Teenage Dentistry in Richmond

At Richmond Fine Dentistry we understand that younger members of the family require extra support and dental care. For those requiring family dental care Melbourne, we are involved in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The Child Dental Care Schedule has been designed to assist families with dental care to help with the cost of an annual preventative dental check for eligible children aged 0–17 years. The program aims to make family dental care more affordable to help keep your teenager’s teeth in good health.

Family dentist with teenage patient in Richmond, Melbourne

Your Family is Eligible for up to $1,000 Towards Dental Care if your Teen:

The Preventative Family Dental Care Check Must Consist of an Oral Examination

The oral examination will include services such as:

  • radiographs (X-rays)
  • scale and clean
  • fluoride treatment
  • oral hygiene instructions
  • dietary advice
  • sealing pits or cracks in a tooth (fissure sealing)
  • root canal treatments and dental extractions if required.

This information is current as at 01/01/2018 and changes may occur from time to time.

For More Information:

Call Services Australia (formerly Medicare) on 13 20 11 or click here to learn more.

Family Dental Care Advice

‘Eating on the go’ and frequent snacking are common habits amongst young people. These eating patterns, along with the types of food and drink consumed by the teenager can affect tooth development.

  • Acidic foods and drinks can erode the enamel surface from teeth if consumed too frequently or sipped for a long period of time and held in the mouth. Acidic drinks include soft drinks (diet and regular), wine, cordials, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks. Acidity can also be a problem with some foods that are considered ‘healthy’ are consumed regularly, such as citrus fruits or vinegar-based salad dressings.
  • Saliva is the body’s natural defence against tooth decay – it constantly and consistently washes away acids and replenishes minerals in teeth. Teens need to give saliva time to work by limiting the number of times they eat over the day. A good general rule is to limit eating times to five each day – 3 meals and 2 snacks.
  • Encourage the choice of ‘Tooth friendly’ snack choices such as nuts, unsalted popcorn, cheese, fruits and vegetables over less healthy snacks of the sugary, sticky type, such as lollies or muesli bars. Keep healthy snack choices ready and visible to ‘grab on the go’.
  • Teens don’t need to eliminate ALL the foods and drinks that can have a bad effect on teeth. If tooth decay or erosion of enamel is a problem for you, even small changes that substitute some more ‘tooth friendly’ choices each day can help.
  • Drinking lots of water can be a healthy, practical and money-saving alternative to sugary or acidic drinks. Be aware that not all bottled water has fluoride in it. Drinking bottled water exclusively may not give teens the daily fluoride protection they need.

Bad Breath

  • Many factors cause bad breath (formally known as halitosis) such as smoking, gum disease, foods and drinks or gastric reflux.
  • The best defence against bad breath is thorough dental care by daily cleaning, including brushing the tongue. Don’t use sugary mints or sugary gum to freshen your breath as these can cause decay if used frequently. On occasion when there is no time time to brush, use sugarless gum or mouthwash. If bad breath persists, a dental professional can help you identify the cause and find solutions. Remember, rinses and gum is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing!

Family Dental Care and Tongue and Lip Piercing:

  • There are risks of infection with any body piercing procedures. Individuals should ensure that instruments to be used have been properly sterilised beforehand to avoid the risk of Hepatitis B and C, tetanus or HIV. Barbells in the tongue can chip or break teeth. Gums can also be damaged if a piercing rubs against the gum. This is of particular concern with lip (labret) piercing.
  • Watch the size and position of barbells in the tongue so teeth will not be damaged. You should also be aware of the position of labret piercings to ensure they don’t rub against the gum and NEVER sleep with peircings in.

Click here to contact us today for more information or to book an appointment for your family dental care Melbourne.