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Children’s Dentistry

Your child’s early oral development impacts their smile for years to come. Our family dental practice provides comprehensive dental care for people of all ages, including young children. Since oral habits and concerns occasionally run in the family, we work with parents to identify proper care techniques or services that may not have been accessible in earlier generations.

Promoting Happy Visits, Every Time

By taking steps to reduce dental decay, we can minimise the association of discomfort or pain with dental care in general. Through education, prevention and early intervention, our goal is to make your child’s checkups and future dental appointments something that can be enjoyed as opposed to feared. If your child does require treatment, addressing those issues earlier will minimise the extent of care your child needs.

‘When Should I Bring My Child In for a Checkup?’

It’s best to bring your child to the dentist before they start school but most importantly before concerns arise. Our focus is on educating and preventing issues before they lead to uncomfortable dental emergencies.

As a parent, we encourage you to bring your child along to your checkup. This step can familiarise your child with our office to ease anxiety for their own appointment.

Your child’s first visit will typically be quite straightforward. Usually, it consists of a brief exam, having their teeth checked and moving along as they’re comfortable (such as cleans or X-rays).

CDBS Accepted

If your family qualifies for Medicare, CDBS typically pays for most checkups with extra benefits available to use on needs such as fillings, cleans, extractions for kids.  You can check with Centrelink or Medicare to see if your kids are covered.  Or we can do it for you at reception.

New Patient Special

Families without private health insurance can access our $99 Checkup and Clean special for children. This introductory offer includes an exam, scale and any applicable X-rays.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time for my child’s first dental visit?

It’s best to schedule your child’s first dental appointment when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Regular dental visits should follow to ensure their oral health is on track.

How frequently should my child go to the dentist?

Generally, children should see the dentist every six months for routine care, though individual oral health needs may dictate more or less frequent visits.

What steps can I take to prevent tooth decay in my child’s teeth?

To protect your child’s dental health, encourage brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, maintaining a low-sugar diet, and visiting the dentist regularly. Utilising fluoride treatments and drinking fluoride-enriched tap water can also strengthen their teeth against decay.

How should I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Encourage a positive outlook on dental visits by discussing what to expect, playing dentist-themed games at home, reading books, and watching child-friendly videos about dental visits. Avoid negative language, and try not to project any anxiety you may have about the dentist.

Is thumb-sucking harmful for my child’s teeth?

While thumb-sucking is natural for infants and young children, prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental issues. It may cause misalignment of teeth, overbite, or oral development issues. It’s usually best addressed if the habit persists beyond the age the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Talk to your dentist for strategies to gently discourage the habit and protect your child’s oral health development.

Schedule Today

Contact us now to reserve your child’s first checkup!

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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.

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Children’s Dentist Lara, Corio VIC | (03) 4224 3000