Faq’s.
WHAT IS A PAEDIATRIC DENTIST?
Paediatric dentists are specialists who are trained and qualified to provide comprehensive dental care for children from infancy through adulthood. The specialty is one of 11 recognised specialties of the Australian Dental Association and other international associations. Dr Diane Tay has completed clinical doctorates in paediatric dentistry, which involve an additional 3 years of full-time training in some of the leading children’s and dental hospitals in Sydney.
As Paediatric Dentists we commonly look after patients with the following needs:
- Children with complex treatment needs or extensive decay
- Children with medical and genetic conditions
- Management of dental injuries to both primary and permanent teeth
- Management of children with dental conditions such as missing teeth, extra teeth, enamel defects and abnormal eruption of teeth
- Children with anxiety or behavioural issues
- Very young children
WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST?
Australian and international paediatric dental associations recommend that a child should have their first dental check-up no later than 12 months of age, or within 6 months of teething. The one year-old check-up allows us to assess your child’s dental growth and development, and his or her risk of developing decay. At this visit, our specialists will assess your child’s medical and dental history, perform a dental check-up appropriate for your child and formulate a home care regimen.
We tailor our advice to you and your child, by providing helpful tips on matters such as teething, tooth cleaning and healthy feeding habits. Early establishment of healthy habits promote optimal oral health for life. Follow-up dental visits at time intervals suitable for your child’s needs will help build your child’s confidence in the dental setting.
WHY FILL BABY TEETH WHEN THEY FALL OUT ANYWAY?
While it is true that baby teeth do eventually come out, it is also true that they are important to a child in the meantime.
Primary or baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth to grow in. If one is lost, the others can shift into the empty space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting. This often means a crooked smile in a child’s future. In addition, a decayed tooth can become abscessed and cause discomfort for a child. Tooth decay causes significant pain, loss of school days and may lead to infections and even death. 2 Left untreated, dental caries can result in a broad range of functional impairments that have far-reaching implications for growth, development, school performance, and peer relationships.
