oral health problems than adults. Their teeth are still developing, a high-sugar diet can make them more vulnerable to tooth decay, and more active lifestyles may also mean injuries.

Our oral health therapists at d-spa enjoy working with children and are experienced in all areas of kids’ dentistry. All three of our Melbourne clinics are equipped with the latest technologies and have been thoughtfully designed to help your child feel comfortable and enjoy their dental visits.

Call our friendly team on (03) 9650 0870 or get in touch online to book a kids’ dentistry appointment at our clinics on 2 Collins Street, 538 Collins Street or Toorak Road, South Yarra.

When should kids visit the dentist?

Good dental care should start early. Regular visits to the dentist from an early age can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits that will last into adulthood.

At d-spa, we recommend that parents start arranging regular check-ups for their children by the time they’re two years old. You can bring your child in earlier if you want us to check that their first teeth are developing normally.

At d-spa, we recommend a three-step approach to preventive dentistry:

  1. Following good oral hygiene every day
  2. Regular check-ups with your dentist
  3. Preventive treatments to help protect your teeth

Kids’ oral health care at d-spa

We always try to keep things simple when your child visits us for their dental appointment. We’ll give them a thorough oral health assessment to check for any signs of tooth decay or orthodontic issues, and we may perform a gentle clean and polish to remove any plaque that’s built up on their teeth since their last visit. We’ll also instruct you and your child about good oral hygiene practice, so you can help them take the best care of their teeth at home.

If we do spot any problems or concerns, we’ll discuss all the treatments we offer in detail so you can choose what’s appropriate for your child. We may also recommend preventive treatmentssuch as fissure sealants or a sports mouthguard to help protect your kids’ teeth.

Our qualified oral health therapists try to make the dental experience positive and educational for children by incorporating fun games and interactive dental stories. They can even watch their favourite cartoons and DVD movies to help them feel relaxed and entertained. Our goal is to make dental care a normal part of life for kids. As a parent, you can help by talking to your children about what to expect and reading books or watching movies about going to the dentist.

Children’s oral hygiene at home

Dental care doesn’t stop at the dental clinic. Your child should follow good oral hygiene every day to help prevent plaque from forming and keep tooth decay and other oral health problems at bay. We can advise you and your child on the correct brushing and flossing techniques and which foods and drinks to avoid.

Kids sometimes need their parents’ help to brush their teeth until they’re old enough to use the toothbrush correctly. If they find it difficult to clean all parts of their mouth, they might find an electric toothbrush easier and more comfortable to use. You should brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day and floss between their teeth at least once a day as soon as their first teeth appear.

Children’s diets play a big part in their oral hygiene too. Try to discourage sugary snacks, soft drinks and fruit juices, as these help to spread plaque and can cause tooth decay and cavities. Encourage teeth-friendly food and drinks instead, such as fluoridated tap water, dairy products and green, leafy vegetables.

Have you had a dental emergency?

If you have a dental emergency—either severe pain requiring root canal (also known as endondontic treatment) or a lost tooth—call our surgery straight away and we’ll do our best to find a time to see you.