Children's Dentistry in Atwell & Cockburn: Where Little Smiles Shine Brightest

While both paediatric and general dentists are capable of providing quality dental care, children’s dentists bring specific training and a child-focused approach to their practice, making them particularly suited for addressing the dental needs of children and adolescents.

The following are the key differences of the two dental professionals:

Training and Education:

• Children’s dentists.
  After completing the standard dental education, children’s dentists undergo further training, which focuses on the dental needs and treatments for infants, children, and teens. They are also trained in providing dental services for medically compromised children and adolescents.
• General dentists.
  General dentists have a broad scope of training but complete their dentistry education without additional paediatric dentistry training. While they are qualified to handle patients of all ages, they may not have the same depth of training, specifically in paediatric dental care services.

Focus in practice:

• Children’s dentists.
  They are adept at dealing with the specific dental needs of children, including the management of growth and development concerns affecting the mouth, face, and head. They are skilled in providing services from preventive oral care and early orthodontic assessments to dental restorations. Children’s dentists use dental equipment designed for young patients and employ techniques to manage their fear and anxiety.
• General dentists.
  General dentists are skilled in a wide array of dental services. This includes preventive care like regular check-ups, cleanings, and dental education. They are trained to diagnose and provide treatment for oral health issues in patients of all ages, from children to the elderly. While they can address children, they might not use specific paediatric dental equipment or have as much experience in managing the unique dental needs of children during developmental stages compared to children’s dentists.

Child-Friendly Environment:

• Children’s dentists.
  Dental clinics that have children’s dentists are often designed to be welcoming and less intimidating for children, with playful decor, child-sized furniture, and various distractions like games and TV shows. This helps in making dental visits a more positive experience for young patients.
• General dentists.
  The dental clinic environment of a general dentist is usually designed to cater to a wide demographic. It provides a professional and comfortable setting for patients of varying ages. While these clinics may not feature the child-focused decorations commonly found in paediatric dental clinics, many general dentists strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all patients, including children.

Communication:

• Children’s dentists.
  Children’s dentists are trained to communicate appropriately with children, using simpler language and techniques that resonate with younger patients. This helps build trust and make dental care more accessible and less frightening for children.
• General dentists.
  They are trained to communicate with patients using standard communication.

Children’s dentistry encompasses a wide range of services specifically designed to cater to the oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. These services are tailored to address the unique dental concerns that arise during these crucial developmental stages.

• Infant oral health exams.
  These exams include risk assessments for caries (cavities) in both mother and child, laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
• Preventive dental care.
  This includes professional teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and providing nutrition and diet recommendations to prevent dental problems.
• Habit counselling.
  Addressing habits like pacifier use and thumb sucking, which can impact dental development.
• Orthodontics.
  Early orthodontic assessments help determine if a child needs preventive or interceptive orthodontic treatments, which can be in the form of an appliance or braces.
• Restorative treatments.
  Paediatric dentistry involves restorative treatments for cavities or damaged teeth and other dental problems to improve oral health. This may include tooth fillings and dental crowns.
• Dental emergency.
  Your child’s dentist is proficient in providing treatment for dental emergencies, such as fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth.
• Dental X-rays.
  Children’s dentists use dental X-rays designed for kids to detect abnormalities beneath the surface, like retained teeth or impacted teeth.
• Dental sealants.
  Our dental clinic offers dental sealants as one of the preventive measures for your children’s teeth. This treatment utilises a flowable filling that is applied to the pits and grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth in order to prevent dental caries and cavities.
• Fluoride treatments.
  The dentist often recommends this preventive treatment to help strengthen a child’s tooth enamel against bacteria and plaque.
• Sedation options.
  Some dental clinics that offer children’s dentistry services may provide sedation options for kids and adolescents. This treatment aims to provide comfort and reduce anxiety in young patients during dental procedures.

Atwell Smiles Dental offers a wide range of paediatric dentistry services to provide convenient, high-quality dental care for your little one. Please get in touch with our team by contacting us by phone or scheduling an appointment via our online booking system.

