Why Your Child’s First Dental Visit Matters More Than You Think
As a parent, you always want what is best for your child, and this applies to their oral health also. A child first dentist visit can be worrisome or comfortable, depending on various factors. Thus, one of the common questions that every mum and dad in Cranbourne North is quite likely to ask is:
What is the right age to make the first appointment with the dentist with my child?
This guide will take you through all the important information you should have on the first visit to a dentist with your child, about the right age to go, what to expect, indications of trouble with the teeth, preparation, and how to make the dental visit a fun one for your toddler.
Why It Is Important To Care For Your Teeth Early
Numerous parents tend to believe that baby teeth do not need much attention because they are going to fall out. The order and appearance of baby teeth are not ignorable. Nevertheless, preventive treatment of teeth is vital when:
- Educating the healthy oral hygiene practice
- Identifying issues on time so that they do not escalate to serious situations
- Prevention of pain, cavities and infection
- Securing necessary speech evolution and healthy food intake
- Prevention of expensive treatment in the future
The child first dentist visit at an early stage is very helpful. He or she becomes acquainted with a check-up and clinic environment at that young age, therefore, eliminating fear and anxiety in the future.
What Do the Experts Report On First Dental Clinic Visit?
ADA and Dental Health Services Victoria suggest that you have your child have his or her first dental check-up:
- Before the age of 1 or 6 months after the first tooth appears, whichever comes earlier
In the majority of kids, the first tooth will emerge after 6 months; thus, a checkup should be made at 12 months. Although this might be too early, it will help the dentist to make sure that all is going according to standard and also provide tips depending on the needs of your child.
Why Don’t Wait Till They Are Older?
Certain parents might consider, my child still has only a couple of teeth, is it imperative? The answer is, of course, yes, and this is why:
- The problem of tooth decay may start early enough once the first tooth emerges.
- The simple problems may increase quickly when they are not handled effectively.
- Your child is possibly already in danger of early childhood caries (ECC), the most common yet avoidable childhood disease.
Baptising your child into the dentist when he/she is young makes him/her feel comfortable about routine dental visits.
What Occurs During The Child First Dentist Visit?
The initial visit does not take long and is comfortable. This is what a paediatric or family dentist can offer to their patients:
Welcoming and Familiarisation
The dental team will welcome your child, help them settle down, and may allow them to experiment with the dental chair or equipment playfully.
Visual Examination
The dentist will examine your child’s mouth and gums, teeth (provided he/she has them), the bite development and the jaw. They can also seek the following:
- Tooth decay symptoms
- Teeth patterns or eruption problems
- Tongue- or lip-tie
- Infections or trauma to the gums
Oral Health is Discussed
You will be advised depending on your child’s age and needs, which includes:
- Cleaning techniques and the best toothpaste for your kid
- Teething tips
- Eating and bottle/breastfeeding recommendations
- Sucking of the thumb and Dummies
- Fluoride exposure
- Expectations for future teeth
Questions and Concerns
Child first dentist visit is your opportunity to pose any questions because no question is too minor.
Next Visit booking
Should there be no problems, then the visit will normally be scheduled after 6 to 12 months.
What to Do When the Child Is Non-Cooperative?
That is quite natural. Children may act rudely, get fidgety, or weep when they are in a new environment. The type of family dentist that would be good includes:
- Calm down and take care
- Be understanding
- Apply distraction and play-oriented methods
- Pace off your child
- Enable you to sit on the chair with your child in case it is necessary
In the initial visit, assessment goes hand in hand with establishing a favourable connection.
Symptoms Your Child Needs to Visit the Dentist Earlier
When should your child visit the dentist for the first time? Although regular visits may begin at 12 months, you are advised to make an appointment sooner in case you observe the following symptoms:
- Browns or whites on their teeth
- Scars or discolouration that are visible
- Bleeding, swollen and red gums
- Problems related to lip/tongue tie that concern feeding
- Problems when chewing or biting
- Mouth injuries or tooth damage
- Constant offensive odour of the mouth
- Slow eruption of teeth (on or after age 12, 18 months)
You should not allow pain to be the cause of the first visit of your child to the dentist because by that time, the problem might be too far gone.
How To Select a Pediatric Dentist
When choosing a dental clinic for a kid, you should seek one that:
- Accepts young kids and infants
- Cited to have worked with paediatric patients
- A friendly, calm style is used
- Provides a child-friendly atmosphere
- Eligible to accept the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
There are many family oriented dentists in Cranbourne North, who have experience in making the experience pleasant in the dentists during the first visit to the dentists both to the children and the parents.
What Is The Price For the First Visit?
Most parents are concerned about the expenses of early dental care. The first dental visit for kids is typically bulk billed under Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS)—provided your child is eligible. If you’re not eligible for CDBS, clinics charge approximately $99–$150 for a combined children’s check‑up and cleaning. In Victoria and Melbourne suburbs, many parents report paying around $180–$200 for an adult check-up and clean (including X‑rays), while children often cost less, under $150 when paying privately.
You can use the following options to save or reduce dental expenses:
Medicare child dental benefits schedule (CDBS)
If your child is aged 0–17 and you receive a Centrelink payment (like Family Tax Benefit A), they may be eligible for up to $1,095 of basic dental care every 2 years under the CDBS. These are check-ups, cleaning, x-rays and fillings.
Your local dental clinic can help you find out if your child can be treated under this scheme.
The Private Health Insurance
When you have extras cover, your child may be covered fully or partly under the dental check-up, depending on the kind of cover you have taken.
Bulk Billing Clinics
Some dentists bulk bill or give low gap visits to children attending dental appointments under the CDBS, or with health insurance.
Conclusion
When families are growing and prospering, you can hardly make a wrong decision when it comes to the dental health of your child, which will help him or her develop a healthy set of teeth early on. The implication of early visits is not only about teeth, but it is all about supporting a safe environment where your child feels confident and taken care of.
Are You Planning To Make An Appointment For Your Kid?
Are you a resident of Cranbourne North or any other neighbouring suburbs? Do you want to get a professional family dentist and book that initial appointment? Eve Dental Centre is a favourable clinic for thousands of families in the region, visiting for their kids’ check-ups and care.
