AS A father of six, Sunrise Dental principal dentist Dr Tom Wilkinson knows the importance of children’s oral health.
Sunrise Dental is a keen promoter of good dental health and prevention for children, and realise it is essential to develop good oral hygiene, reduce sugar intake and use fluoride for happy, healthy teeth.
The team at Sunrise Dental recommend starting dental visits early and attending regularly rather than waiting for a painful and costly problem to occur.
The Australian Dental Association recommends visits should start from 12 months of age or shortly after the eruption of first baby teeth.
Children who have regular check-ups and are comfortable with visiting the dentist tend to have fewer dental problems and are less likely to be afraid of dental treatments.
Some children may feel anxious or frightened about visiting the dentist, but it may be helpful if your child sits on your lap during the check-up, instead of in the dental chair.
To prepare them for their first visit to the dentist, it is a good idea to bring them along to your own dental check-up, so they can watch what happens and get used to the surgery environment, the smells and the sounds.
If they can see you being calm during an examination, it will reassure them.
Sunrise Dental welcomes children to be treated and bulk-billed through Medicare under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
The scheme is for eligible children aged 2-17 years and provides up to $1000 (to be used over a two-year period) in benefits for basic dental services.
To be eligible, a child must be turning 2-17 years and receive a relevant government payment such as Family Tax Benefit Part A.
This government initiative is a great foundation to introduce the importance of good dental health to children.
Call Sunrise Dental on 5455 4511 with your Medicare number and they can confirm your eligibility on the spot.
