One of the questions I hear most often from new parents in Mawson Lakes is some version of: “My child’s teeth have only just come in — do they really need to see a dentist already?” It’s a fair question, and the answer is: sooner than most people think.
The Australian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by the age of one, or within six months of the first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. For most families, that means bringing a baby in when they’re still a baby.
Here’s why that timing matters, and what actually happens when you bring a very young child to see us.
Why So Early?
The goal of an early first visit isn’t to do extensive dental work. It’s to establish a relationship with a dentist before any problems develop, and to catch anything that needs attention while it’s still minor.
Baby teeth matter more than many parents realise. They hold space for the permanent teeth developing underneath, help with speech development, and make eating comfortable. A baby tooth with decay that’s left untreated can become painful quickly and may require more significant treatment than if it had been caught at an early check-up.
Early visits also help children develop a normal, relaxed relationship with the dentist from the start — which pays dividends for the rest of their lives. A child who has only been to the dentist when something is wrong is going to associate the experience with discomfort. A child who comes in regularly from a young age usually finds it completely unremarkable.
What Happens at a First Dental Visit?
For very young children — under two or three — the appointment is gentle and brief. We’re mostly just getting your child comfortable with the environment and having a careful look.
Practically, this means:
- A look at the teeth and gums. We count the teeth that have come through, check how they’re developing, and look for any early signs of decay or issues with the bite.
- A check of the gums and soft tissues. We look at the palate, tongue, and inside of the cheeks.
- Getting comfortable with the chair. Many young children sit in their parent’s lap or on the parent’s lap facing the dentist — whatever makes them feel secure.
- A chat with you about what’s normal. We talk through things like teething, dummy use, night feeds, and how to clean their teeth at home.
There are rarely instruments involved at the first visit unless we spot something that needs attention. The main point is a gentle introduction.
How to Prepare Your Child
Your attitude makes a significant difference. Children pick up on their parents’ anxiety, so if dental visits make you nervous, try not to convey that.
Some specific things that help:
Read books about going to the dentist. There are some good ones aimed at toddlers and pre-schoolers — stories where the main character has a positive dental experience. They normalise the idea before your child arrives.
Play pretend. Let your child look inside your mouth with a spoon or a torch. Lie back and count each other’s teeth. Make the experience of someone looking in their mouth feel ordinary and fun rather than strange and alarming.
Use positive language. Talk about the dentist as someone who keeps teeth healthy and strong, rather than framing it around pain or procedures. Avoid phrases like “it won’t hurt” — this actually plants the idea that pain is a possibility.
Avoid transferring your own anxiety. If you’ve had difficult dental experiences yourself, try to keep those stories away from young ears. Children don’t need to arrive pre-worried.
What Is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Medicare program that provides eligible children with up to $1,095.60 in dental benefits over a two-calendar-year period. Benefits cover a range of basic dental services: check-ups, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, and extractions.
Children are generally eligible if they’re aged 2–17 and their family receives an eligible government payment (such as Family Tax Benefit Part A). The simplest way to check is to call Medicare or ask us when you book — we can often check on your behalf.
At Smile Spot Mawson Lakes, we bulk bill under the CDBS for eligible children. That means no out-of-pocket cost to you for covered services when your child is enrolled in the scheme.
Evening Appointments Work Well for Families
One of the practical challenges for families is getting children to appointments during school hours. Taking a child out of daycare or school for a dental check-up is disruptive and often stressful for everyone involved.
We’re open Monday to Thursday until 7pm, which means you can bring the kids in after school or after childcare pickup — no disruption to their day, and no need to organise time off work. A 5:30pm or 6pm appointment often works well for families from Parafield Gardens, Salisbury, and the surrounding suburbs who are heading home anyway.
Book Your Child’s First Visit
Our team at Smile Spot sees children of all ages, from babies to teenagers, as part of our children’s dentistry services. We also offer standard dental check-ups for the whole family.
If you’d like to book your child’s first dental visit, make an appointment online or call us on (08) 8258 0650. We’re open Monday to Thursday until 7pm — no need to take time off work.