A Gentle Start for Little Smiles
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
in Bunbury
When Should Your Child First See the Dentist?
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
- Healthy Habits
Early visits encourage familiar routines like brushing and regular checkups. Children learn the importance of daily care through gentle guidance, making future appointments less stressful and more predictable over time.
- Development Monitoring
Dental professionals can track tooth and jaw development from an early age. This helps identify spacing issues, enamel defects, or bite concerns while the mouth is still growing and easier to guide. .
- Decay Prevention
Regular checks allow early detection of plaque buildup, tooth decay, or gum irritation. Preventive care reduces the risk of complications and helps parents manage dietary habits and oral hygiene more effectively.
- Comfort with Care
Children who visit early are more likely to feel calm in future appointments. Familiarity with the setting, sounds, and process helps reduce fear and builds a positive, long-term view of dental care.
Preparing Your Child for a Positive Dental Experience
- Choose the Right Time
Children are often more settled when they’re well-rested and have eaten. Booking in the morning, when energy is at its peak, can make the visit smoother and help create a calm, positive first dental experience.
- Use Positive Language
Words matter more than we think. Try saying, “The dentist will count your teeth” instead of using words like “pain” or “needle.” A calm tone and upbeat language help shape a child’s view of dental care.
- Bring Their Comfort Toy
A favourite toy or blanket can be a powerful comfort in a new setting. Familiar items help children feel safe, reduce anxiety, and give them something positive to focus on during the visit.
- Pack Essentials for the Visit
Being prepared can make things much easier. Bring your Medicare card, your child’s medical history, and any referral letters from a GP. Having everything on hand helps the appointment run smoothly from start to finish.
We Accept CDBS—Check Your Child’s Eligibility Now
Book a visit today to see if your child qualifies for bulk-billed dental care under the CDBS. No referral is needed; just bring your Medicare details.
Why Bunbury Families Choose Us for Their Kids’ Smiles
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- Proudly Bunbury Locals
- We’re part of the Bunbury community, and many of us are parents ourselves. That means we understand local families, schools, and what makes kids feel safe and supported. Our team is here for the long haul. You can count on consistency, familiarity, and care from people who genuinely care about your child’s well-being.
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- Serving Since 2006
- For nearly 20 years, we’ve cared for Bunbury kids with kindness, patience, and clinical know-how. Generations of local families have grown up in our chairs, and some of those kids now bring in children of their own. We’re proud of that trust, and we work hard to earn it at every visit.
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- Gentle Dental Care for Every Generation
- Children’s dentistry is about more than teeth—it’s about building confidence and healthy habits early on. We make dental visits fun, friendly, and judgement-free. Whether your child is chatty or shy, nervous or fearless, we tailor every appointment to them. Plus, we offer checkups for the whole family in one spot—easy and convenient.
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- Personalised Care That Feels Right for You
- No rushed appointments. No scary tools. Just plenty of time, gentle explanations, and a whole lot of patience. We know every child is different, and every parent wants what’s right for their child. That’s why we listen first, explain clearly, and work with you to help create a positive experience from the very start.
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- Driven by Our Values
- Honesty, integrity, and a genuine love for helping kids—that’s what drives our team. There’s no upselling or scare tactics, just thoughtful, age-appropriate care from people you can trust. We care for your child like we’d care for our own, always focused on comfort, safety, and building trust for the long term.
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- Advanced Technology for Comfort and Precision
- Our kid-friendly technology helps make visits smoother and more comfortable. From gentle cleaning tools like EMS Airflow to low-radiation imaging and intraoral scanners, we use advanced tech to diagnose and care for young smiles with precision. All this while keeping things relaxed and simple for kids. Better tools mean better care, less stress, and more smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ever too early to start dental care?
It’s never too early to start caring for your child’s oral health, even before their first tooth appears. Early dental care isn’t just about brushing. It’s also about developing habits supporting healthy teeth and gums as they grow. Here’s what dental care can look like in the early months:
- Wipe gums gently after feeds:
Carefully wipe your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth before teeth come through. This technique helps remove milk residue. - Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle:
Letting a baby sleep with milk or juice can increase the chance of early decay once teeth appear. - Introduce a toothbrush when the first tooth erupts:
Use a small, soft-bristled brush with water to clean new teeth. Toothpaste is usually introduced around the age of 18 months, depending on advice from your dental team. - Be mindful of sugary snacks and drinks:
Even toddlers are affected by sugar. Encourage water over juice and keep sweet treats occasionally.
What should I do if my child is scared of the dentist?
It’s common for children to feel nervous about visiting the dentist, especially if it’s their first time or they’ve had a difficult experience before. The most helpful approach is to build familiarity and create positive associations over time. Here are some gentle, practical ways to support your child:
Talk about the visit in a calm and positive way:
Use friendly words to explain what will happen, such as “The dentist will count your teeth” or “Look at your smile.” Avoid mentioning things like needles or pain. Even if you mean to comfort them, these words can increase anxiety.Play pretend dental visits at home:
Role-play with a toothbrush and a toy mirror. Let your child take turns being both the dentist and the patient. This helps them understand what might happen and reduces fear of the unknown.Use storybooks or children’s shows:
Choose books or programs that show characters going to the dentist in a fun, relaxed way. Seeing others enjoy the experience can help shape your child’s expectations.Book the appointment at a time that suits your child:
Avoid nap times or late afternoons. Many children do better in the morning when they’re rested and alert.Bring something comforting:
A favourite toy, blanket, or even a sticker chart can provide comfort during the visit.- Stay calm and confident yourself:
Children often take cues from their parents. Speaking calmly and smiling, even if you’re nervous, helps create a sense of safety.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Yes, you can stay with your child during their dental visit, including their first dental visit in Bunbury. Your presence can help your child feel calmer and more secure, especially if they’re nervous or uncertain. The dentist may ask you to sit nearby, hold your child’s hand, or offer gentle support throughout the appointment.
