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family dentist Archives - Magic Smiles Dental

Apr 11
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portrait of four children laying on floor smiling

Understanding the Distinction: Children’s Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

In the realm of dental medicine, one size certainly doesn’t fit all. Just as pediatricians specialize in caring for children’s medical needs, children’s dentists are specially trained to address the unique oral health requirements of infants, children, and adolescents. But what exactly sets children’s dentistry apart from general dentistry?

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our team specializes in dentistry for the whole family, including children’s dentistry. If your little one needs a check-up, contact our pediatric dentists in Woolgoolga, NSW, at (02) 6654-0650 or in Coffs Harbour, NSW, at (02) 6652-3242.

So, what’s the difference between children’s dentistry and general dentistry? Let’s delve into the distinctions to gain a clearer understanding.

Specialized Training and Expertise

Children’s dentists must seek extensive training beyond dental school to specialize in pediatric oral health. 

This training encompasses child psychology, behavior management, growth and development, and the treatment of dental issues specific to children. 

Focus on Prevention and Education

Children’s dentistry places a strong emphasis on preventive care and education. 

Kid’s dentists work closely with parents and caregivers to instill good oral hygiene habits from an early age, including:

  • Dietary guidance
  • Proper brushing and flossing techniques
  • The importance of regular dental check-ups

Child-Centered Approach

A child-centered environment helps alleviate anxiety and fear associated with dental visits, making dental visits more enjoyable for young patients. That’s why many dentists offer entertainment, prizes, and incentives geared specifically toward children. 

Additionally, family dentists employ specialized behavior management techniques to ensure children feel comfortable and cooperative during treatment.

Treatment of Primary Teeth

Children’s dentistry encompasses the care of primary teeth, also known as milk or baby teeth. 

While some may dismiss primary teeth as temporary placeholders, they play a pivotal role in a child’s oral development. Children’s dentists are adept at diagnosing and treating issues specific to primary teeth, such as:

  • Early orthodontic problems
  • Cavities
  • Tooth decay

Orthodontic Evaluation and Intervention

Kid’s dentists are trained to assess the alignment and development of a child’s teeth and jaws. 

Early detection of orthodontic issues (which often occurs around the age of seven or eight) allows for timely intervention to guide proper dental growth and prevent more severe problems later in life. 

By working closely with orthodontists, children’s dentists can coordinate comprehensive care to ensure optimal oral health outcomes.

Management of Dental Anxiety and Special Needs

Children’s dentistry addresses the unique needs of anxious or special needs patients with compassion and sensitivity. 

Family dentists are skilled in communicating with children of all ages and abilities, adapting their approach to accommodate individual preferences and comfort levels. 

This inclusive approach fosters trust and confidence in dental care, empowering every child to achieve a healthy smile.

General Dentistry Explained

In contrast, general dentistry caters to patients of all ages, providing a broad range of dental services to adults and children alike. 

However, many general dentists choose to see adult and teen patients only. This means that they may lack the specialized training and resources necessary to address the specific needs of pediatric patients.

Children’s Dentistry in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW

Children’s dentistry offers a skilled approach to oral health care specially tailored to the unique needs of your little ones. If you want to ensure your children receive the highest standard of care in a warm and welcoming setting, contact Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today! 

Reach our pediatric dentists in Woolgoolga, NSW, at (02) 6654-0650 or our team in Coffs Harbour, NSW, at (02) 6652-3242, or submit a request for a children’s dentistry appointment here!

Dec 22
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A large family smiles after receiving excellent care with dentists in Coffs Harbour

How to Find a Friendly Family Dentist Near Me

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

Are you searching for a consistent, faithful “family dentist near me” that can do it all? Family-focused dentists undergo training to serve every stage of life in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Here are four measures that people can take to make sure that they choose a suitable family dentist.

1. Search “family dentist near me.”

“Near me” searches are location-based searches. When conducting “near me searches,” Google uses GPS (Global Positioning System) to deliver results that are closest to the searcher’s current location. Typing in “family dentist near me” is a simple phrase that can help you find dentists near you.

2. Check out photos of previous work.

Most of us have heard the cliche, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Yet, they may be worth even more than that. Humans are highly visual creatures, and we have observed the world around us since birth. In fact, our eyes work with our brain to decode and understand pictures. According to scientists at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), half the human brain is devoted directly or indirectly to vision. Because humans are hardwired to use images to support understanding, photographs of previous work can help prospective patients understand:

  • What a dental team has already accomplished
  • Predict the quality and types of services a dentist can perform for them in the future

3. Visit the practice (virtually).

Before, families could visit dental offices to meet a few members of a dental team and feel the ambiance of a clinic. Even with current Public Health Orders and Restrictions, you can still learn more about a practice by visiting their website:

4. Consider online reviews.

With access to information at our fingertips, it’s wise to research others’ opinions and experiences before committing to a practice. Families should look for two things: positive and negative reviews:

  • Positive reviews are a sign that patients are satisfied with their care. Does the dentist offer comprehensive services? What extra steps does the family dentist take to improve the patient’s experience?
  • The key to understanding negative reviews is not necessarily concerned about what the patient complained about, and it’s even more critical to focus on how the dental practice handled the complaint. Were they understanding, polite, and professional? Did they solve the complaint swiftly?

