Childrens Dentistry – South Lake Smiles

Fun & Painless Children's Dentist in South Lake

Sometimes parents have a lot of questions and get confused about the best way to take care of their child’s teeth.

Dental problems such as tooth decay and dental emergencies are common among children as their teeth become vulnerable due to the high content of sugar in the foods they eat and, in some cases, during playtime.

Such problems could lead to problems without prevention and early treatment.

We understand the importance of dental health and want you to feel confident in making this decision for your family. We realize how hard it is to take your child to their first dental appointment. We also recognize that this is likely to be an unpleasant experience for both you and them.

At South Lake Smiles, our priority is a smooth dental experience for your child. We have a friendly dental team that focuses on providing dental care to children. We offer affordable regular checkups, professional cleaning, fluoride and cavity treatment, and children’s orthodontics.

Our Dental Services For Your Child

First Dental Visits

You can take your child at an earlier age, but the dentist recommends that you do it within six months of the first tooth developing, or by around 12 months.

During your child’s first dental visit, it’s important to make them feel comfortable. We advise you to set their expectations prior to the appointment. Such as talking about a friendly dentist and how the dentist will help them have healthy teeth.

The appointment will be short, so your child will remain at ease. Depending on their level of comfort , your kid may sit directly in the dental chair or in your lap. The dentist will examine their jaw, teeth, and gums to ensure proper development and look for cavities or other oral problems. The dentist will clean the child’s teeth and advise the parent about proper brushing and gum care. You can also prepare questions so you can ask the dentist.

Fissure Sealants

The chewing surfaces of molar teeth are particularly susceptible to decay due to their deep, narrow grooves (fissures) and holes. Food and plaque accumulate in these grooves, which are difficult to reach with toothbrush bristles.

Fissure sealants are a non-invasive, painless method of protecting your child’s teeth against decay. It is a plastic coating that protects the chewing surfaces of the adult back teeth. The sealant creates a tough barrier that prevents food and bacteria from entering the small spaces or grooves of the teeth.

Not all children require fissure sealants. We evaluate each child based on their age, the anticipated tooth loss, their history of decay, and other health and dental factors.

Medicare Bulk Billing

The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is a bulk billing program that covers basic dental services for children ages 2-17 and is worth up to $1000 over two consecutive calendar years.

South Lake Smiles is a registered dental office with the program and is therefore eligible to bill for bulk-billed child dental services.

Your initial session would be primarily administrative in nature, with the goal of determining your eligibility and contacting Medicare to determine your benefit status.

A child is eligible for this program if they are between the ages of 2 and 17 years old, if they are eligible for Medicare, and if you or they receive an eligible payment at least once during the year you plan to receive CDBS. Once eligibility is confirmed, you can get further information about benefits.

Take the first steps toward your perfect smile today!

Or Call Us : (08) 6495 4004

Why Choose South Lake Smiles as Your Child’s Dentist Procedures in Western Australia?

Do you need a dentist who has experience with children’s dental care?

South Lake Smiles is the right place for your child’s first appointment and other dental services. Rest assured that your child’s wellness and oral health are our top priorities. We’re here to encourage them to practice good oral hygiene and inform parents about the best way to help them too.

Our dental clinic provides high-quality dental care for your family, affordable financing options, and benefits programs including the Child’s Dental Benefits Schedule.

Also, our dentists have experience dealing with children and helping them feel at ease during their visit. This is done by making sure to establish a good rapport with them and gain their trust.

Book your child’s dental checkup with us! Please contact (08) 6495 4004.

frequently asked questions about childrens dentistry

The benefits of having a dentist for your child

Many people believe that because children have baby teeth, they do not need dental care. This is actually a false assumption! In fact, children should begin caring for their teeth as soon as they begin teething. If baby teeth and gums are ignored and develop decay, this can cause damage to the developing adult teeth behind the gum.

Correct oral hygiene

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The dentist can teach your child (if they’re five to six years old and up) the best way to brush their teeth. They can also provide the best and safest at-home techniques to promote healthy teeth. It includes teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques and recommending products that are safe.

It prevents poor oral habits

Habits like thumb sucking and teeth grinding are common among children (and some adults too!) and can contribute to developing dental problems later in life. Dentists are aware of these tendencies and can provide preventive care for your child. They can determine effective strategies to prevent such poor habits.

Proactive oral care

Your dentist’s experience allows them to detect early oral problems such as tooth decay and cavities. They can provide your child with a preventative plan, which means minimising problems in the future!

Monitors tooth and gums development

If your child attends regular dental check-ups, they will not only receive a thorough cleaning and examination, but their dentist can monitor the changes and developments of their teeth as they grow up.

When should your child first visit the dentist?

According to the Australian Dental Association, your child’s first dental appointment should be after their first tooth appears or when they reach twelve months old. The reason is the risk of cavities as soon as their teeth develop. Being cautious about your child’s dental health can help them maintain a healthy smile and a better quality of life.

What to expect during the first dental visit?

Parents play an essential role in ensuring that visits to the dentist are happy and enjoyable. It is important to use positive and child-friendly language when discussing the dentist, such as “visiting the tooth fairy’s friend.”

You can expect the dentist to check your child’s teeth, gums, and other soft tissues in their mouth. Your dentist will also review your child’s medical history as well as aspects like overall health and development. Your dentist may discuss:

Brushing
techniques
Teething
Bite
Risk of decay
Oral habits
Preventive plan for oral problems and trauma to your child’s mouth.
Dietary nutrition

The benefits of Fissure Sealants

Fluoride in water and toothpaste is not easily absorbed into deep grooves or pits. Even the bristles of a toothbrush may not be able to reach that far. So, dentists often recommend sealants for children. Fissure sealants are an effective treatment to prevent cavities in both primary and adult teeth. According to the studies, it is recommended to use fissure sealants in combination with other preventive strategies in patients who are at high risk of caries.

The benefits of Medicare Bulk Billing

When your dentist bills Medicare directly and takes the Medicare benefit as complete payment for your treatment, this is known as “bulk billing.”

Medicare has a program called the Child Dental Benefits Scheme that offers assistance for children’s basic dental care. The coverage is worth up to $1000 over two consecutive calendar years.

The following procedures are included in the CDBS coverage:

Routine dental checkups
Cleaning
Fissure sealing
Dental fillings
Root canal therapy
Tooth extractions