Child Dentist - New Patient Offer*
What Is Kids Dentistry?
Kids dentistry is dental care focused on the oral health needs of children, from toddlers through to teenagers. Children’s teeth, gums, and jaws constantly develop, requiring gentle, tailored care that helps build a foundation for oral health.
Children are more prone to dental issues such as tooth decay, cavities, and early gum problems because of their dietary habits, growing teeth, and developing oral hygiene routines. Regular visits to a kids’ dentist help detect problems early, guide proper tooth and jaw growth, and teach healthy habits that last a lifetime. Creating positive dental experiences in childhood also helps reduce dental anxiety in the future.
Benefits of Kids Dentistry
Early Prevention: Identifies and treats minor issues before they become serious.
Protects Growing Teeth: Treatments like fissure sealants and fluoride help strengthen enamel.
Monitors Development: Ensures proper alignment and jaw growth, reducing the need for primary orthodontic treatment later.
- Education for Parents and Kids: Provides guidance on brushing, flossing, diet, and oral hygiene routines.
- Comfortable, Child-Friendly Care: Builds trust and makes visits stress-free for kids and parents.
Give Your Child the Best Start
Healthy smiles start young, and choosing the right dentist makes all the difference. At Amazing Smiles Family Dental, our caring team provides gentle, high-quality kids dentistry to protect your child’s teeth and encourage positive dental habits. Enquire today with Amazing Smiles and let us help your child grow up with strong, healthy, and confident smiles.
Understanding the basics of tooth decay is essential for your child's oral hygiene
Know the stages of tooth decay for your child
Tooth decay occurs gradually and goes through several stages. Finding and treating tooth decay early is vital to prevent its worsening. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help spot and address tooth decay before it becomes a larger issue.
Also, good oral hygiene at home is essential. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily to help prevent tooth decay.
Enamel Decay
Stage One of Tooth Decay
Dentin Decay
Stage Two of Tooth Decay
Pulp Decay
Stage Three of Tooth Decay
Abscess / Gum Disease
Stage Four of Tooth Decay
What’s Involved in a Child’s Check-Up and Clean?
A child’s dental check-up ensures healthy smiles and makes kids comfortable at the dentist. Here’s what to expect:
Comprehensive Oral Examination
The dentist examines your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw for cavities, gum disease, bite issues, and developing teeth problems.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Plaque and tartar are removed, especially from hard-to-reach areas. Teeth are polished for a smooth, shiny finish.
Preventive Treatments (If Needed)
Fluoride treatments and fissure sealants may strengthen enamel and protect back teeth from decay.
Oral Health Education
Dentists show kids proper brushing and flossing techniques and provide parents with tips on diet and at-home care.
Monitoring Growth and Development
Regular visits help track the development of teeth and jaws, allowing for early detection of orthodontic issues.
Dental Tips for Anxious Kids
- Schedule dental visits as soon as your child’s first tooth appears, or by six months old. This builds familiarity with the dental environment.
- Avoid words like “pain” or “hurt.” Instead, talk about the benefits of a healthy smile.
- Practice dental procedures using a toothbrush or let your child pretend to be the dentist.
- Allow your child to bring a favourite stuffed animal or blanket for reassurance during the visit.
- Celebrate when your child sits still or follows instructions. Consider giving a small reward, like a sticker or toy.
- Your child can sense your emotions, so stay patient and composed throughout the visit.
Following these steps can help your child feel more comfortable and confident about dental visits.
How Do I Get Free Kids Dental?*
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program providing free dental services for eligible children aged 2 to 17. Eligible children can receive up to $1,132 for basic dental services over two years.
To qualify, your child must be 2-17 years old, eligible for Medicare, and part of a family receiving certain government benefits like Family Tax Benefit Part A. Check your child’s eligibility by logging into your Medicare online account or calling the Medicare general inquiries line.
If eligible, take your child to a participating dentist for services such as check-ups, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Benefits are paid directly to the dentist, but some out-of-pocket expenses may still apply.
To access the CDBS, verify eligibility and book an appointment with a participating dentist. Make sure to inform the dental office if you plan to use CDBS, so they can assist you with the covered services and any potential costs.
Can I use my private health insurance for childrens dental? Is it No-Gap?
Yes, in many cases, you can use your private health insurance to help cover the cost of your child’s dental treatment. Most extras policies include general dental (for check-ups, cleans, X-rays, and fluoride treatments) and sometimes major dental (for fillings, extractions, and orthodontics). Coverage depends on your fund and level of extras, so it’s always best to check your policy or contact your health fund directly for specific entitlements.