According to the Australian Dental Association, children have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. This is crucial for several reasons:

• Early detection.
  As soon as your child has teeth, they are at risk for cavities. Early visits to the dentist allow them to catch early signs of dental problems.
• Preventive advice.
  These visits are an opportunity for the dentists to provide you, as parents, with valuable advice on infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, and teething. This information is vital for preventing dental health issues.
• Familiarity and comfort.
  Establishing the habit of dental visits at an early age can help children become comfortable with the dental setting, thereby decreasing anxiety and fear of future appointments.
• Parental guidance.
  These visits provide parents the opportunity to discuss their concerns regarding their little one’s oral health and habits, like thumb-sucking or pacifier use, and receive professional advice.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, we believe in the importance of early dental care and aim to make this first experience positive and informative for both the child and the parent.

The first dental visit is a significant milestone in a child’s dental health. It’s not just about checking for cavities but also about establishing a foundation for long-term oral health.

Here are some reasons why children’s dental care is essential:

• Preventing tooth decay.
  Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children. Early dental visits allow dentists to identify and prevent tooth decay, ensuring healthier teeth and gums.
• Establishing good oral hygiene habits.
  Early dental care teaches children the importance of regular brushing and flossing. It encourages them to develop a sense of responsibility for their dental health and practise good oral hygiene habits. This helps them have healthy teeth and teaches them how to keep their smile looking beautiful as they grow up.
• Early detection of dental problems.
  Regular dental check-ups from a young age allow for the early detection of oral health issues, such as cavities, misaligned teeth, or bite problems.
• Building a positive relationship with the dentist.
  Starting dental visits as young as possible helps your child become familiar with the dental environment. It is a helpful method for avoiding future dental anxiety.
• Preventing baby bottle tooth decay.
  Early dental visits can help prevent developing baby bottle tooth decay. It is a condition caused by frequent and prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to milk or any liquid containing sugars.
• Improve smile confidence.
  A healthy smile contributes to a child’s confidence. Preventing dental problems helps them achieve a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Early identification of dental issues in children is important for their oral health. Here are some common indicators that your child might be experiencing dental problems:

• Discomfort in chewing or yawning.
  If your child is experiencing painful chewing or yawning, it could be a sign of a dental problem. This behaviour is often seen in infants who are teething, but it can also indicate other dental issues, such as a tooth not emerging properly.
• Head or ear complaints.
  Dental problems in children can sometimes manifest as headaches or earaches. If your child complains of these symptoms without any apparent cause, such as an ear infection, it might be related to their oral health. Conditions like infected teeth, teething, or bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause pain in areas other than just the teeth or gums.
• Bleeding gums.
  While mild gum irritation and bleeding are normal when teeth are coming in, bleeding gums during brushing or eating can be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease, although more common in adults, can also affect children, more likely if they have poor oral hygiene.
• Chronic bad breath.
  Persistent bad breath in children, particularly when it doesn’t improve after brushing, can be a sign of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infections. Sometimes, chronic, unpleasant breath can also point to medical conditions unrelated to dental health, so it’s important to get it checked.
• Behavioural changes.
  If your child is showing changes in behaviour, such as increased fussiness, crying, loss of appetite, or reluctance to engage in activities they usually enjoy, it could be due to dental discomfort. This is particularly relevant if these changes are persistent and cannot be attributed to other causes, like illness or changes in routine.

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to schedule a visit to the dentist. Early detection and treatment of dental conditions can prevent more serious problems and help your child maintain good oral health. At Atwell Smile Dental, we’re here to provide comprehensive dental care for your children.

Generally, it is recommended that children visit the dentist every six to twelve months. Regular dental visits allow the dentist to keep an eye on the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws. This is important for detecting developmental issues and orthodontic needs as soon as they arise.

