Family Dentistry
Regular oral health reviews for the whole family, including children, are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, preventing dental problems, and establishing good oral health habits that last a lifetime.
By prioritising family dentistry and early dental visits at our family dental practice, parents can ensure their children’s oral health journey starts on the right path and paves the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Why is dentistry for all the family and early dental visits for children important?
- Prevention and early detection: Regular dental check-ups allow us to identify and address oral health issues at their early stages. This includes detecting tooth decay, gum disease, malocclusion (crooked teeth or misalignment of teeth), and other potential problems. By identifying these issues early on, preventive measures can be taken to avoid more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
- Establishing a dental home: Our family dental centre provides a comfortable and familiar environment for everyone in the family, including children. By establishing a dental home early on, children become accustomed to dental visits, which helps reduce dental anxiety and fear as they grow older. A familiar dental setting also promotes trust and builds a long-term relationship between healthcare professionals and the child.
- Education and oral hygiene guidance: Family dentistry emphasises patient education, especially for children. Dentists educate both children and parents on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing techniques, flossing, and the importance of a balanced diet. These educational sessions lay the foundation for good oral health habits that children can carry into adulthood.
- Monitoring oral development: Regular dental visits allow the dentist to monitor the oral development of children. This includes tracking the eruption of primary (baby) teeth and the transition to permanent teeth. Dentists can identify any abnormalities or potential issues early on, such as crowded teeth, improper bite alignment, or the need for orthodontic intervention.
- Preventing dental anxiety and fear: Starting dental visits at a young age helps familiarise children with the dental environment and procedures. Regular check-ups with a friendly and gentle dentist can help alleviate dental anxiety and fear. Positive experiences during childhood dental visits can significantly impact a child's perception of dental care, leading to better oral health habits and reduced dental phobia in the future.
- Preventing early childhood caries (ECC): Early dental visits are crucial for preventing Early Childhood Caries, also known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. We can educate parents on proper bottle-feeding techniques, oral hygiene for infants, and the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to sugary liquids in bottles or sippy cups. Early intervention and preventive measures can help preserve the health of primary teeth and promote proper oral development.
- Customised care for all family members: Our family dental care caters to the unique needs of every family member, from children to adults and seniors. Dentists are equipped to address age-specific concerns, offer specialised treatments, and provide personalised care based on individual oral health requirements.
FAMILY DENTAL CARE FAQS
We recommend that children have their first dental check-up by the age of one or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits help in detecting potential issues and allow your child to become comfortable with dental visits.
It’s generally recommended that everyone in your family visits the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, your dentist may suggest a different frequency based on individual needs.
We provide a range of services for children, including routine check-ups, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, orthodontic assessments, and advice on good oral hygiene practices. Whatever dental treatment they might need, our team is experienced in making dental visits fun and stress-free for kids.
We suggest starting dental visits at an early age to help your child become familiar with the environment. At our practice, we focus on making each visit a positive experience through friendly interaction and gentle care, whether you speak with a dental nurse or our receptionist – you’ll always receive the best quality dental care. You can also prepare your child by reading books about dental visits or watching educational videos together.
At our family dental care practice, we understand that dental anxiety is common, especially among children. So, our family dental care practice is equipped with a calm and welcoming environment, and our team is trained to use gentle techniques to ease anxiety. We also offer sedation options if needed to ensure a comfortable experience.
In case of a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or injury to the mouth, contact us immediately. We will provide urgent care instructions and arrange an emergency appointment if necessary.