A child’s first dental visit sets the tone for how they feel about the dentist for years to come. The aim isn’t just to check their teeth, but to make the experience calm, positive and familiar. Here’s when to book, what happens and how you can help your child feel at ease.
When should a child first see the dentist?
The general advice in Australia is for a child to have their first dental check by around their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. That might sound early, but early visits help catch problems such as early childhood decay, and they let your child get used to the sights and sounds of a dental practice before they ever need treatment.
If your child is older and hasn’t been yet, it’s never too late to start.
What happens at the first visit
For babies and toddlers, the visit is usually short and gentle. Your child may sit on your lap, facing you, while the dentist has a look. The dentist will:
- count and check the teeth that have come through
- look for early signs of decay, such as white or brown spots near the gum line
- check the gums, tongue and how the jaws are developing
- talk with you about brushing, diet, dummies, thumb-sucking and fluoride
For older children, the visit may include a gentle clean, polishing and, if helpful, x-rays to check between the back teeth.
How to prepare your child
- Keep it positive and simple. Say the dentist will count their teeth and check they’re healthy. Avoid words like “hurt”, “needle” or “drill”, even to reassure.
- Read a picture book or watch a short children’s video about visiting the dentist.
- Play dentist at home by counting teeth with a toothbrush or looking in a mirror.
- Book at a good time of day, when your child is usually rested and fed, rather than near naptime.
- Stay calm yourself. Children pick up on adults’ feelings. If you’re anxious about the dentist, it can help to let your partner or another adult come along.
Gentle care for children
At Parramatta Dentistry we take a gentle approach with children. We explain what we’re doing in simple language, show children the tools before using them, and go at their pace. If a child isn’t ready on the day, that’s OK: a short, positive visit is better than a forced one.
Looking after baby teeth
Baby teeth matter. They hold space for adult teeth, help children chew and speak, and decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection. To protect them:
- Start cleaning as soon as the first tooth appears, with a soft, small toothbrush and water.
- From 18 months, use a pea-sized smear of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste twice a day, unless your dentist advises otherwise.
- Brush for your child until they’re about 8, as younger children don’t have the coordination to clean well.
- Don’t put babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Offer water between meals, and keep sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule
We accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), a government program that can cover basic dental services for eligible children. Services Australia decides who is eligible, and the schedule doesn’t cover orthodontic or cosmetic treatment. You can check your child’s eligibility and remaining balance through your Medicare online account. Read our guide to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for more detail.
How often should children see the dentist?
Most children benefit from a check-up every six months, but your dentist may suggest a different interval depending on their risk of decay.
Signs to book sooner
Book an appointment if you notice white chalky spots or brown marks on the teeth, your child complains of toothache, has swelling near a tooth, or has had a knock to the mouth.
Learn more about children’s dentistry in Parramatta.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child cries at the dentist?
That’s completely normal, especially for young children. A short, positive visit is the goal. If your child isn’t ready, we can try again another day. Staying calm and positive yourself helps a lot.
Should I stay in the room?
For young children, yes. Sitting with them, or having them on your lap, helps them feel secure. Older children sometimes prefer to go in on their own, and that’s fine too.
When do baby teeth come through?
Most babies get their first tooth between about six and ten months, usually a lower front tooth. Most children have all 20 baby teeth by around age three. Timing varies, so don’t worry if your child is a little earlier or later.
When do children start losing baby teeth?
Usually around age six, starting with the lower front teeth. The last baby teeth usually fall out around age 12.
Is thumb-sucking a problem?
Thumb-sucking and dummy use are common in young children. If the habit continues once adult teeth start coming through, it can affect how the teeth and jaws develop. Your dentist can check and suggest ways to help your child stop.
What toothpaste should my child use?
From 18 months to six years, a low-fluoride children’s toothpaste is generally recommended, using a pea-sized amount. From six, children can usually move to standard fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist may suggest something different based on your child’s risk of decay.
Book at Parramatta Dentistry
Parramatta Dentistry is at Suite 25, Level 3, 27 Hunter Street, Parramatta, a short walk from Parramatta Station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and HICAPS is on site, so you can claim from your health fund on the day and pay only the gap, if there is one. Call (02) 8090 1109 or book online.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist.