A specialist paediatric dentist is like a paediatrician for teeth – they are specially trained to cater to infants, children and adolescents, focusing on the unique challenges children face. From infancy through the teen years, seeing a paediatric dentist regularly can help identify, prevent and treat potential oral health issues before they become a bigger problem.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends children have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. These early visits are important for preventing dental issues and helping parents learn proper dental care techniques for their children as they grow.

We recommend visiting every six months. Not only will this ensure optimal oral health by finding any issues early on, but regular paediatric dental appointments from an early age helps your child build a positive relationship with dental care (and build rapport with their dentist).

Typically, your child’s first visit to Toothbuds will involve an examination of their teeth, gums, jaws and soft tissues to ensure they are in good health. It will also include education and demonstrations on oral hygiene and home care, and preventative strategies so you know how to reduce your child’s risk of orthodontic problems. 

They will also have a growth and development evaluation (assessing their ‘bite’), and an individual treatment plan will be created if required to make sure your child’s health, confidence and comfort stay paramount.

Non-urgent dental care for children is usually part of a follow-up visit, to make sure the first visit isn’t too long or overwhelming.

You can contact Toothbuds immediately if you have an emergency, like a tooth chipped or knocked loose during an accident, or a severe toothache. Getting paediatric dental care as soon as possible is key, and our team will do everything we can to offer our care.