Regular dental visits are important for people of all ages, but especially for children and teenagers whose teeth and jaws are still developing. Seeing a children’s dentist twice a year or more frequently is part of preventive care and can help kids avoid tooth decay, gum disease and corrective treatments.
If it’s been longer than 6 months since your child last visited the dental clinic, book a check-up with our Brisbane dentists today.
Why are regular check-ups important?
Oral health problems like tooth decay can develop rapidly. Seeing a dentist regularly improves the chance of problems being caught at an early stage, when they are usually easier to treat. This could help your child to avoid the need for fillings and other corrective treatments. Regular assessments can also address orthodontic issues before they become more serious.
When children visit the dentist regularly from an early age, they can become more comfortable in the surroundings and may be less likely to avoid appointments or experience dental anxiety in the future, setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
When should a child first visit the dentist?
It’s recommended that children see a dentist by the time of their first birthday, or within 6 months of growing their first tooth. Their dentist will monitor the development of their teeth and discuss any developmental concerns and treatment options that may be needed.
After their first visit, most children should see a dentist around twice a year for a regular check-up, though your dentist may suggest more regular visits if they need to improve their oral health or if they are having an ongoing treatment.
Warning signs that your child needs a dentist
Children sometimes need to a see a dentist outside of their regular visiting schedule. You should contact their dental clinic to make an appointment if:
- They have a toothache or other sharp or persistent pain
- Their teeth feel more sensitive to temperature
- Their teeth or gums are discoloured
- Their teeth look misaligned or too widely spaced
- They have difficulty chewing or are avoiding certain foods
- They have swollen or bleeding gums
- They have bad breath that doesn’t go away
Seeing a dentist for these early warning signs could mean you catch problems before they become more serious. Children may also need to see a dentist for other reasons, such as having a mouthguard fitted.
Do kids visit the dentist free?
Many families in Australia are eligible for free check-ups and general dental care for kids through the government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
See a family dentist in Everton Park or Mitchelton
Is your child due for a check-up, or do they need to see a dentist for any other reason? Contact our friendly team at Swish Dental to schedule an appointment at one of our local Brisbane clinics. Call us in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or in Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341. You can also book online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.