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Children’s Dentistry in Adelaide

Developing your child’s healthy oral hygiene habits and nurturing a positive relationship with our staff through regular dental visits is very important for your child’s long-term dental health.
Children dentistry friendly

Children’s Dentistry

Children’s dentistry is about making the experience of going to the dentist as stress-free as possible for the child.

This approach emphasises comfort, safety, and positive experiences to promote a lifetime of oral health habits.

With kid-friendly techniques and equipment, dentists strive to limit anxiety and discomfort at visits.

Key Features of Children’s Dentistry

  1. Child-friendly dental clinics use bright colours, fun decorations, and play areas to create a welcoming atmosphere that reduces fear.
  2. Dentists use the “tell-show-do” technique to explain procedures simply before starting. This helps children understand what will happen, reducing their fear.
  3. Modern technology offers minimally invasive treatments that lessen pain and speed up recovery. 
  4. Parents should actively participate in their child’s dental care, discussing treatment plans and attending procedures. This involvement helps reassure the child and builds trust with the dentist.

Why Gentle Dentistry Matters

Gentle dentistry is crucial because it confronts what many children view as obstacles to the dentist, like fear and anxiety.

Instilling a positive dental practice early on prevents oral health problems later on and can contribute to overall health and well-being.

  • Creating a trusting relationship between the dentist and the child ensures smoother future visits.
  • Emphasising prevention over treatment helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
  • Early positive experiences can lead to lifelong healthy dental habits.

At Alpha Dental & Implant Centre, our clinic focuses particularly on the health and development of our children’s patients to help them achieve long-term health and comfort.

We assess:

  • Dental Concerns – Identifying issues with your child’s teeth early on is critical to minimising the need for future invasive dental procedures
  • Airways, Breathing, and Sleep Issues—Sleep issues due to difficulty breathing are a serious problem that many children suffer from. This can lead to changes in the child’s behaviour, including shortened attention spans, hyperactivity, and erratic moods.

There is evidence linking poor breathing and sleep to impaired school performance, early predisposition for vascular disease, and many other systemic problems. If diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, many of these issues can be avoided or minimised, ultimately allowing your child to lead a healthy and happy life.

  • Orthodontic and Facial Growth—Early identification of orthodontic and growth issues allows for prompt and swift treatment of our younger patients. Ultimately, early diagnosis minimises the need for removing adult teeth for orthodontic purposes, allows us to address many airway problems, and helps us minimise/avoid jaw joint issues (TMJ clicking/locking).
  • Oral Hygiene Habits—Our hygienists spend time getting to know you and your child to better understand how their lives impact the health of their mouths. They will discuss diet and brushing techniques to establish early healthy habits.

Fun Fact:

Generally foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acid are harmful to tooth enamel. Acidic foods and drinks (soft drinks, citric juices, sports drinks) can cause tooth erosion while high sugar content is more likely to contribute to tooth decay (cavities).

Contact us

Get in touch with us today at (08) 8269 3311 to book an appointment or learn more about our children’s dentistry services—we’re here to support your child’s healthy smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my child has a dental emergency?

Contact your dentist immediately if your child has a dental emergency, like a knocked-out tooth or severe toothache. They can offer advice and refer you to urgent care if necessary.

What age should my child first visit a dentist in Adelaide?

Your child should see a dentist by their third birthday or should they have any issues or concerns prior. Early visits help establish a dental home and allow for preventive care.

How should I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

To prepare your child, explain what will happen in plain English. Use positive language, and read a book about going to the dentist. Role-playing can also help ease their worrying.

How often should my child see the dentist?

Children should have dental checkups every six months. These checkups catch problems early and encourage good oral care habits.

How can I encourage good oral hygiene habits in my child?

Encourage your child to brush twice a day and floss each day. Use colourful toothbrushes and reward them for good habits to make it fun. Lead by example to instill these practices.