Staying close allows you to support your child and also gives you a chance to understand what happens during the visit. If you’re uncertain how to help, the dental team will guide you through what to expect.
Will my child get a checkup or treatment at the first visit?
At the first visit, most children will receive a gentle checkup rather than any treatment unless a concern is found. The appointment is focused on making your child feel safe while introducing them to the dental setting in a relaxed way. Here’s what usually happens during the visit:
A gentle look inside the mouth:
The dentist may count your child’s teeth and check the gums, bite, and early tooth development.Discussion with parents:
You’ll be asked about feeding, brushing, thumb-sucking, dummies, and anything else affecting your child’s oral health.Tips for daily care:
The dentist may suggest caring for baby teeth, managing teething, or choosing the right toothbrush.Treatment only if needed:
If something urgent is found, like early decay or injury, the dentist will explain the next steps clearly and calmly.- Time to build comfort:
The visit also gives your child time to look around, sit in the chair, and feel more at ease.
When should children start brushing their teeth?
Children should start brushing when their first tooth appears, usually around six to ten months of age. Even one baby tooth can develop decay, so it’s essential to introduce brushing early as part of their daily routine. Here’s what that process typically looks like:
Start with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush and water:
Gently brush twice daily using only water until about 18 months. After that, introduce a rice-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste unless your dentist recommends otherwise.Supervise brushing until age 7:
Young children often lack the coordination to brush thoroughly, so parental help is vital during the early years.- Make brushing part of a consistent routine:
Children are more likely to build healthy habits if brushing happens simultaneously each day.
What toothpaste should I use for my baby or toddler?
For babies and toddlers, choose a low-fluoride toothpaste specially formulated for young children. These products have a milder flavour and contain a safe amount of fluoride to help protect developing teeth. Check the label to confirm it’s suitable for your child’s age group, and look for toothpaste that’s marked as appropriate for babies or toddlers. If you’re uncertain, your dentist can recommend an option that suits your child’s needs and stage of development.
How often should a child visit the dentist?
In most cases, children should visit the dentist every six to twelve months, starting from their first birthday or first tooth. The recommended frequency may vary depending on your child’s age, oral health, and risk of tooth decay. Some children benefit from more frequent monitoring, especially if there’s a history of early cavities, thumb-sucking, or crowding. Your dental provider will recommend the proper schedule for your child and adjust it over time based on their needs.
Are dental X-rays necessary for young children?
Dental X-rays are not routinely taken at every visit. They may be recommended if a concern can’t be seen with the eye alone, such as when assessing an injury. Dentists only suggest X-rays when the potential benefits outweigh the risks and when the information gained is essential for making treatment decisions.
Modern dental X-rays use very low radiation levels, and protective measures like lead aprons are used to minimise exposure. If your child does need X-rays, the dentist will explain why they’re recommended and answer any questions you may have.
Can a dentist take care of cavities in toddlers?
Yes, dentists can care for cavities in toddlers using gentle, age-appropriate approaches suited to your child’s development and comfort. The treatment depends on the size and stage of the cavity. Options may include:
Monitoring the tooth with dietary and brushing advice to help slow down the decay. This may include reducing sugary snacks, offering water instead of juice, and brushing twice daily with low-fluoride toothpaste.
- If active treatment is required, the dentist may place a filling to remove the damaged area and protect the tooth.
Appointments are adapted to help toddlers feel safe and supported. The dentist will clearly explain any recommended care and proceed if it’s appropriate for your child.
Do baby teeth really matter if they fall out?
Yes, it matters how and when baby teeth fall out. Although they’re temporary, baby teeth have an important role in guiding adult teeth into the proper position. If baby teeth fall out too early because of decay or injury, nearby teeth may shift into the space, making it harder for adult teeth to grow in properly. Early tooth loss can also affect how a child chews, speaks, or develops confidence.
Caring for baby teeth helps prevent early loss and supports healthy growth while adult teeth are forming beneath the gums.
Is sedation dentistry safe for 2-year-olds?
Sedation may be considered safe for young children in specific situations, but it’s only recommended when necessary and under strict safety protocols. Dentists follow guidelines and work with trained professionals to assess your child’s health, needs, and medical history before considering sedation. If sedation is recommended, the dentist will explain the risks and benefits, the type of sedation used, and how your child will be monitored before, during, and after the appointment.
For children around two years of age, sedation is usually reserved for cases where treatment is urgent, the child cannot tolerate care while awake, or the procedure is complex. For example, sedation may be considered if a child has multiple large cavities causing pain, has severe dental anxiety that prevents cooperation or requires a surgical procedure such as removal of a damaged tooth.
