Children’s Dentistry
A friendly place for growing smiles
Children’s Dentistry
A friendly place for growing smiles
Healthy habits, happy smiles for life
Great smiles start young! Regular checkups, good brushing habits, and a tooth-friendly diet set kids up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
The best way to teach? Show them! When kids see you brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, they’re more likely to follow your lead. That’s why the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends a checkup every 6 months—to build confidence, catch little issues early, and keep those beautiful growing grins in great shape.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
As soon as that first little tooth pops through—or by their first birthday—it’s time for a visit! Early checkups help us spot any concerns and guide you on brushing, healthy snacks, and how to prevent cavities.
At Showground Dental, we make it a fun, positive experience from the start. With a gentle exam, a simple clean if needed, and plenty of smiles (plus stickers!), we help your child feel safe, relaxed, and proud of their visit. Parents are part of the oral health adventure, every step of the way.
What to do at home for your child’s teeth
Diligent oral hygiene starts on day one. Follow these age-specific tips:
Infants (0–12 months): Clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp washcloth after feedings. Once the first tooth emerges, gently brush it with a soft-bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush using water, GC tooth mousse, or edible toothpaste.
Toddlers (1-3 years): Introduce fluoride toothpaste in a smear (rice grain-sized amount) and encourage brushing twice daily. Supervise brushing to prevent swallowing toothpaste.
Children (3-6 years): Increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. Encourage independent brushing while continuing to supervise for proper technique.
Children (6+ years): Teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques. Use music, timers, or fun apps to make oral care engaging.
How can your child’s diet impact their teeth?
A balanced diet is essential for strong and healthy teeth. To minimise the risk of cavities:
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks like juice, soft drinks, and sticky sweets.
- Encourage drinking fluoridated tap water, which helps strengthen enamel.
- Provide calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts to support tooth development.
What happens if your child needs filling?
If your child develops a cavity, we aim to make the experience stress-free and comfortable. Our team uses child-friendly language, engaging stories, and WAND painless anaesthesia techniques to ensure a smooth appointment.
To help your child feel at ease, avoid words like ‘needle,’ ‘drill,’ or ‘pain’ and instead focus on the positive aspects of the visit. For children who experience dental anxiety or require multiple fillings, happy gas (nitrous oxide) is available to help them relax. In cases requiring extensive treatment, we may refer your child to a paediatric dentist for care under general anaesthesia.
Does your child need braces?
Orthodontic screenings are a routine part of our checkups. As your child grows, we assess the development of their teeth and jaw to detect any alignment issues early. If needed, we will recommend the best time for orthodontic treatment, which can be provided at our clinic or through a specialist referral.
Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS)
Thanks to the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS), eligible kids aged 0–17 can access up to $1,132 in free dental care over two calendar years—fully covered by Medicare.
That means no out-of-pocket costs for essential treatments like:
- Comprehensive checkups
- Gentle Professional cleaning
- Dental X-rays
- Protective fissure sealants
- Fillings and extractions
- Even root canal treatment
Note: The CDBS does not cover cosmetic or orthodontic treatments.
Not sure if your child is eligible? We’re happy to check for you, or you can contact Medicare directly for more info.
Getting kids ready for dental visits
Help your child feel confident and excited about their dental visit with these simple tips:
- Use cheerful, reassuring words like “The dentist is going to count your teeth and make them sparkle!
- Read fun storybooks or watch videos together about going to the dentist.
- Book morning appointments when your child is fresh and well-rested.
- Praise your child and offer a small reward after the visit to encourage a positive association with dental care.
Book your child’s dental appointment today
We’re here to help your child build healthy habits and a confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s their very first visit, a regular checkup, or treatment under the CDBS, our gentle team makes every appointment feel easy, positive, and fun.
Call us on (07) 3852 2882 to book—and give your child the best start to lifelong oral health!
