Children’s Dentistry
Gentle care and healthy habits for little champs
Children’s Dentistry
Gentle care and healthy habits for little champs
Where little smiles feel safe and welcome
First dental visits set the tone for a lifetime of smiles. Calm, gentle, and even fun—that’s the Moorooka Square Dental way, helping your child see the dentist as a safe and welcoming place. Using a friendly ‘tell-show-do’ approach, child-friendly language, and plenty of encouragement, we help little ones feel comfortable and confident from the very first visit.
Dentistry made fun for kids
Children’s dentistry is about more than check-ups — it’s about growing little smiles with confidence. Our team makes visits fun while protecting teeth and gums, guiding jaw growth, helping with habits like thumb-sucking, and teaching brushing skills that actually stick. With a focus on prevention, we catch issues early and keep your child’s smile strong, healthy, and happy.
When should my child first see a dentist?
We recommend booking your child’s first dental visit by their first tooth or first birthday—whichever comes first. Starting early helps us check how their teeth are erupting, assess enamel quality, and give advice on feeding and oral hygiene. From there, we can suggest the best recall schedule for your child, usually every 6–12 months.
What to look forward to at their first visit
Your child’s first appointment is all about making them feel comfortable and safe. The visit is kept short, relaxed, and child-paced, and may include:
- A gentle check of their teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development
- Practical tips on brushing, toothpaste use, diet, and daily care (tailored to their age)
- Guidance on common concerns such as teething, thumb sucking, bottles, and dummies/pacifiers
- Time for parents to ask questions and get advice specific to their child
- A simple prevention plan to support healthy growth and development
What we can do for your kids
Comprehensive check-ups & gentle cleans
Regular visits allow us to monitor your child’s dental development, remove plaque build-up, and gently polish their teeth. We also provide prevention tips tailored to their age and habits.
Early growth & orthodontic assessments
We keep an eye on spacing, bite alignment, and jaw development, providing early guidance on whether orthodontic treatment may be helpful in the future.
Fluoride applications
A safe, quick treatment that strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay and cavities.
Fissure sealants
Thin, protective coatings applied to the deep grooves of back teeth to seal out food and bacteria, reducing the risk of decay.
Low-dose digital X-rays (when needed)
Fast and safe imaging that helps us detect hidden decay, monitor tooth eruption, and track jaw growth with minimal radiation exposure.
Tooth-coloured fillings
Natural-looking restorations used to repair cavities while blending seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
Space maintainers
Custom-made devices that hold space for adult teeth if a baby tooth is lost too early, preventing crowding or misalignment.
Custom sports mouthguards
Individually fitted mouthguards that provide superior comfort and protection for children involved in sports and physical activities.
Habit counselling
Gentle support and strategies for managing habits such as thumb or finger sucking, extended bottle or sippy-cup use, and night-time teeth grinding.
Dental emergencies
Prompt care for chipped, knocked, or painful teeth to relieve discomfort and protect your child’s long-term oral health.
What you can do at home
Babies
- Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeds.
- Start brushing with a soft, child-size toothbrush and water as soon as the first tooth appears.
Toddlers (18 months–3 years)
- Brush twice daily with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Parents should do the brushing and start flossing when
teeth touch.
Children under 6
- Continue with a rice-grain smear of toothpaste.
- Teach them to spit, not swallow — but avoid
rinsing with water so the fluoride stays on the teeth. - Always supervise brushing.
6 years and older
- Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste twice daily.
- Encourage independence, but supervise until
around age 8. - Keep flossing once teeth are in contact.
Limit frequent snacking and sugary/acidic drinks, keep water the go-to between meals, and save treats for mealtimes.
Helping anxious little ones
We get how overwhelming a dental visit can feel for children — and sometimes for parents too. We take the time to move at their pace, explain things in simple, friendly terms, and give them breaks whenever they need. You can help too by staying calm, using positive words, and praising their bravery. If your child has had a challenging dental experience in the past or has special needs, please let us know — we’ll tailor the visit to make it as gentle and reassuring as possible.
Financial help from the CDBS (Child Dental Benefits Schedule)
Good news for families: your child may be eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This program provides up to $1,132 in dental services (2025 cap) over two calendar years, covering essentials like check-ups, cleans, X-rays, fissure sealants, and fillings. It’s a simple way to access quality care and keep your child’s smile healthy.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, our team can check for you and guide you through the claiming process.
Give your child the best start
A healthy smile begins in childhood — and positive early dental experiences can shape how your child feels about the dentist for years to come. At Moorooka Square Dental, we make it calm, caring, and even fun, so kids leave not just with healthy teeth, but with a smile they’re excited to show off.
Get your child on the path to lifelong oral health.
Prefer to chat? Call our friendly team — we’ll answer your questions and help you prepare for your child’s first visit.
