The benefits of regular dental checkups for children are reflected in their overall health and quality of life. Parents should not wait until their children develop teeth problems to book an appointment with a dentist in Maroubra. Paediatric dental care should start as soon as the first teeth appear and progress periodically or as scheduled by a dentist.
When Should Children Go for Dental Checkups?
Paediatric dental checkups can be routine or on particular schedules as follows:
Routine Checkups
Dentists recommend two routine dental checkups for children, six months apart. The first visit should take place by the child's first birthday. If not, it should be within six months after the sprouting of the first tooth.
Due to Orthodontic Treatment
During orthodontic treatment, such as the placement of dental braces, the dentist schedules appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to tighten the braces. The treatment takes between five months and two years to complete, depending on the severity of the problem.
The first phase of orthodontics for children starts at nine years, and the second phase is around 11 years. The treatment works best before the teen years when the jaw stops growing. Related problems, such as dental injury from accidents, crooked teeth from thumb sucking, and teeth grinding, occur in children and require frequent attention.
To Monitor New Permanent Teeth
When the primary teeth start falling out at around five years, the dentist follows up the sprouting permanent teeth to ensure they align correctly. The dentists perform periodic X-rays to rule out misalignment of teeth, such as overcrowding. They also check for cavities and staining.
Due to Symptoms of Dental Problems
Bad breath, toothache, cavities, and bleeding gums require medical checkups. The dentist treats the teeth and schedules subsequent follow-up appointments within days. Procedures performed in phases, such as root canals and treatment of oral infections, require frequent checkups.
How to have Rewarding Dental Checkups for Children
The following tips make these checkups stress-free and beneficial for the patient and caregiver:
1. Book an Appointment
Most clinics prefer booking appointments except when the dentist requests appointments or there is an emergency. The clinic staff or the patient management system contacts parents to remind them of impending appointments.
2. Inform the Child of the Appointment
Let the child know of the appointment in advance to be psychologically prepared. Answer the child's questions concerning dental procedures and reassure them to alleviate anxiety.
3. Take the Child to your Dental Appointments
Letting the child accompany you or others on your dental appointments allows the child to be familiarised with the clinic environment and the staff. Encourage the child to embrace dental checkups as important aspects of a person's well-being.
4. Remain with the Child During the Appointment
Parents should stay with children during the visit to give them support. It gives parents a chance to check the conduct and attitude of staff to ensure the child is not mishandled. Oral health professionals are trained to handle children gently and patiently and give them adequate attention.
Parents also receive education on oral health alongside their children and later supervise them to ensure they adhere.
5. Confirm the Dental Fee Payment Schedule
Fortunately, the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule allows eligible children dental coverage of about $1000 from birth up to 17 years. If the child does not qualify for dental services coverage, it is wise to have a plan to settle the medical expenses.
Conclusion
Regular dental checkups remove the fear of dentists and medical procedures in children. The visits allow oral health practitioners to identify and treat paediatric dental problems before they get out of hand. Viewing the appointments positively boosts their importance to a child's oral health. Such visits remain the highway to a beautiful smile and healthy teeth.
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