Child's First
Dental Visit

Aim for your child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within about six months of the first tooth coming through, whichever is sooner. It sounds early, but at this age the visit is mostly about getting familiar with the dentist and checking that teeth are coming through as expected. Early visits also give you a chance to ask about teething, bottles and brushing.

Your child usually sits on your lap or in the chair while the dentist has a gentle look at their teeth and gums, checking for early signs of decay and how the teeth are developing. If they are comfortable, we may polish a few teeth. We then show you how to brush for their age and answer your questions. Nothing is forced, and a visit where your child simply meets us and has a ride in the chair still counts.

Keep the talk simple and positive, for example that the dentist will count their teeth and help keep them strong. Read a picture book about going to the dentist, play dentist at home with a teddy, and book a time of day when your toddler is usually happy. Try not to pass on your own worries, and avoid words like hurt or needle.

It may be. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is a Medicare program for eligible children aged 0 to 17, usually in families receiving certain government payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. For eligible children, check-ups can be bulk billed at our Kallangur practice. Our team can check your child's eligibility and remaining balance before the appointment.

Usually around 15 to 30 minutes. We keep first visits short so they end while your child is still happy, which makes the next visit easier.

That is very common, and it is fine. We never hold a child down or rush them. Sometimes a first visit is just a look around and a chat, and we try again next time. Each calm visit builds trust.

For most children, a check-up every six months lets us keep an eye on new teeth, spot small cavities early and see how the bite is developing. We will suggest a schedule to suit your child.

No referral is needed. You can book your child's first visit online or by calling (07) 3886 0933.

Toddlers fall over. If your child knocks, chips or loses a tooth, or has a toothache or swelling, call us on (07) 3886 0933 during opening hours and we will fit them in as soon as we can. For a knocked-out baby tooth, do not try to put it back. Our emergency dentist page has more first-aid steps.

Yes. At every check-up we look at how your child's jaw and teeth are lining up. If crowding or a bite problem starts to show, we explain what we see and when, if ever, treatment is worth considering.