Dental health is something which slips so easily through the cracks, in the midst of all the other things we deal with in day to day life.

BUT......Did you know that free dental care is available to all children under the age of 18 years who live within the Far West Local Health District, and have a Medicare card?

 The Broken Hill Dental Clinic has Dental Therapists and Oral Health Therapists who specialise in the care of children and adolescent dental needs.

Staff combine clinical expertise with a gentle reassuring approach that helps patients feel at ease. 

To make an appointment, or to find out more about our children's services, phone the Public Dental Service on 1800 679 336. Please have your Medicare card ready.

Good dental health is vital for children's physical and mental wellbeing, supporting proper eating, speech, and development, and setting the foundation for lifelong oral health.

 Key reasons for prioritising dental care include preventing pain and infection, maintaining space for permanent adult teeth, ensuring proper jaw and facial development, and avoiding long-term health issues. 

Establishing healthy habits early through good hygiene, diet, and regular dental visits is crucial for preventing decay and ensuring a child grows into a healthy adult.  

How it impacts development and function:

Eating and Nutrition: Strong teeth are essential for chewing and grinding food, which is necessary for good nutrition and growth. 

Speech Development: Teeth play a crucial role in forming sounds and speaking clearly. 

Jaw and Facial Structure: Baby teeth help shape the jaw and face, and their early loss can impact this development. 

Preventing long-term issues

Space for Adult Teeth:

Baby teeth hold the space for adult teeth to emerge in the correct position. Early loss of baby teeth can lead to adult teeth becoming crowded or misaligned. 

Lifelong Habits:

The habits children learn early in life, such as regular brushing and a healthy diet, often last a lifetime, fostering good oral health into adulthood. 

Systemic Health:

Untreated dental decay can lead to pain, swelling, and infection that can spread, affecting a child's overall health and even their growth. 

Key actions for good oral health

Regular Brushing:

Begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a small, soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. 

Healthy Diet:

Limit sugary foods and drinks like sweets, juice, and flavored milk. Plain tap water and plain milk are the best drinks. 

Fluoride:

Water containing fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay. 

Early Dental Visits:

Schedule the first dental visit by the time the first tooth appears or by age one, and continue with regular check-ups.