The team at Lara Smile Group love seeing our younger patients and getting them excited about dentistry and caring for their oral health. We are so passionate about this that our team go out into the local community to talk and interact with kids about the importance of caring for their teeth.

Children’s dentistry is really important for so many reasons. Your child’s first teeth need to be carefully protected and this is the main reason why it is never too early for them to experience coming to the dentist.  Usually children will be ready for their first check up between 2 and 3 years of age but bringing kids in for your appointment or even the appointments of older siblings will help familiarise them with the dental environment.  This will help them be more relaxed when it is their turn and they are less likely to grow up with anxiety about going to the dentist.  Another added benefit of getting started early is that we are able to identify and possibly resolve problems that might otherwise not be recognised until later years making them more costly to treat.

We offer treatment to children of all ages, including routine examinations and cleans, fissure sealants, restorations, mouth guards, children and teenage orthodontics, dental x-rays and if you feel your child may need extra comfort or relaxation during their appointment, happy gas is available.  Also, we are happy to discuss and offer any assistance with your child’s individual needs.

ROUTINE EXAMINATIONS AND CLEANS

For children’s dentistry it is recommended that children have their teeth checked at least every 6 months. This preventive approach assists in them developing dental confidence and in being able to diagnose and treat potential problems as quickly and as inexpensively as possible.

FISSURE SEALANTS

Protect the pits and grooves found on the chewing surface of kids molar teeth.  Sealing the teeth with a thin plastic coating helps to prevent plaque from getting trapped deep in the grooves, this helps to prevent decay from forming.

RESTORATIONS

A restoration may be required if decay has formed to create a cavity in a tooth.  What causes decay?  When foods with sugar are eaten, bacteria in the mouth make acids that dissolve teeth to form holes.  Try to minimise kids drinking and eating foods that contain sugar.

MOUTH GUARDS

Athletes of all ages participating in a sport that carries a risk of a damaging knock to the face or head (while playing and/or training) should wear a mouth guard.  Such sports may include football, rugby, cricket, basketball, hockey and water sports.  A custom made mouthguard is specially fabricated to your child’s teeth and will assist in cushioning a blow to the face that otherwise might result in an injury to the mouth or jaw.

ORTHODONTICS

Dr Charlie Kahwagi has been providing orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages for over 20 years.  Seeing children from an early age will mean that our skilled practitioners can assess your child’s orthodontic needs as they grow.  This will allow, where possible, treatment to begin at a younger age, thus preventing extensive treatment in their teenage years.

FAQs

At what age should a child first start going to the dentist?

It is recommended by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) that children have their first dental appointment by the age of one or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. The importance of these early visits cannot be overstated as they allow professional and expert assessment of a child’s oral health, detect any potential dental issues, provide advice on proper oral hygiene and nutrition, and create a positive and comfortable experience for the child for future dental visits.

Parents play a critical role in promoting good oral health habits in their children by brushing their teeth until they are old enough to do so themselves, encouraging healthy eating habits, and scheduling regular thorough dental examinations. It is important for parents to resist the temptation to giving children sugary and acidic drinks and snacks, as they contribute to tooth decay and poor oral health. By working together with the dentist or Oral health therapist and following the appropriate recommendations, parents can ensure that their children have a good start to helping them maintain good oral health throughout their lives.

Common dental problems in children include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, mis-alignment of teeth and jaws, and dental trauma from accidents or sporting injuries. Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene practices can help prevent most of these issues, and prompt dental care should be sought if any problems are noticed.

At your child’s first dental appointment, the dentist or Oral health therapist will perform the following:

  • Perform a thorough dental exam: The dentist or Oral Health Therapist will examine your child’s teeth and gums to check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental and oral health problems.  Early detection is crucial to positive long-term outcomes especially the health of the developing second teeth
  • Clean your child’s teeth: The dentist or Oral health Therapist will typically clean your child’s teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.

Discuss the application of fluoride to the teeth to help strengthen your child’s teeth and protect them from tooth decay.