
The Difference Paediatric Dentistry Makes
Our mission is to give children a positive start with gentle, kid-friendly paediatric dental care. We focus on building a trusting relationship between our dental team and each young patient, encouraging them to feel comfortable and confident about their oral health. By fostering positive experiences early on, we help children develop healthy habits that set the stage for a lifetime of dental care they can look forward to.
Paediatric dental care achieves this from the very first visit, with child-friendly cleanings tailored to ease them into routine dental care. We’re here to support your child at every milestone, from discovering their first teeth to losing baby teeth and welcoming adult teeth. We also guide them through common experiences like getting a filling (which isn’t as scary as they might think!) or considering orthodontics as they grow into young adults.
Why is children’s dental care so important?
Many wonder why children’s dental care is essential when primary teeth eventually fall out. However, most children have their baby teeth by age 3, and these teeth begin to shed around age 6—with all permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) appearing by early teens. The loss and replacement of primary teeth occur during formative years, making early dental health crucial for long-term outcomes.
Poor dental health hurts
Children are just as vulnerable as adults to tooth decay, sensitivity, infections, and gum disease. Without a proper frame of reference, they might normalise pain, yet they still experience discomfort. If you notice your child avoiding hot, cold, or chewy foods, or constantly chewing on one side, they could be coping with dental pain or sensitivity.
Baby teeth set the stage for adult teeth
As a baby tooth loosens and falls out, its root is reabsorbed, leaving behind a space that guides the eruption of permanent teeth. Premature extraction of a baby tooth can lead to issues like crowding or crooked alignment of adult teeth. Maintaining healthy baby teeth, along with supportive tissue and gums, lays the best foundation for permanent teeth.
The cornerstone of confidence
A complete set of healthy teeth is vital for children as they learn to speak and smile. Dental complications, pain, or sensitivity can affect their ability to express themselves and interact socially, impacting their confidence and self-esteem from an early age.
Good eating habits for growing bodies
A varied diet is important for children’s growth, yet dental discomfort may cause them to avoid crunchy, chewy, or textured foods. This can lead to habits like favouring one side of the mouth, improper chewing, or even reduced food intake, all of which can affect overall nutrition and development.
Your child’s first appointment
For patients of all ages, our ultimate goal is your health, comfort, and satisfaction. In paediatric dentistry, we recognise the unique challenges our youngest patients face when they sit in the chair. We closely monitor children-specific oral health markers and milestones, communicating in a friendly, approachable manner to ensure your child feels safe and engaged.
Show and Tell
Some children are curious explorers with a million questions, while others may feel shy or anxious about new experiences. We strive to make every child feel secure and positive about visiting the dentist. At the start of each appointment, we invite your child to share their thoughts and concerns, explain our plans in kid-friendly terms, and answer any questions they have.
Gentle Examination
We conduct a gentle, comprehensive examination with a focus on children-specific oral health indicators. Our review includes checking your child’s gums, tongue, teeth, and overall oral health. We also track the progress of both their primary and emerging adult teeth, identifying any areas that may need extra care at home or during future visits.
Keeping you in the loop
After the exam, we provide tailored advice for both the young patient and their parent or guardian. We share extra tips for brushing those hard-to-reach spots and inform you of any problem areas to monitor between appointments. Together, we form a great team dedicated to your child’s ongoing oral health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paediatric dentists specialise in dental care for children from infancy through their teenage years. They are uniquely trained to manage the wide range of changes that occur in a child’s mouth as it develops into an adult smile.
Children typically begin cutting their first teeth around six months of age. It is recommended that a child visits the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth’s appearance. If you notice any signs of discomfort or pain, please schedule an appointment right away—it’s never too late for a child’s first dental visit.
A paediatric dentist focuses on the dental health of individuals who have not yet reached the age of majority. Generally, they care for patients from six months old up to 18 years of age.
The general recommendation for dental visits is similar for both children and adults—typically every six months unless advised otherwise by your dentist. Depending on individual needs and circumstances, some families may opt for appointments every three or eight months. However, you should not wait more than a year between visits. If your child experiences any discomfort or pain, please book an appointment as soon as possible.