Kiwis are living longer and longer, and so it is becoming increasingly important to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your teeth in good nick. However, the best way to ensure you’ll keep your teeth for as long as possible is to start forming good habits as young as possible.
New Zealand offers free dental care for its citizens under the age of 18, and we urge parents to take advantage of it. Each year your child is entitled to one exam, along with any necessary treatment or emergency visits. Encouraging your child to attend their yearly appointment and to not ignore signs of dental issues will help foster a habit of seeing a dentist regularly as an adult. People who see their dentist every 6-12 months are more likely to catch potential issues before they get to the stage where they are both painful in the mouth and in the wallet. Dental examinations are also probably the only time you are being assessed for oral cancer, which relies on early diagnosis for successful treatment.
The dentist is also able to advise whether your child’s home oral care is up to par, and provide instruction on how to improve. Brushing and flossing is vital to oral care, as is water consumption and the correct diet, which again the dentist can provide instruction on. Building these healthy habits during adolescence makes your child more likely to maintain them in adulthood, giving them a better chance of maintaining a healthy smile for longer.
Here at Real Dentistry we are able to provide free dental care New Zealand citizens aged 13-17 years old. If it has been more than 12 months since you or your child has been seen by a dentist, make sure to get in touch with our team to arrange a booking.
