Burpengary Dentist Answers Your Questions About Kids’ Oral Health
Ensuring your child has healthy teeth from an early age is vital for their overall well-being. But as a parent, it’s common to have plenty of questions about when to start dental care, what products to use, and how often to visit the dentist. At Australia Dental Burpengary, we’re here to provide you with all the answers you need to confidently care for your child’s smile. From brushing tips to understanding what’s covered by Medicare, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about keeping your child’s oral health on track! Once the child is around 2 years old, you can start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and begin teaching them how to brush, though they’ll still need help and supervision until they’re able to brush on their own, typically around 6 or 7 years old. At what age should I take my child to the dentist? You should take your child to the dentist by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth coming in, whichever comes first. The first dental visit is usually more of an educational appointment, where the dentist checks your child’s teeth and gums and provides guidance on proper oral care, diet, and what to expect as more teeth come in. Early visits help detect any potential issues and allow your child to become familiar with the dentist, making future visits less intimidating. Regular checkups every six months are recommended after that. What kind of toothpaste should my child use? The type of toothpaste your child should use depends on their age: Under 3 years old: Use a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is important for preventing cavities, but at this age, it’s essential to use only a tiny amount since young children may not be able to spit out the toothpaste yet. 3 to 6 years old: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. By this age, children are usually better at spitting, but they should still be supervised while brushing to ensure they don’t swallow too much toothpaste. Over 6 years old: Continue using fluoride toothpaste, but they can now transition to regular toothpaste as long as they’re able to spit properly and brush independently. Look for a kid-friendly toothpaste with fun flavors (like fruit or bubblegum) that also has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which ensures it’s safe and effective for children. Is my child’s dental treatment covered by Medicare? Medicare covers some dental services for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This program provides up to $1,095 over a two-year period for basic dental services, which include: Examinations To be eligible, your child must be: Aged 0–17 years.
X-rays
Cleanings
Fillings
Fissure sealants
Root canals
Extractions
However, cosmetic or orthodontic treatments (like braces) are not covered by Medicare under this scheme.
Eligible for Medicare.
Part of a family receiving certain government benefits (like Family Tax Benefit Part A) or other relevant payments.
You can check your child’s eligibility and balance through MyGov, or by giving Australia Dental Burpengary a call, and one of our friendly staff can check for you on 07 3888 9125.
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