Children’s Dentist
Children’s Dentist
At Cove Dental, we believe in establishing a healthy dental routine as early as possible. We encourage parents to bring their children to our practice, to become familiar with how a regular trip to the dentist works. As early as 2 years of age, we encourage children to have a seat in the chair for themselves. At this stage the dentist will simply examine the teeth, checking and counting tooth development and will show you and your child some of the equipment and instruments used.
At 3 years of age we recommend children to have their first check-up visit. This involves:
- An examination by the dentist for the number of baby teeth, spacing and placement, cleanliness and normal development
- Recommendation of a suitable brushing routine
- Polish
- Fluoride treatment
We understand that going to the dentist may be a daunting experience for children. If our awesome play area and Children’s Netflix is not enough to put a smile on your child’s face, our team is guaranteed to ensure that the start of their dental journey is a positive one!
Caring for your baby’s teeth at home
Did you know that healthy baby teeth are essential for proper jaw development? The front baby teeth will last up to 5 to 7 years of age, and the back molars will last until 12 years of age. It is important to establish a cleaning routine from when teeth first appear to ensure a strong foundation for permanent teeth development later on. A few of the signs to look for which indicate that your baby is teething include:
- Tender and/or swollen gums
- Increased dribbling
- Disturbed sleep
- Irritability
You can ease this process by massaging your baby’s gums gently with your finger or use a teething ring. The appropriate dose of Paracetamol for your child’s age may help to relieve pain associated with teething.
Earlier on, begin with a clean damp cloth to gently wipe the teeth. After this, you can use a soft bristled brush which is especially for babies. After your child has learnt how to spit things out, you can introduce a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Caring for your children’s teeth at home
For children under six years of age who are still learning how to brush their teeth, it is recommended that parents help them with their daily dental routine. This way, you can ensure that they are brushing their teeth twice a day. Using a special children’s toothbrush with soft bristles, ensure that your child learns to use only gentle pressure and to not swallow toothpaste.
Fissure Sealant
Fissure sealants can help to protect your children's teeth from decay in the early
years. A coating is applied, which covers the chewing surfaces of the back adult teeth
and forms a barrier.
The barrier keeps food and bacteria from getting into the small grooves in the teeth
and makes it easier to clean the teeth.
To book in this treatment for your child, please contact us on 8413 1779.
Mouthguards
Dental injuries can be painful, disfiguring and also costly. A custom made mouthguard
provides increased protection for those who participate in high contact sports and
recreational activities. It effectively reduces the impact of blows to the face that can
cause oral injuries.
A custom made mouthguard differs from standard devices purchased over the
counter, as it is specifically designed for your mouth. During a consultation, our
dentist will ensure your tailor made mouthguard fits comfortably and precisely around
your teeth and gums using moulds of your teeth.
Having a correctly fitted mouthguard makes it possible to speak and breathe without
difficulty. It also means your mouthguard is secure and won’t fall out while you’re
playing sport.
If you would like a custom made mouthguard, please book in to see Dr Hills on 8413
1779.