Your Child's First Dental Visit: A Simple Guide for Parents

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit around the time their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday.

If your child is older and has not had a dental visit yet, there is no need to worry. It is never too late to start, and many children have their first appointment at three, five or older.

Why Are Early Dental Visits Important?

An early visit is less about treatment and more about building good habits and a positive relationship with the dentist.

• Building comfort: Children who visit before anything hurts are more likely to see the dentist as a normal, friendly place.
• Finding problems early: Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in Australian children, and early decay is easier to manage.
• Practical advice for parents: Brushing, toothpaste, teething, dummies, thumb sucking and bottles can all be discussed.

Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?

Yes. Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly and smile with confidence. They also hold space for the adult teeth developing underneath. Losing baby teeth early to decay may lead to crowding later on.

What Happens at the First Dental Visit?

First visits are usually short and relaxed. The aim is for your child to meet the dental team and leave with a positive experience.

1. A Chat With Parents

The dentist will ask about your child's health, eating and drinking habits, and any concerns you have.

2. A Gentle Examination

For babies and toddlers, this is often done knee to knee, with your child lying back on your lap so they can see you the whole time. The dentist counts the teeth and checks the gums, bite and how the teeth are coming through.

3. A Light Clean or Fluoride

This is only done if it is appropriate and your child is comfortable.

4. Tips for Home

You will leave with advice for caring for your child's teeth and a plan for their next visit.

If your child is not keen on the day, that is completely normal. The team goes at your child's pace, and even sitting in the chair is a good start.

How Can Parents Prepare Their Child?

A little preparation can help the first visit go smoothly:

• Choose a good time: Mornings or after a nap usually work best, when your child is rested and fed.
• Read or play: Picture books about the dentist can help. You can also play dentist at home by counting each other's teeth.
• Keep words simple and positive: Try "the dentist will count your teeth and see how strong they are". Avoid words like "hurt", "needle" or "drill".
• Stay calm: Children pick up on their parents' feelings, so try to keep any of your own worries about the dentist out of the conversation.
• Bring a comfort item: A favourite toy or blanket may help your child feel settled.
• Share any needs in advance: Let the practice know about medical conditions, sensory needs or anxiety so the visit can be planned around your child.

Afterwards, praise your child for being brave. A sticker, a trip to the park or some one-on-one time make great rewards without using lollies.

How Can You Look After Your Child's Teeth at Home?

• Brush twice a day: Start as soon as the first tooth appears, using a small, soft children's toothbrush.
• Use the right toothpaste: Under 18 months, brush with water only unless your dentist advises otherwise. From 18 months to 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride children's toothpaste and encourage spitting out, not rinsing.
• Help with brushing: Most children need help brushing until around 7 or 8 years old.
• Choose water: Melbourne tap water contains fluoride, which helps protect teeth. Keep juice, cordial and soft drinks to a minimum.
• Avoid bottles in bed: Milk or juice sitting on teeth overnight is a common cause of early decay.
• Lift the lip: Once a month, gently lift your child's top lip and check for white or brown spots near the gum line.

Your dentist will recommend how often your child should return. For many children this is every six to twelve months. Regular check-ups and cleans help keep small issues small.

What Does a Child's Dental Visit Cost?

If your family has extras cover, children's check-ups are often covered by your health fund. Smile Connections can process claims on the spot through HICAPS. Read our guide to how health fund rebates work at the dentist.

The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps with the cost of basic dental care for eligible children aged 0 to 17, usually where the family receives payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. You can check eligibility in your Medicare account and ask the team how CDBS works at the practice.

Information about payment options is available on the payment page.

Children's Dentistry at Smile Connections

Smile Connections is a family dentist in Ivanhoe that sees children of all ages, from first visits through to the teenage years. The team aims to make every visit calm, positive and at your child's pace.

To learn more, visit the children's dentistry page or book your child's first appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions