Tooth decay in children is on the rise in Australia, with children aged 5 to 10 having an average of 2 decayed, missing or filled baby teeth. Treating young children who do not really comprehend the situation can be stressful for everyone involved. Keeping healthy teeth is essential for all ages, but a healthy start makes maintenance much easier in the long run.
You may be wondering: “why is it important to look after baby teeth? After all they do fall out”. The truth is, whether they still have baby teeth or have permanent adult teeth, the state of their teeth throughout each stage of development is one of the most important aspects of a child’s overall health. Kids with dental decay tend to have poorer nutrition’s and are more likely to be in chronic pain. Baby teeth lay the groundwork for adult teeth and when a child’s baby teeth are healthy, it’s easier for adult teeth to come in straighter. Neglect of these baby teeth can cause them to fall out prematurely which can mean the remaining teeth will move forward or shift around the mouth. When this occurs, the permanent teeth are more likely to grow in crooked and out of place.
By maintaining the health of these baby and adult teeth in the early stages of development can help prevent additional work in the future. If adult teeth are able to grow straighter due to healthy baby teeth, children may be able to avoid orthodontic work as they grow up.
At Lakes Boulevard Dental we welcome inquiries about the Government’s Child Dental Benefit Schedule (or CDBS). This is a federal government initiative providing assistance for basic dental care to promote healthy smiles in children.
Your child may be able to access up to $1,000 of dental services over a 2 year period with no out of pocket expense. The types of services covered include:
The schedule does not cover orthodontic or cosmetic dentistry.
Eligible families should have received a letter to confirm eligibility from the Commonwealth Department of Human Services in January 2014. If you are not sure whether your child is eligible, simply give us a call with your Medicare card details.
If your child is two years of age or older and has yet to visit a dental practice, Lakes Boulevard Dental is ready to help them get over any apprehension and work towards great teeth for life! Get in touch and make an appointment today!
Our team and new premises in Lakes Boulevard Dental provide a warm and friendly environment that enhances the patient experience as we are your number one dentist in South Morang.