Starting dental visits early helps children feel comfortable at the dentist and lets problems be picked up while they are small. Here is what Glenmore Park parents need to know about their child’s first dental visit.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when the first teeth appear. Baby teeth often start coming through around 9 months, although anywhere from 3 to 12 months is normal. If your child has no teeth by 12 months, it is worth having them checked.
What happens at the first visit?
- We chat about your child’s general health, diet, drinks, bottle or dummy use and brushing routine
- We gently check the teeth, gums, tongue and mouth, often with your child sitting on your lap
- Depending on age, we may clean the teeth, apply fluoride or take X-rays
- We show you how to brush your child’s teeth and answer your questions
First visits are short and relaxed. The main goal is for your child to have a positive experience.
How to prepare your child
- Talk about the dentist in a positive, matter-of-fact way
- Play “dentist” at home and count their teeth with a spoon as a pretend mirror
- Read a picture book about visiting the dentist
- Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “be brave”, which can suggest there is something to fear
- Try to stay relaxed yourself, as children pick up on parents’ feelings
- Book a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed
Caring for baby teeth at home
- Start brushing when the first tooth appears, using a soft, small toothbrush and water
- From 18 months, use a small pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste, and encourage your child to spit, not rinse
- Brush twice a day and help your child brush until they are about 8 years old
- Put babies to bed without a bottle of milk or juice, and offer water between meals
- Avoid dipping dummies in honey or sugary spreads
Signs your child should see a dentist sooner
- White, brown or dark spots on the teeth
- Pain, swelling or a bad smell from the mouth
- A chipped, knocked or discoloured tooth after a fall
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Difficulty eating or refusing food on one side
How often should children see the dentist?
Most children benefit from a check-up every six to twelve months, but the right interval depends on their risk of decay. After your child’s first dental visit, we will suggest how often to come back based on their teeth, diet and brushing habits.
Is the first visit covered?
Many Glenmore Park families are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which covers check-ups, cleans, fluoride, X-rays and fillings up to a benefit cap. Eligible children are bulk-billed at our practice. Read our guide to free and low-cost dental care in NSW or visit our children’s dentist Glenmore Park page.
Book your child’s first visit
We see children of all ages, including Saturday appointments. Glenmore Park Dental Services is at Shop 17b/11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park NSW 2745, open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 02 4733 1197 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Any dental treatment carries risks; speak with a registered dental practitioner before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
What age should a child first go to the dentist?
The Australian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit when the first teeth appear, which is often around 9 months, and ideally by the first birthday.
What happens at a toddler’s first dental visit?
The dentist discusses health, diet and brushing, gently checks the teeth and gums, may apply fluoride, and shows you how to brush at home. The visit is short and relaxed.
When should my child start using toothpaste?
Australian guidance is to brush with water until 18 months, then use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste.
Is my child’s dental visit bulk-billed?
If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, Glenmore Park Dental Services bulk-bills covered services within the benefit cap.