The Tooth Company Kids would like to introduce our new specialist paediatric dentist, Dr Angel Babu. Dr Babu is the only specialist children’s dentist on the North Shore. 

She will be working from our Smales Farm, Takapuna, practice and across the bridge at our new Eastridge, Mission Bay, location. We asked her a few questions about her speciality and treating children...

What is a paediatric dentist and why should my child see one?

A paediatric dentist is a fully trained dentist who has undergone a full-time post-graduation degree in the speciality of paediatric dentistry. They are trained to provide high quality comprehensive oral care for infants, children, adolescents and teenagers. They have also acquired specialised training in treating patients with special needs. 

Behaviour management is a large part, in fact, the most important part of paediatric dentistry. Paediatric dentists are also trained in  providing dental care under nitrous oxide, oral sedation, intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia in a hospital setting. This expertise allows your child to have a positive outlook towards dentistry and helps form a bond of trust and acceptance with their dentist. 

When should kids see the dentist for the first time?

Your child’s first dental visit must be around six months to one year old. The first tooth that usually erupts is a lower front tooth at around six months of age. Ideally, we would like to see children have their first dental check by their first birthday. This gives us the opportunity to examine the mouth and confirm normal growth and development. We check their teeth for cleanliness and provide advice on prevention, diet and oral hygiene instructions. 

How regularly should kids see the dentist? 

A check-up every six months is recommended to prevent cavities and other dental issues. However, we will advise you appropriately as this often depends based on the child’s personal oral health and development. 

How do you treat kids that are scared of the dentist? 

Anxiety and fear is normal in children as everything is a learning experience for them and new to their world. Regular visits from a young age will help the child have a more positive outlook towards dentistry and develop the bond of trust and acceptance.

If we are aware of the child’s anxiety, our treatment plan will be tailored appropriately. We use a “Tell, Show, Do” technique and everything will be kept simple from their first visit until we built trust.  We avoid using language like ‘needles’, ‘hurt’ or ‘drill’ and we also never tell them ‘everything will be fine’ – as our aim is to build their trust and create a positive association with the dentist. 

How much does it cost? 

A new patient examination with Dr Angel Babu is $250, which includes full mouth examination and behavioural assessment, plus any required treating planning. 

At The Tooth Company Kids, Dr Babu will be working closely with our oral health therapist, Nikki Coltellaro (Smales Farm), to treat all of our youngest patients. 

 

Check out thetoothcompanykids.co.nz for more information and to book your appointment online.