Children's Dentist in Northbridge. We're an Experienced Kids Dentist
Our team of dentists in North Shore cover Northbridge and surrounding suburbs
Going to the dentist doesn't have to be scary! At Sailors Bay Dentistry in Sydney North Shore, our children's dentists give kids and their families a warm welcome so we can make visiting the dentist a positive experience.
Tooth decay is a growing problem for children in Australia, which can lead to early tooth loss and affect the development of their adult teeth. Through a combined approach to preventive care at home and at our dental clinic, it's our goal to help kids get into good oral health habits that could last a lifetime.
To book an appointment with our oral health therapists in Northbridge, call (02) 9958 0400 or fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Save 30% on kids' check-ups
If you're worried about the cost of visiting a dentist, take advantage of our family friendly special offer for more affordable children's dentist check-ups and teeth cleaning.
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Why do kids need to visit the dentist?
Dental health is important for children's overall health and wellbeing. When children get used to regular dental visits from a young age, this can set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. Early check-ups also give our kids' dentists the chance to identify and treat problems before they become more serious.
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), around half of children have experienced tooth decay by age 6. Tooth decay is caused by plaque that can build up on the surfaces of teeth and feed on sugar, leading to cavities, root canal infections and sometimes tooth loss. The good news is, tooth decay and most other dental problems are fully preventable.
Regular dental visits give your kids' dentist the chance to spot decay in its early stages when it's usually easier and cheaper to treat. Undiagnosed and untreated decay can cause pain and discomfort that can distract children at school. It can also make it harder to eat, which can affect their diet and nutrition.
What happens during a child's dental visit?
We want your child's experience at our clinic to be as comfortable and relaxing as possible. While waiting for their appointment, kids can play or relax in our dedicated children's play room, equipped with iPad games, Lego, books and soft toys. Young children will be given their very own Sailors Bay Dentistry passport to record their check-ups and a free gift with each visit.
Inside the dental surgery, they can watch TV or listen to music with headphones to keep them occupied while their dentist examines or treats their mouth. If we think your child could benefit from a treatment, we'll discuss all the options with you and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
When should I take my child to the dentist?
We recommend that kids see the dentist by the time of their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting, whichever comes first.
They should start having regular check-ups by 3–4 years of age, ideally every 6 months so our dentists can monitor the healthy development of their teeth and address any problems early. We'll recommend the best visiting frequency for your child based on their individual needs.
Bringing your child with you to your dental appointment will help them to get used to the experience of visiting the dentist. We can also give you advice and answer any questions you have about caring for their teeth and gums at home.
Kids' dental treatments
As well as giving your child a comprehensive oral health assessment, we may recommend other treatments to help prevent problems from developing or to treat a condition that's already present.
Hygiene treatment for Kids
After checking your child's teeth and gums, we'll offer to give them a professional clean and scale to remove any plaque that may have built up and lower their risk of tooth decay. We can also apply fluoride to help strengthen their teeth against plaque.
Fissure sealants for children
Tooth-coloured fissure sealants can be applied to the grooves and pits on top of the teeth to provide a barrier of protection against plaque. This helps to lower the risk of tooth decay in kids' teeth and can also make them easier to brush.
Fillings
If a tooth has already been attacked by decay and has formed a cavity, we can fill this in using a white filling. Glass-ionomer fillings restore the strength and appearance of a damaged tooth and also release fluoride that helps to protect the tooth against further plaque attacks.
Sports mouthguard
If your child plays sport at school or enjoys other outdoor activities, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that they wear a custom mouthguard. Our dentists can create a mouthguard that fits perfectly over their teeth, offering more protection than a generic mouthguard from a store.
Early orthodontics
Orthodontics usually begins from the age of 11–13, but we can assess children for orthodontic problems such as crooked teeth or alignment issues as soon as their permanent teeth start to come through. Early orthodontic treatment can sometimes reduce the need to wear braces when they get older.
Sleep apnoea treatment
Sleep apnoea can affect people of all ages, including 2% to 3% of children. A disturbed sleep can result in behavioural problems and affect health and wellbeing in many ways, so book an appointment with our children's dentists in Sydney if you think your child might have a sleep disorder.
How to care for kids' teeth at home
Preventive care doesn't end at the dental clinic. We can also offer advice about how to take the best care of your children's teeth at home and at school through a good oral hygiene routine.
Brushing
Parents should start to brush their children's teeth as soon as they appear. This should be done at least twice a day, brushing for two minutes each time once all of their teeth have come through.
Young children can't brush on their own. They'll need help brushing until they're able to move the toothbrush properly themselves, usually after the age of 7. They should use low-fluoride children's toothpaste until the age of 6 and be taught not to swallow toothpaste.
Flossing
Daily flossing is also important for removing plaque and food trapped between teeth in spaces a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing should be done before brushing, ideally in the evening before bedtime. You should start to floss your kids' teeth as soon as they have 2 teeth that touch together.
Healthy diet
Bacteria in plaque is fed by sugar in certain foods and drinks. They convert this sugar into acid that wears down teeth and forms cavities. Limiting or avoiding sugary snacks and drinks will help to prevent tooth decay.
Kids should be encouraged to follow a balanced diet to get all the vitamins and nutrients they need for healthy development. Milk and tap water are the best drinks for kids as they help to strengthen their teeth against decay.
Meet our oral health kids dentist therapists
Our oral health therapists in Sydney North Shore have years of experience working with kids of all ages and a great bedside manner that helps young patients to feel calm and relaxed
How much does it cost to see a children's dentist?
Cost shouldn't be a barrier to making sure your kids get the quality dental care they deserve. That's why we aim to make children's dentistry affordable with our family friendly special offer and other financial assistance.
Many children aged 2–17 in Australia can claim the cost of dental care from the government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This provides up to $1,000 of basic services for each 2-year period.
To find out if you're eligible to make a claim, talk to our team at Sailors Bay Dentistry or check the Department of Human Services website.
Book an appointment with a children's dentist in Northbridge – We also cover Chatswood, Artarmon, Crows Nest, Castlecrag, Lane Cove and Naremburn
Is your child due for a check-up, or do you want some advice about how to care for their teeth? Contact our friendly team at Sailors Bay Dentistry to make a family appointment at a time that suits your busy schedule.
Looking for an experienced children's dentist and based in one of the following suburbs: Castlecrag, Naremburn, Chatswood, Artarmon, Crows Nest or Lane Cove? Call us on (02) 9958 0400 or contact us today.