After appointments, patients are encouraged to leave honest feedback on Google, Facebook, and more. Here are some sentiments that our patients had to say about Magic Smiles Woogoolga:

  • “Had three fillings today, and I don’t like needles, so I did it without the needles. The surgeons were so good and patient and fast. No needles weren’t a problem! My teeth feel amazing, and I have never liked a dentist until now!”
  • “Very knowledgeable and competent dentist.”
  • “Great Family and Specialist Dental Practice in Woolgoolga”
  • “Best dentist in my life. Thank you soooooo much!”
  • “Professional, friendly, and felt at ease as soon as I arrived. Great work, Dr. Arpit, and team!”

Woolgoogla Family Dentist Near Me

Searching for a dentist in Woolgoolga, NSW, and surrounding areas that can treat every family member? Look no further. Dr. Arpit Pathak is an exceptionally highly rated dentist that helps patients achieve healthier, more brilliant smiles. At Magic Smiles Dental & Implant Centre, Dr. Pathak offers extensive dental treatments in an attempt to meet most needs. To schedule an initial consultation with a Woolgoolga Family Dentist today:

Sep 23
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smiling baby with two baby teeth

Ask a Coffs Harbour Dentist: Why are baby teeth important?

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

Many parents wonder why their children’s baby teeth are important since those teeth will eventually fall out. Even though baby (or primary) teeth are replaced with adult teeth, primary teeth are still important and directly impact your child’s development and health.

1. Jaw Development and Dental Alignment

Baby teeth hold space in your child’s jaw as permanent, adult teeth grow underneath the gums. After the baby teeth fall out, their position helps guide the adult teeth into place. They aid in developing jawbones and facial muscles that support children’s faces to look more balanced and functional. Also, straight teeth are easier to clean because they have fewer nooks and crannies that can trap disease-causing bacteria and food particles. 

2. Cavities and Gum Disease

Baby teeth must be taken care of with regular dental exams, low sugar and carb diet, and at-home oral hygiene routines. These practices help prevent the development of gum disease by reducing plaque (a sticky bacterial film). Bacteria overgrowth, poor oral hygiene diets, and high in sugars and starches put children at risk for dental decay and gum infections.

Cavities

In March 2021, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that around 4 in 10 Australian children aged 5-10 experienced cavities in their baby teeth. Cavities are a dental infection that enlarges over several months or years and may cause a need for baby root canals and crowns. Additionally, cavities can cause discomfort and swelling.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and affects 21.8% of Australian children. Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Over time, oral infection migrates to the gums and causes inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Gingivitis is treatable and reversible with professional dental cleanings and efficient, consistent brushing and flossing.

3. Eating

Digestive System

The first step of digestion begins in the mouth. Chewing foods thoroughly breaks up foods so that they can be digested easier. Damaged teeth and dental pain can make it more challenging to chew. When children swallow their food too quickly and without chewing correctly, they risk choking and extending the digestion process.

Nutrition

Also, a versatile, nourishing diet is filled with a cornucopia of textures and flavors. Unfortunately, chewy, coarse foods can be difficult to bite and chew if the teeth feel sore. Also, spicy, acidic foods can aggravate toothaches. When kids restrict their diets due to dental pain, it can be more challenging to achieve their nutritional goals and become picky eaters.

4. Speaking

When the teeth don’t align properly, kids have a higher risk of developing speech problems. Again, baby teeth guide teeth into their permanent position. Overbite, overcrowding, and gapped teeth can create various speech problems, including lisping, whistling sounds, and general distortion of letter sounds. Speech impediments can make it more difficult for others to understand them.

Additionally, self-esteem in children is associated with how they view themselves, competence, and acceptance. When kids don’t feel confident in their voice, they may consider themselves less capable than their peers.

Schedule a Children’s Dentistry Visit in Coffs Harbor

Starting your infant off with good oral care can help protect their teeth for the rest of their life. Dr. Arpit Pathak supports parents in taking care of their children’s teeth with checkups, cleanings, patient education, and preventative treatments. Schedule your child’s first dental exam with an experienced Coffs Harbor dentist by calling (02) 6652-3242 or messaging us online at your earliest convenience.