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Kids Dentistry

Kids Dentistry

At Smile Hawthorn, we want children to have a positive and fun experience at the dentist.

We aim to provide kids and parents with tools they can use at home to help keep their teeth healthy and bright.

We hope that through this process, kids develop great dental care habits that they can pass on to future generations and reduce their dental burden.

Kids dentist Hawthorn

When do teeth come through?

Deciduous (Baby) Teeth

Infants are born with almost all their baby teeth formed. The average age for baby teeth to start to come through is about 6 months. It is recommended that a child's first dental visit should be soon after their first teeth erupt.

Children generally have all their baby teeth by the age of 2.

Baby Teeth eruption chart

Permanent (Adult) Teeth

Adult teeth start erupting in a child's mouth at around the age of 6, usually the 1st adult molars and the lower central incisors.

By 12 years, most children have all their adult teeth with the exception of wisdom teeth that usually erupt between 16-25 years of age.

Adult Teeth eruption chart

The First Visit

childs first dental visit

The first visit for a child at Smile Hawthorn usually involves a ride in the chair and a demonstration of the items that may be used for a visual examination to check the presence or absence of teeth as well as the health of the gums.

It is usually a laid back experience to allow the child and parent to acclimatise themselves to the environment.

Along with this visual examination, Dr. Andrew will address any concerns as well as affirm and encourage good habits already in use.

Dr Andrew's Pro-Tip: Preparing for the 1st visit

  • Scheduling an appointment in the morning: Children can be tired and restless after a busy day at school or day care and so it can be easier on both parent and child if an appointment is made earlier in the day!
  • Explain that dental visits are normal to keep their teeth healthy: While most kids cope very easily in new environments, including at the dentist, some are more reserved, shy and quiet. It can be beneficial for parents to encourage them that everyone visits the dentist, and that dentists are here to help!
  • Avoid phrases like ‘tooth pulling’, ‘drilling’, ‘painful’, ‘needle’ etc: It is understandable that parents can sometimes be just as anxious as their children about their first visit but it is good to remain positive and light-hearted to ease any fears your child may have!
Dental care tips

As kids get older

dental care for older kids

At about 5-6 years of age, radiographs (x-rays) are sometimes taken to check for the presence of decay (cavities) in-between teeth where the dentist cannot see.

These x-rays can also reveal any missing teeth or other issues that are not visible in the mouth.

Quite often an assessment is also made regarding crowding, spacing, irregular bites and subsequently, the need for orthodontic care.

More about kids dentistry

The information contained on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek advice from a dental professional.

Still have questions?

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“ Smile...so the world smiles with you ”

Smile Hawthorn

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560 Glenferrie Road,
Hawthorn, VIC 3122

03 9939 8006

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About Us

At Smile Hawthorn, we see the beauty in every smile, and we aim to provide the highest levels of care to our patients, so they always smile their biggest and brightest.

Monday
to
Friday		 8:30 am
-
5:30 pm
Saturday By Appointment

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