Children/Teen Dentistry

At Holistic Dental we deeply believe in the value of helping parents build the foundations that are required for a child to enjoy optimal oral health, now and long into the future.

One of the most important components of children dentistry is child psychology.  Our child dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, and inviting atmosphere for children.  Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences from an early age.  In addition, our clinic is geared to provide a more comforting experience for children and have dental materials / instruments better suited for small children (ie: smaller xrays, different flavored toothpastes, etc.).

Our dentists fulfill many important functions relating to the child’s overall oral health and hygiene,    placing particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech, and also hold space for permanent teeth.

Other important functions include:

Education
– Our dentists educate parents and children emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.

Monitoring growth
– By continuously tracking growth and development, we are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the child’s self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.

Prevention
– Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of tooth decay. In addition to providing checkups and dental cleanings, our dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to decrease a child’s cavity risk, advise parents on oral habit cessation, and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing technique.

Intervention
– Many dental problems in children can be minimized with proper intervention. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), mouth guards or orthodontics may be recommended.

A Child’s First Dental Visit

A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his/her first birthday. The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a doctor and his staff. A pleasant, comfortable first visit builds trust and helps put the child at ease during future dental visits. If possible, allow the child to sit in a parent’s lap in the examination room. Children should be encouraged to discuss any fears or anxiety they feel.

Why Primary Teeth Are Important

  • Good teeth allow a child to eat and maintain good nutrition.
  • Healthy teeth allow for clear pronunciation and speech habits. The self-image that healthy teeth give a child is immeasurable.
  • Primary teeth also guide eruption of the permanent teeth.

Good Diet and Healthy Teeth

The teeth, bones and soft tissue of the mouth require a healthy, well-balanced diet. A variety of foods from the five food groups helps minimize (and avoid) cavities and other dental problems. Most snacks that children eat cause cavities, so children should only receive healthy foods like vegetables, low-fat yogurt and cheeses, which promote strong teeth.

Infant Tooth Eruption

A child’s teeth actually start forming before birth. As early as 4 months of age, the primary or “baby” teeth push through the gums—the lower central incisors are first, then the upper central incisors. The remainder of the 20 primary teeth typically erupt by age 3.

Permanent teeth begin eruption around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until around age 21. Adults have 28 secondary (permanent) teeth—32 including the third molars (wisdom teeth).

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants can be minimized or totally prevented by not allowing sleeping infants to breast or bottle-feed. Infants that need a bottle to comfortably fall asleep should be given a water-filled bottle or a pacifier. Our office is dedicated to fighting baby bottle tooth decay. Let us know if you notice any signs of decay or anything unusual in your child’s mouth.

what our patients say

Holistic Dentist Brunswick

Recent Blogs

July 17, 2018

Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are thin layers of material that are coated on the outer surface of the teeth to make it more white and attractive. It is also used to improve the shape and overall appearance of your teeth. Dental veneers...

Read more

April 23, 2018

Pediatric Dentist Melbourne

Kids Dentistry Children start getting their baby teeth during the first 6 months of life. When they reach 6 to 7 years, they start to lose their first set of teeth. This gets replaced eventually by secondary, permanent teeth. Children...

Read more

April 03, 2018

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Permanently

Insomnia causes and solution For those who suffer from the most widely recognized sleep disorder, insomnia, the purposes behind their situation can contrast. A few people experience problems starting sleep. Others have unrefreshed sleep or stir too soon and can't return...

Read more

Google Reviews

Scott Loft
Scott Loft
05:36 14 Nov 22
I absolutely hate going to the dentist, but the staff and dentist (Louis) were very good and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. Will be going back in future for sure.
Cony Brown
Cony Brown
04:42 26 Jul 22
Louis is very knowledgeable, caring and makes checks and cleansing every 6 mths easy on his patients. He has given me some very useful tips with brushing and flossing with improving results. Admin staff helpful with reschedule and follow up before appointments. Highly recommend.
Advait Joijode
Advait Joijode
05:14 28 Nov 21
Dr Louis is excellent with providing realistic goals to his patients and pinpoints short and long term implications of ignoring dental care. The administration and liaison staff are cheerful and friendly. Highly recommended!
Charles DC
Charles DC
03:09 02 Jul 21
This was our second visit to see Dr Neil Raj. We were very impressed with Dr Raj and his assistant Maxine’s professional manner, friendliness and care that we received in relation to both our current and future dental needs. Dr Neil puts you at ease with his thoroughness and provides practical suggestions for your individual circumstances. He is also very open to any questions and is very reassuring in his treatment plans going forward. The reception staff also offer an excellent service, are friendly and always try their best in accommodating your appointments. We highly recommend this practice. We give it a 5/5 rating!
valentina mozetic
valentina mozetic
06:34 21 Apr 21
Amazing place, run by amazing people!!!My first visit was 2 years ago with Dentist Neil Raj.He changed my prospective of dentistry, my teeth, care of them and my self!He is an amazing dentist, surrounded with an amazing team.They take care, they listen and give you the best solution possible.As their name says, they are doping a holistic approach - not just your teeth, they are treating you as a person!I would recommend to everyone!!!
See All Reviews
js_loader