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The Smile Journal › Children’s Dentistry
CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY · PRESTON

At What Age Should I Bring My Child to the Dentist?

We recommend a child’s first visit around age one, or as soon as the first tooth appears. Early visits build positive habits and catch issues early.

Reviewed by the clinical team at The Smile Designer·Preston, Melbourne·7 min read

At The Smile Designer, we know that the sooner your child visits our clinic, the smoother their dental experience will be. We recommend that children have their first visit around the age of one, or as soon as their first tooth appears. Regular check-ups and teeth cleaning are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health and preventing future issues. Early visits also help build a positive relationship between your child and your family dentist in Preston, making future appointments less stressful for both child and parent.

Does a baby need to have their teeth checked?

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children visit the dentist by age one, or within six months of their first tooth eruption. This early visit allows our team to perform a thorough examination, identify potential issues, and guide parents on proper oral hygiene. During the first visit, our dentists check for signs of tooth decay, evaluate bite and jaw development, demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, and provide guidance on fluoride use. Dental care for babies isn’t just about cleaning teeth — it’s also about educating parents on healthy habits like diet and oral hygiene routines.

Long-term benefits of starting young

  • Prevention of tooth decay — early visits allow our team to detect and treat decay before it becomes severe.
  • Education on oral hygiene — teaching children and parents proper brushing and flossing habits.
  • Establishing a positive relationship with clinic staff — helping children feel comfortable and reducing anxiety for future visits.
  • Early detection of oral health issues — ensuring the jaw and teeth develop correctly.
  • Cost-effective — treating issues early is often more affordable; a simple filling costs less than a root canal or extraction later.

What to expect at your child’s first visit

  • A thorough examination of teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development, with X-rays if needed.
  • Cleaning and fluoride treatment to help protect against decay.
  • Discussion of any issues or concerns, with recommendations for treatment or follow-up.
  • A kid-friendly environment — bright, welcoming, and designed to put children at ease.
  • Scheduling of follow-up appointments to monitor ongoing oral health.
  • Age-appropriate communication so the visit is a positive experience.

Bulk-billed care through the CDBS

Eligible children aged 2–17 years can access $1,000 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This can help cover the cost of check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. More on our children’s dentistry page.

Visit The Smile Designer for children’s dental care

Our experienced team provides comprehensive, gentle, and child-friendly care. Schedule your child’s appointment today and start them on a positive path to healthy teeth — serving families across Thornbury, Northcote, Coburg, and Brunswick.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice. Please speak with your dentist at The Smile Designer about your individual circumstances. There are risks and benefits to all dental treatments; individual results can vary. You can read more on our treatment risks page.

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The information in The Smile Journal is general in nature and does not constitute medical or dental advice. All dental procedures carry individual risks and benefits; individual results can vary. You have the right to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. © 2026 The Smile Designer.