Children’s Dentistry in Kurri Kurri

Teaching children to care for their teeth early sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We make dental visits fun, comfortable, and positive so your child develops great oral hygiene habits and feels confident about their dental health.

When Should Your Child First Visit the Dentist?

We recommend a child’s first visit around age 1 or when their first tooth appears. Early visits help:

• Detect any early problems (like decay or growth issues)
• Establish a positive relationship with dental care
• Teach you how to care for your child’s teeth
• Get your child comfortable with the dental environment

Regular visits continue throughout childhood as teeth develop and change.

CDBS Benefits for Eligible Children

We’re a registered CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule) provider. Eligible children can receive up to $1,132 in benefits over two years for basic dental services including:

• Check-ups and cleans
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Routine treatment

To access CDBS benefits, bring your child’s Medicare card to their first appointment. Your child must be registered with Medicare for CDBS eligibility.

Making Dental Visits Positive

We understand that many children are nervous about dental visits. We make ours positive and fun by:

• Using child-friendly language and explanations
• Showing equipment and letting children touch it before use
• Allowing children to see their own teeth on our monitor (intra-oral camera)
• Praising good behaviour and positive cooperation
• Keeping appointments short and focused
• Creating a friendly, welcoming environment

Most children enjoy their visits and actually look forward to coming back.

Preventive Care for Children

Brushing and Flossing

• Ages 0-3: Parents brush (no toothpaste initially, then a smear from age 1)
• Ages 3-6: Parents brush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
• Ages 6+: Children brush with parental supervision; parents floss regularly

Fluoride Treatments

We apply professional fluoride treatments during visits to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. This is especially important if your child is at higher risk for cavities.

Diet and Sugary Foods

The biggest cause of tooth decay in children is sugary food and drinks. Limit:

• Soft drinks and fruit juice
• Lollies and confectionery
• Frequent snacking
• Sugary breakfast cereals

Water and milk are the best drinks. If your child does have sugary foods, have them with meals (not throughout the day) and brush soon after.

Sealants

We can apply dental sealants—thin protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of back teeth—to prevent decay. Sealants are painless and very effective for children at risk of cavities.

Orthodontics for Children

As your child grows, we’ll monitor their bite and jaw development. Some children benefit from early orthodontic intervention (space maintenance, expansion) to guide proper growth. We’ll discuss orthodontics if needed—modern options include discreet Invisalign for teens.

Positive Oral Health Habits

The habits your child develops now last a lifetime. We encourage:

• Brushing twice daily (morning and before bed)
• Flossing daily
• Limiting sugary foods and drinks
• Regular dental visits (every six months)
• Positive attitude about dental health

Children who develop these habits early rarely have serious dental problems as adults.

Related Services

For detailed information about government-funded dental care for children, see our CDBS page. If your child plays sport, protect their teeth with a custom mouthguard. As your child grows, we monitor their teeth for alignment and can recommend Invisalign or braces when the time is right. We also offer flexible payment options including Zip, Afterpay, and Denticare.

Ready to book your child’s first dental visit? Call us on 02 4936 2011 or book online to schedule an appointment. We’ll make it positive, comfortable, and fun. If your child is eligible for CDBS benefits, bring their Medicare card.