Making Kids Dentist Visits
Fun and Stress-Free
At Atria Dental, it is our goal to make kids dentist visits a fun and stress-free experience for all children who walk through our doors.
Making Dentist Visits Easier for Children
Begin Dental Appointments from a Young Age:
The Australian Dental Association recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur when a baby gets their first tooth or when they turn one year old. This establishes good oral hygiene habits from an early age and gets children used to dentist visits.
Research:
Find a dentist that specialises in treating children. Visit websites, read reviews and call dentists up until you find one that you have a good feeling about.
Prepare your children:
Before the dentist visit, sit down with your kids and explain what to expect during the dentist visit. Make it sound positive and use dentist-themed picture books, children's videos and even soft toys to make it a fun and educational experience.
Play ‘dentists’:
Take turns playing the dentist and the patient with your children. Use props like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash to prepare them for certain things they may experience at the dentist’s.
Comfort toy:
Let your kids take their favourite comfort toy with them to the dentist's appointment. This will give them a sense of security and comfort and also serve as a distraction.
Plan something fun as a reward:
Either plan a fun outing or a special treat to give your children after their dentist visit.
Stay calm:
Children can pick up on their parent's emotions. Do your best to stay positive and calm in the lead-up to the appointment and during it as well.
Talk to your kids dentist:
If you notice your child feeling particularly anxious in the lead-up to their dentist visit, let your kids dentist know.
Dental Care Tips for Children
- Use a soft toothbrush without toothpaste for children aged 12-18 months old.
- Begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children aged 18 months and older.
- Get your children into the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day. Use songs or games to make brushing teeth a fun activity.
- Introduce flossing into your child’s oral hygiene routine once they have two teeth that touch.
- Oversee your children's brushing and flossing as much as possible, to ensure that they are doing an effective job. You should oversee your children’s teeth brushing until they are about 8 or 9 years old.
- Use low fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit all sugary drinks and foods.
- Book your children in for regular dental check-ups once they get their first tooth/teeth.
- Although children will eventually lose their baby teeth, it is still vital to take good care of them.
Gap-Free Treatment for Up to
$1,013 under CDBS
At Atria Dental® Gordon we accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Children who are of ages 2-17 can be eligible for x-rays, cleaning, examination, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, and extractions. To find out more about CDBS and your child’s eligibility, please click here.
- Fissure Sealant
- Space Maintainers
- Baby Teeth Removal
- Stainless Steel Crowns
- Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy
Frequently Asked Questions
At What Age Should My Children Have Their First Dental Visit?
If My Child Gets a Cavity in a Baby Tooth, Should It Still Be Filled?
If My Child Gets a Toothache, What Should I Do?
What Steps Should I Take if My Child Is Anxious Before a Dentist Appointment?
It is completely normal for children to feel anxious before a dentist appointment (most adults get anxious too!) Stay calm and prepare them as best you can before an appointment, using role-playing games, dentist-themed picture books and videos.
Explain to them what they should expect from the dentist visit and that it’s nothing to be scared of. Promise them a special treat or fun activity to do once the dentist visit is over.
Help your child talk to their dentist about how they’re feeling.
At What Age Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?
For babies without teeth, use a soft, clean cloth to clean their gums. Once your baby has their first couple of teeth, use a baby toothbrush and water to clean their teeth.
Children from the ages of 18 months to 6 years old should brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