Many health funds cover 100% of the cost of children’s check-ups and cleans at no out-of-pocket expense (“No Gap”) if you’re eligible and your yearly dental limits haven’t been reached. Some policies also include benefits for treatments like fissure sealants, fluoride, or fillings.
Always bring your health fund card to your appointment so we can process your claim promptly. Our team can also check your available benefits before treatment begins.
To find out if your child is eligible for a No-Gap dental check-up and clean, contact Amazing Smiles today. We’ll be happy to help you check your coverage.
Can I use Medicare for my child?
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) is an Australian Government program for dental services for eligible children aged 0 to 17. It offers financial assistance for basic dental services such as check-ups, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, and extractions, providing up to $1,132 in benefits over two years.
To qualify, a child must be aged 0-17, eligible for Medicare, and in a family receiving certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. Eligibility is assessed annually.
Not all dental services are covered; additional costs may apply for some treatments. Always check with your dentist or Medicare for specific coverage details.
Covered by CDBS:
- Check-ups and cleans
- X-rays
- Fissure sealing
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
Not covered:
- Orthodontics
- Cosmetic dental work
- Hospital dental services
What can I do if my child is scared to go to the dentist?
It’s normal for kids to feel nervous about the dentist. To help them feel comfortable:
- Talk about the visit. Explain that the dentist is friendly and wants to keep their teeth healthy.
- Role-play at home. Pretend to be the dentist using a toothbrush, a small mirror, and their favourite stuffed toy.
- Visit the dental office beforehand. Let them see the space and meet the staff without the pressure of an appointment.
- Bring a comfort item, like a favourite toy or blanket, to help them feel safe.
- Praise your child for being brave. Consider a small reward or fun activity afterwards to create a positive association.
- Discuss sedation options with the dentist if your child is very anxious.
Patience and reassurance can help your child feel more confident about dental visits.
My child has a loose tooth do they need to visit a dentist?
If your child has a loose tooth, consider the following:
- Baby Tooth: Concerns are usually unnecessary if it’s a naturally loose baby tooth. These teeth will fall out on their own. A dentist visit is only necessary if there’s pain, swelling, or signs of infection.
- Adult Tooth: If a permanent tooth is loose, it should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible. This could indicate an injury, infection, or gum issues.
- Injury: If the loose tooth is due to an injury (like a fall or being hit), see a dentist immediately, even for a baby tooth, to rule out unseen damage.
If you’re uncertain about visiting the dentist for a loose tooth, it’s best to schedule an appointment for peace of mind. Your dentist can assess the situation and advise on the next steps.
My child won’t brush their teeth, what are some tips to help?
Here are some straightforward ideas to help your child develop good brushing habits:
- Brush Together: Make brushing teeth a family activity. Kids love to imitate parents, so brush your teeth alongside your child.
- Let Them Choose: Allow your child to pick their toothbrush and toothpaste. Choosing one with their favourite character can make brushing more fun.
- Make It Fun: Play their favourite song or use a two-minute timer to keep them engaged. You can turn brushing into a quick dance party or a game.
- Reward Progress: Set up a simple reward system, like a sticker chart, to celebrate their progress. This encourages consistency and makes brushing a fun challenge.
- Use Storytelling: Engage them with role-play or pretend games, like acting as dentists or fighting “tooth monsters,” to make brushing playful.
- Show Videos: To generate enthusiasm, find age-appropriate videos or cartoons about brushing teeth. Many entertaining educational videos online emphasise their importance.
- Praise Efforts: Always encourage your child’s efforts. Positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue their good habits.
- Stay Patient: Keep the process relaxed. With consistency and encouragement, your child will develop lasting healthy brushing habits.
My child has a cavity in their baby teeth, should I visit the dentist?
If your child has a cavity in their baby teeth, take them to a dentist as soon as possible. Baby teeth are crucial for oral health, and early loss can affect speech, chewing, and the alignment of permanent teeth.
Treatment for a cavity depends on how severe the decay is. It might involve a simple filling, but more severe cases may require a pulpotomy (baby root canal) or extraction. Your child’s dentist will assess the situation and suggest the proper treatment.
Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, they still require proper care. Untreated cavities can cause pain and lead to more serious issues.
In summary, if your child has a cavity, don’t wait—visit a pediatric dentist to prevent further decay and possible tooth loss.
What is the CDBS amount?
You can claim up to $1,132 for each child over two consecutive calendar years. If you use the full amount in the first year, you won’t have any funds left for the second year. However, you can carry over any unused funds from the first to the second year, as long as your child qualifies.
We accept all major health funds
