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Unlike sharks, our adult teeth can’t grow back once they’re gone, so it’s important to start building good oral hygiene habits to ensure the longevity of our teeth.
In Australia, dental care for children is often overlooked as tooth decay in baby teeth is an extremely common problem. At Pain Free Dental Clinic, we are committed to helping all patients throughout the Southern Highlands community with all their dental needs.
Did you know that you should visit the dentist every 6 months? Regular dental visits can help detect problems early, which can prevent unnecessary pain and treatments. When you combine these visits with excellent hygiene practices, it will ensure your teeth remain in great condition.
If you’re starting to teach your children how to clean their teeth, a good general rule to follow is the 2x2x2 rule. This includes two major daily activities, brushing and flossing, done twice a day for two minutes each. When you also include two visits to the dentist per year, your children’s teeth will grow under excellent conditions.
It’s important to look after your child’s teeth from the moment they start teething. Most babies will begin teething around 3 months old, with their first teeth appearing around 6 to 9 months of age. Baby teeth should be cleaned with a soft cloth or brushed with a soft toothbrush and water. Regular dental check-ups from a young age will also ensure teeth are growing in properly and prevent the need for fillings and extractions.
You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Brushing will help to remove food debris, which will prevent plaque build up. Plaque is a bacteria that coats the teeth when there is poor hygiene maintenance. Excessive plaque will cause the teeth to turn brown, cause cavities and tooth decay. Sugary and starchy foods should be kept to a minimum as they can cling onto the teeth.
Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. For young children, your dentist will recommend the most appropriate toothpaste and toothbrush types.
Flossing is often overlooked, and many parents don’t add it to their children’s dental regime. Whilst daily brushing is great, plaque can still find many areas to hide. Around 40% of plaque resides in areas of the teeth that can only be removed by flossing.
Use around 30 to 45cm of floss to stroke each tooth from up to down around 8 times. The floss can remove plaque close to the gum line, which can help prevent gum disease and bad breath. Combining good brushing and flossing techniques is key to ensure a comprehensive teeth cleaning procedure.
In NSW, some children under 18 years of age are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which provides up to $1000 in dental service benefits over two calendar years. You won’t need to register your child as the process is automatically handled by Medicare.
To be eligible for the benefit, your child must be aged between 2 and 17, and you currently receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment. The team from Pain Free Dental Clinic can assist you with further information. Give us a call today to see if your child is eligible.
02 4868 1933