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Baby teeth , a tiny treasure trove
with Round Corner Dental
Those adorable little pearly whites are more than just cute smiles ! Baby teeth , also known as primary teeth , play a vital role in your child ’ s development .
Here ’ s a quick guide for parents :
Teething time . Expect the first tooth around six months , though it can range from four to twelve months . Teething discomfort is common – look for signs like drooling , fussiness , red cheeks and gumrubbing .
Tooth fairy time . By age two , most children have all 20 baby teeth . These teeth function as placeholders for permanent teeth , guiding them into the proper position . Baby teeth are generally lost between the ages of six and twelve . This can be an exciting time for children , as they may get a visit from the tooth fairy !
Brushing basics . Dental hygiene should start as soon as teeth appear . Gently clean your baby ’ s gums with a damp cloth in the bath . Once your baby is two years old and have all their baby teeth , use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a smear of low-fluoride infant toothpaste . Children ’ s toothpaste can be used from six years old .
Dental visits . We recommend bringing your child along to watch you have a check-up before their first dental visit , so they may become familiar with what goes on at the dentist . A good time for a child ’ s first dental visit is at about age four .
Even though they are eventually lost , baby teeth set the foundations for a healthy smile and are just as important as their adult successors .
With proper care , you can help your child avoid cavities and ensure a smooth transition to permanent teeth .
Dentists urge regular checkups
Dentists are encouraging parents to book regular dental check-ups for their families amidst research suggesting potentially preventable hospitalisation rates for young children due to dental conditions are surging at around 29 per cent above target levels .
The 2024 Oral Health Tracker Report from the Australian Dental Association , suggests that almost 11 in every 1,000 Aussie children aged 5-9 were admitted for preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions , placing pressure on the public hospital system at a time when many emergency rooms are overburdened . Tooth decay is a major contributor to serious oral health issues with more than 27 per cent of children aged 5 -10 experiencing untreated tooth decay in their baby teeth .
Dr Mark Dohlad , Bupa Dental ’ s Principal Dental Officer , said many of these hospitalisations may have been avoided if the children had received regular dental check-ups and treatment from an early age .
“ Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease amongst children , which if left untreated , can lead to serious infections , ongoing pain and unfortunately a visit to the hospital that may have been avoided with good oral hygiene , healthy eating habits and regular visits to the dentist ,” Dr Dohlad said .
“ Dentists can help identify and treat dental problems before they become
severe and require hospital admission . They can also provide education and advice on how to maintain good oral health and prevent future problems . By taking children to the dentist regularly , you aren ’ t only protecting their teeth and gums , but also helping to reduce the demand for hospital services , which are already under strain .”
With many Australians tightening household budgets in the current cost-ofliving environment , initiatives are available to help families get their oral health back on track .
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule ( CDBS ), a government-funded program that provides up to $ 1,095 for basic dental services for eligible children aged 2-17 over two calendar years to access basic dental services such as examinations , x-rays , cleaning , fillings and extractions .
To find out more about what you are entitled to visit https :// www . servicesaustralia . gov . au / child-dentalbenefits-schedule
22 ISSUE 109 // JULY 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT