Children’s Dentistry

Kids who start dental and oral healthcare from a young age can grow up and enjoy bright, healthy smiles! One of our greatest passions at Dapto Cosmetic and Family Dental is to care for the smiles of our youngest patients.

What’s the Recommended Age for the First Visit?

We recommend you bring your child in when they’re about 3-4 years of age. At that time, they would have gotten all of their baby teeth in and are a bit more responsive when our dentist talks to them.

What to Expect

Toddler brushing his teeth During the initial visit, our goal is to help your child feel at ease. We may not do any treatment but will have them sit in the dental chair, get comfortable and explore everything we have at the practice. If you have a child who is a bit older, consider bringing your younger child in to their older sibling’s appointment.

We also will get your youngster used to the dental mirror and show them how to brush their teeth correctly. Getting them accustomed to the atmosphere is the most essential aspect of this visit.

If your child consents, we then can take a photo of them to commemorate their first dental visit. They may get a cleaning if they want to or may be shown the tools that will be used to clean their teeth the next time.

We also have little stories that we will tell children to make things relatable and understandable for them. That could be either with the dentist or our well-trained hygienist. To further put your child at ease, we will ask questions such as, “What’s your favourite colour or animal?” Parents are always involved in the process. We explain to them what’s happening at every step.

We also will take your child’s medical history. If there is severe dental disease, we will explain to you and your child what needs to be done—and why it’s important, and what the consequences are. We then will decide how to approach your child’s dental issues.

Helping Kids Feel Accountable

We will encourage kids who are a bit older to brush twice a day, floss daily and come in for regular visits. When your child starts to feel accountable, they will want to keep their teeth clean each day and come back for their next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you help children with dental anxiety?

We find that when kids get familiarised with our warm and friendly environment, they will likely look forward to returning. They will know that when they’re in our practice, they will have a positive, pain-free experience.

How often should I bring my child in?

We have a protocol that everyone comes in every six months for a checkup. Kids who come in twice a year will feel comfortable as they’ll know what to expect. Routine checkups also allow us to identify any issues such as decay and address those concerns before they turn into more complex and expensive problems.

Do you provide oral health education to kids?

Yes, our dentist or hygienist will share tips about achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.

What other issues can you address?

Perhaps your child snores, has crooked teeth or grinds their teeth. Your dentist welcomes your questions about these and any other concerns and will make recommendations about treating them.

Book an Appointment

If it’s time for your child to visit the dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment for children’s dentistry Dapto. We look forward to helping them smile brighter!

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.