Dental care
Children's Dentistry
Establishing good dental habits early helps set children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Care that starts with you.
Overview
What you should know
At Footscray Dental Studio, we provide a calm, welcoming environment for young patients, with a focus on making visits comfortable and positive from their very first appointment. Our team takes the time to explain things in a way children can understand, helping to build confidence around dental visits rather than apprehension.
Our Approach to Treating Children
We understand that a child's early experiences at the dentist can shape how they feel about oral care for years to come. Our team takes a gentle, patient approach, explaining each step in simple terms and adjusting our pace to suit each child's comfort level. Parents and carers are welcome to stay with their child throughout the appointment.
Services for Children
- Check-ups & Cleans — regular examinations to monitor developing teeth and catch any concerns early
- Fluoride Treatments — helping strengthen developing enamel and reduce decay risk
- Fissure Sealants — a protective coating for the chewing surfaces of new adult molars
- Digital X-Rays — low-radiation imaging where needed to monitor tooth development
- Mouthguards — custom-fitted sport mouthguards for children playing contact sports
When to Bring Your Child for Their First Visit
It's generally recommended that children have their first dental visit around the time their first teeth appear, or by their first birthday, allowing your dentist to monitor early development and offer guidance to parents on caring for young teeth. Regular six-monthly check-ups are then generally recommended as your child grows, though your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on individual needs.
Common Concerns We Help With
- Monitoring the eruption of baby teeth and later adult teeth
- Early signs of decay, particularly in young children who may still be developing brushing habits
- Guidance on thumb-sucking, dummy use, and their effects on developing teeth
- Preparing anxious children for a comfortable dental experience
- Sports-related mouthguards for active children and teenagers
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Eligible children may be entitled to bulk-billed dental services under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program supporting access to essential dental care for children. Contact us to check your child's eligibility.
Tips for Parents Between Visits
- Encourage brushing twice daily with an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste
- Supervise brushing until children can reliably do it well on their own, generally around age 7–8
- Limit sugary food and drinks, particularly between meals
- Lead by example — children often mirror parents' own oral hygiene habits
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child have their first dental visit?
It's generally recommended around the time their first teeth appear or by their first birthday, allowing your dentist to monitor early development and offer guidance.
How often should children have check-ups?
Most children are recommended to have check-ups every six months, similar to adults, though your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on individual needs.
Is my child eligible for bulk-billed dental care?
Many children are eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) — contact us and we can help confirm eligibility for your child.
What if my child is anxious about visiting the dentist?
Our team takes a gentle, patient approach and adjusts our pace to suit each child's comfort — parents are welcome to stay with their child throughout the appointment.
Do you recommend fissure sealants for all children?
Not necessarily — your dentist will assess your child's teeth and recommend sealants if appropriate, generally as adult molars come through.
Can my teenager get a custom mouthguard for sport?
Yes, we provide custom-fitted mouthguards for children and teenagers participating in contact or high-impact sports.
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Related Services
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Book an Appointment
Booking your visit with Footscray Dental Studio is simple. Choose a time that suits you online, or give our friendly team a call — we're happy to help find an appointment that works around your schedule.
Let’s arrange your visit.
Request an appointment through our existing secure booking form. Our team will confirm your appointment with you.
Open appointment request ↗Prefer to speak with us? Call (03) 9000 0792