Children’s Dentistry

We recommend your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth coming through. Early visits help your dentist check how teeth and jaws are developing and spot any problems early. They also help your child get used to the dentist in a relaxed, positive way, so future visits feel familiar.

Most children should have a check-up every six months. If your child’s teeth and gums are healthy, your dentist may recommend every 12 months instead. Your dentist lets you know what suits your child at each visit.

Talk about the dentist in a positive, matter-of-fact way, and keep explanations simple. Reading a book about visiting the dentist, or playing dentist at home with a toothbrush, can help. Try to avoid words that might worry them, like “hurt” or “needle”, and book a time of day when your child is usually well rested.

Yes. Parents always come into the room with their child. Younger children can sit on your lap in the chair, and having you close by helps them feel settled.

We offer check-ups and cleans, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, fillings and extractions, along with advice on brushing, food and drinks, and habits like thumb sucking. Your dentist also keeps an eye on how your child’s teeth and bite are developing. Happy gas is available at selected practices. See children’s check-ups.

Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly and smile with confidence, and they hold space for the adult teeth coming through. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, and can affect the adult teeth developing underneath, so it’s important to look after them.

Yes. All Avenue Dental practices accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and we bulk bill eligible children. The CDBS covers basic dental services for eligible children aged 0 to 17, up to a benefit cap over two calendar years. Eligibility is set by Medicare, and you can check it through your Medicare online account. Learn about the CDBS.

It can be. If your child is eligible for the CDBS, we bulk bill their eligible treatment up to the benefit cap, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for those services. If your child isn’t eligible, standard fees apply, and you may be able to claim through your private health fund. Payment plans are also available. See payment options.

Yes. Our reception team can book siblings, and the rest of the family, back to back, so you only make one trip. Call your nearest practice and they’ll find times that work for everyone. Learn about family dentistry.

Happy gas (nitrous oxide) is available for children at selected Avenue Dental practices. It may help some children feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment, and your child stays awake the whole time. Your dentist checks whether it’s suitable for your child first. Learn about happy gas.

Not at every visit. Your dentist recommends X-rays when they’re needed, for example to check for decay between teeth or to see how adult teeth are developing. Dental X-rays use a low dose of radiation, and your dentist only takes them when they’ll help with your child’s care.

Fissure sealants are a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They seal the deep grooves where food and plaque can get trapped, which can help protect against decay. They’re quick to place and are often recommended when the adult molars come through. Learn about fissure sealants.

Call us as soon as possible. If it’s an adult tooth, hold it by the top rather than the root, keep it moist in milk and bring it with you. Don’t try to put a baby tooth back in. If your child has a head injury or bleeding that won’t stop, go to your nearest hospital emergency department. See emergency dentistry.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste suited to your child’s age, and help them brush until they can do it well on their own, usually around age eight. Start flossing once their teeth touch. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, encourage water, and keep up regular check-ups.