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June 25, 2024Children’s Dentistry
Bringing up a child is a delicate process. So is managing a child’s dental needs. It requires a wide range of strategies and unique approaches to address the different dental needs of young patients that will arise during different stages of their developmental years. Children’s dentistry in Oasis Dental focuses on dental care and treatment from infancy through adolescence.
There are many key focuses in children dentistry: preventive care, diagnostic services, restorative treatments, orthodontics, behaviour management, education and guidance, special needs dentistry. Paying close attention to the needs of our children will ensure optimal dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my child’s first visit to the dentist?
As parents ourselves, we have a soft spot for children. We aim to create a calm and fun environment to ensure that our young patients feel safe to be on our dental chair.
During their first visit, we will introduce them to the dental setting through storytelling and imaginative play. We will also desensitise them to the dental tools through tell, show and do technique. We will include parents so that our precious young ones feel secure throughout the session. If our young patient does not allow us to proceed with dental treatment during the first visit, we will not force it upon the child to avoid creating stress and trauma in the child.
What age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?
It is a big misconception that parents should only bring their child to the dentist only when there is a problem (the most common complaint being dental pain). Usually when a child is brought into the dental practice when there is pain, it would require more complex treatment which can bring stress and trauma onto a young child.
Many national health organisations now recommend bringing your child for their first visit when their first tooth erupts (usually around 6 months of age) or by the age of one years old. This will allow the dentist and team to build a connection with your child in a non-urgent or invasive manner, hence, allowing good dental experience.
What options do I have if my child is unable to co-operate on the dental chair?
It depends on the extent of the unco-operativeness of your child. If we are able to guide your child to cooperate, we will try to establish trust with the child first and then defer any dental treatments to another visit. The aim is to build a pattern of attending regular dental appointments from a young age. Hopefully, over time the child will become more confident.
However, there are some instances where the child cannot cooperate at all. This is where we would recommend dental clearance of any dental problems under general anaesthesia. Our specialist has special visiting and operating rights to manage your child in the hospital setting. You can read more here.
Why is dental treatment or visit important when my child’s baby tooth is going to shed anyway?
Forming habits and creating good experiences during the formative years of every child is important. This applies also to oral hygiene habits. Starting them young can ensure that the importance of oral health is experienced personally. This will stand them in good stead when they grow up.