While a six-month interval is a common recommendation, the specific needs of your child may vary. Some children, specifically those with a higher risk of dental problems, may need more frequent visits. This can include patients with a history of cavities or orthodontic needs. On the other hand, children with consistently good oral health and lower risk factors might not need to visit as often.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, our team of professionals is dedicated to assessing and recommending an appointment schedule that suits the individual needs of your child. You can book your consultation through our online booking system on the website.

Preparing your child for their first dental visit is crucial for a positive experience. Here are some steps to make your child ready and comfortable for their visit to Atwell Smiles Dental:

• Start early discussions.
  Begin by talking to your child about the dentist. Explain what dentists do in simple, positive terms. Let them know that the dentist’s task is to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. This essentially helps young kids to set positive expectations towards the appointment.
• Practice at home.
  You can play ‘dentist’ at home. Have your child practise opening their mouth while you count their teeth. This simple role play can make them feel more comfortable with the idea of someone looking at their teeth.
• Choose a good time.
  Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is usually alert and cooperative. Generally, morning is a good time when scheduling a child’s appointment. Avoid scheduling the appointment during nap times or late afternoons when they might be tired and have meltdowns.
• Read books or watch videos.
  There are many children’s books and videos about going to the dentist. These can be a fun way to introduce your child to dental visits.
• Prepare yourself.
  Prepare and bring all the necessary forms filled out in advance. Additionally, it would be beneficial to compile a list of questions or concerns you may have regarding your child’s oral health. This will allow you to make the most of the consultation and gain valuable insights on how to better care for their teeth and mouth.
• What to expect during the visit.
  Explain to your child that the dentist will look at their teeth and clean them. Reassure them that you’ll be there with them the whole time.

Remember, the goal of the first visit is to make your child comfortable with the dentist. At Atwell Smiles Dental, we strive to make every child’s initial dental experience a positive one.

Here are some methods to keep your child’s teeth and mouth clean and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

• Steps for cleaning an infant’s mouth.
  To clean an infant’s mouth, gently wrap a clean, damp washcloth around your finger. Cradle your baby’s head and softly rub the washcloth over their gums and tongue in circular motions. This method effectively removes milk residue and introduces oral hygiene early on.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
  It’s generally recommended to use a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm or the size of 1 grain of rice of fluoride for children below three years old for the prevention of tooth decay. For children aged 3-6 years, continue using children’s fluoride toothpaste, but increase the amount to a pea-sized blob. It’s important to discuss the use of fluoride toothpaste with your child’s dentist, as excessive use may increase the risk of fluorosis.
• Brushing technique.
  Brush your kid’s teeth (aged six and below) twice daily for about two minutes each time. Do this routinely at night before bed and also once during the day.
• Spit, don’t rinse.
  Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste residue after brushing, but not to rinse their mouth with water. This allows fluoride to remain on the teeth longer, providing better protection against decay.
• Supervision is key.
  Children aged seven and over should be able to brush their own teeth, but it’s still important to supervise them. Guide their hand to facilitate the correct movement and use a mirror to assist them in visualising the area being cleaned by the toothbrush.
• Make it fun.
  Use an egg timer or a fun song to time the 2-minute brushing session. This makes the routine enjoyable and encourages them to brush for the right amount of time.

We highly suggest consulting one of the qualified children’s dentists at our dental clinic to get further information about specific oral hygiene routines suitable for your child.

If your child experiences a toothache, it’s important to address it promptly. Here are steps you can take before going to the dentist:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
  Encourage your child to rinse their mouth with warm salt water. Doing this can help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
• Apply a cold compress.
  Place a cold compress on the outside of your child’s cheek near the aching area. This can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid Certain Foods.
  Keep your child away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods, as these can aggravate the toothache.
• Do not put aspirin on the tooth.
  Never place aspirin directly onto the gums or aching tooth, as this can cause harm to your child’s gum tissue.
• Check for obvious causes:
  Gently examine the mouth to see if there’s anything stuck between their teeth. If you find something, carefully dislodge it with dental floss.
• Schedule a dental appointment.
  If the toothache persists, schedule an appointment with their dentist. They can diagnose the cause of the toothache and provide appropriate dental treatment. Prompt care can prevent the problem from worsening and restore your little one’s dental function.

To prevent your child from having dental cavities, establish a good oral hygiene routine and healthy dietary habits. Here are some key steps to help protect your child’s teeth from cavities:

• Regular brushing and flossing.
  Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. For children under three years, use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste, and for those aged three and above, a pea-sized amount is sufficient. Flossing should also be a part of their daily oral care routine, starting at age two.
• Dental check-ups.
  Schedule regular dental visits for your child every six months. These check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of any dental problems, including cavities.
• Healthy diet.
  Limit their intake of sugary and starchy foods and drinks, as these can contribute to tooth decay. Teach them to have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water.
• Fluoride use.
  If you live in an area without fluoridated water, talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Consider professional preventive care.
  It can be a good investment to opt for preventive dental measures, including topical fluoride application and dental sealants. Both these treatments offer protection against harmful bacteria, acids, or plaque present in the mouth.
• Clean your baby’s mouth before bed.
  If your child uses a bottle, particularly at bedtime, fill it only with water or make sure to clean their mouth before sleeping. Juices and milk contain sugars that can lead to tooth decay if left on the teeth for extended periods.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in your child’s teeth and help them maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Remember, the habits they form now will set the foundation for their oral health in the future.

In the event of a dental emergency, immediate care is vital for oral health, safety, and comfort. Below are guidelines for managing such situations efficiently:

• Assess the situation.
  If your child experienced a dental injury, check for bleeding first and assess the severity of the damage.
• Stop the bleeding.
  In case there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze to stop it. Do this for 20-30 minutes and avoid disturbing the area every few minutes.
• Clean the area.
  Rinse your child’s mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic rinse to reduce bacterial growth. Salt has natural properties that may help reduce inflammation.
• Handle tooth loss carefully.
  If a permanent tooth is knocked out, try to locate it. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently in water, but avoid touching the root. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have your child bite down on gauze or a cloth to keep it in place. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a clean container with milk or your child’s saliva to keep it moist.
• For chipped or cracked teeth.
  If your child chips or cracks a tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to alleviate swelling. If you can find the broken piece of tooth, bring it to the dentist.
• Toothache management.
  Warm salt water is also beneficial for relieving sudden, abrupt toothache. Keep in mind to avoid applying heat or aspirin to the sore area.
• Emergency room.
  Bring your child to the nearest hospital emergency room in case your child’s dentist is unavailable. Immediate treatment is crucial, particularly if their tooth has been knocked out or if there is severe dental pain.

Making dental care enjoyable for your child can transform it from a chore into a fun and engaging activity. Here are some tips to help make dental hygiene fun for your child:

• Brush and floss together.
  Children often learn by example. Show them your brushing technique and make it a family activity. If they are old enough, help them with flossing or use an interdental brush to dislodge debris between their teeth.
• Choose a special toothbrush.
  Let your child pick out their toothbrush, perhaps one with their favourite cartoon character or one in a bright colour. This can make brushing more exciting for them.
• Use fun toothpaste.
  Instead of a standard minty toothpaste, opt for child-friendly flavours or colourful toothpaste. It can make the brushing experience more appealing to your child.
• Incorporate music.
  Use a song as a timer for brushing. Find a cheerful tune that lasts about two minutes, so they brush for the recommended duration. Let your child choose the song to make them feel involved.
• Reward good dental behaviour.
  Positive reinforcement works better when encouraging a certain behaviour. Praise your child for good oral hygiene, or use a reward system like gold stars or points leading to a small prize.
• Make dental check-ups a positive experience.
  Try to associate dental visits with something enjoyable, like a trip to the park afterwards. Allowing your child to bring a comfort item or a favourite book to the dentist can also help.
• Interactive dental lessons.
  Teach your child about dental health with fun activities, like making a colourful chart showing healthy teeth and the effects of bacteria.