The importance of preventive care for children from your Melbourne area dentist

One of the most common myths about oral health is the belief that kids’ cavities aren’t a serious problem. “My kids won’t get cavities,” and “it’s just baby teeth,” are common sentiments. Unfortunately, these myths often lead to children in need of extensive dental work, and surprised parents. At Smile in Style, we believe that patient education is one of our most valuable services. We work with parents and children to help them understand the importance of early oral health and help them avoid common childhood dental problems.

preventive dental care for children from dentist in melbourne

Why decay is a bigger concern than you might realise

Many people just assume that, like some other health issues, tooth decay is fading into a problem of the past. The unfortunate reality is the exact opposite. This oral disease has been on the rise for over half a century, likely due in large part to dietary changes. The modern diet, is high in sugar and processed foods while lacking important vitamins and antioxidants. Especially when combined with lax hygiene habits and infrequent dental care; this is a recipe for decay.

According to a study released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2013, approximately half of all children between the ages of six and ten have some amount of decay. Preventive care, both at home and from your dentist, is the key to stopping this problem.

How to protect little smiles

Early tooth decay can lead to painful and expensive dental problems in young children. Some of the best ways to avoid these issues include:

  • Don’t give your baby a bottle with sugary liquids at nap time. Although it may help them sleep, it also causes cavities in new teeth.
  • Be sure kids eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and some fruit.
  • Use mouthguards if children participate in contact sports
  • Supervise hygiene until the age of 10 to ensure that your kids brush and floss properly
  • Don’t skip routine dental check-ups and preventive care

You want to see that little smile stay happy and healthy – and so do we! Call our Sunbury office 03 8001 6021 or our Moonee Ponds office 03 8400 4104 and schedule an appointment today.

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Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.