Children’s Dentistry

Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

The first “regular” dental visit should be just after your child’s second birthday. At Hornsby Family Dental Care, we recommend bringing your child in just after their second birthday for their first regular dental visit. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask you to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the examination. You may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist. To ensure your child feels comfortable and secure, we tailor each visit to meet their unique needs.

We will gently examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child’s permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean the teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth.Most important of all, we will review with you how to support your child’s oral hygiene at home and set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

Here are some “First Visit” Tips:

  • Take your child for a “preview” of the office.
  • Read books with them about going to the dentist.
  • Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
  • Speak positively about your own dental experiences.

During your first visit, the dentist will:

  • Examine your mouth, teeth and gums.
  • Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking.
  • Check to see if you need fluoride.
  • Teach you about cleaning your teeth and gums.
  • Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

What about preventative care?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in dental sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the many dental services we provide to set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health. Eligible children may also benefit from bulk-billed care under the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, ask our team if your child qualifies.

Preventative Dental Care for Children

Preventative care is the foundation of lifelong oral health at Hornsby Family Dental Care. Tooth decay is largely preventable with the right habits at home and regular dental check ups.
Preventative care for children may include:
  • Routine dental examinations
  • Gentle professional cleans
  • Fluoride application where appropriate
  • Dental sealants to protect back teeth
  • Monitoring bite development and tooth alignment

Cavity Prevention Tips for Parents

Cavities often develop due to frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks, combined with inconsistent brushing.
Simple ways to reduce the risk of decay include:
  • Limiting sugary snacks between meals
  • Encouraging water or milk instead of juice or soft drinks
  • Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing once teeth begin to touch
  • Making dental hygiene part of a daily routine
Each time a child eats, acids form in the mouth for around 20 minutes. Frequent snacking means teeth are exposed to acid more often, increasing cavity risk. Plaque, the sticky bacteria that forms on teeth after eating — is what produces this acid, making daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque essential for children of all ages.

FAQs

1. At what age should a child go to the dentist?

Schedule your baby’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. If you notice anything unusual before then, it’s wise to see a dentist right away. Early visits are crucial for preventing tooth decay and ensuring your child’s oral health.

2. How do I know if my child has a cavity?

As recommended by Australian Dental Association, “Lift the Lip” is an easy at-home method to check your child’s teeth. Simply lift the top and bottom lips to look for white patches, which can signal early decay. Grey, brown, or black spots indicate more serious decay. If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a dentist appointment right away