Children’s dentistry

Our Dulwich Hill clinic has provided dental services for children and teens of all ages. We’re passionate about creating a positive dental experience for kids and encouraging them to develop habits and knowledge that help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Usually, children should see the dentist around age 2. By this age, we can examine their teeth, gums and jaws and assess their growth and development. We also check for any signs of tooth decay and show them techniques for brushing or flossing; it’s a good opportunity to teach little ones useful habits, as well as answer any questions you might have about your child’s oral health.

If you’re planning your child’s first dental visit, aim for a time of day that’s right for you and your child. For example, some young children may be more tired and crankier after a long day at preschool; being well-rested and happy can make the appointment go smoother. Also, try to be positive when you speak to them about going to the dentist. Kids may pick up on anxiety or fear, so it can be good to avoid speaking negatively about your own dental appointments.

Preventive services

Just like we do for our adult patients, our team focuses strongly on prevention when looking after children’s oral health.

Regular check-ups and hygiene appointments are part of this, but we can also provide services like fissure sealants and mouthguards. Find out more about our services here.

Orthodontic treatment

Once children are older, we can start looking for signs of crowding or other issues that may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Crooked or misaligned teeth and jaws can sometimes impact your child’s oral health in a variety of ways. Learn more about orthodontics here.

Lowering your child’s risk of dental decay

Many Australians experience tooth decay, and kids are no exception. To reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay:

• try to limit consumption of sugary or acidic food and drinks
• encourage them to drink water or plain milk
• be careful not to put your child’s dummy, bottle or cutlery in your own mouth, as this may cause the transfer of decay-causing bacteria
• take them for regular dental visits; frequency can depend on their individual health factors, so it’s good to speak with a dental professional about how often your child should get a check-up
• clean an infant’s gums by gently wiping them with a soft, wet cloth each day

Child Dental Benefit Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government initiative providing $1,000 of free dental benefits to children aged 2 to 17 who meet the eligibility criteria. This $1,000 will be valid every two calendar years and continue until your child is over 17 years of age. The CDBS is means tested, subject to relevant government payments such as the family tax benefit part A.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any questions about kids’ dental health, please get in touch with our friendly team.