Children’s Dentist in Malvern East
Positive early dental experiences can help children become comfortable looking after their teeth and attending regular appointments.
The Tooth Doctor provides gentle, age-appropriate dental care for babies, children and teenagers in a relaxed family practice in Malvern East.
CALL (03) 9569 3221
When should my child first visit the dentist?
Australian health guidance recommends a child’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday.
An early visit allows the dentist to:
Check developing teeth and gums
Identify early signs of decay
Discuss brushing and fluoride
Review feeding and dietary habits
Discuss dummy use and thumb sucking
Answer parents’ questions
Help the child become familiar with the dental environment
A first appointment is often short and focused on building familiarity. The examination is adapted to the child’s age, confidence and cooperation.
Who is children’s dental care suitable for?
We provide dental assessment and care for:
Babies attending their first dental visit
Preschool and primary-school children
Teenagers
Children experiencing dental pain or sensitivity
Children with tooth decay
Children with delayed or unusual tooth development
Children who have damaged a tooth
Children requiring preventive care
Children who feel anxious about dental visits
Parents should also arrange an appointment if they notice changes in the child’s teeth, gums, bite or eating habits.
Signs that your child should see a dentist
Contact us if your child has:
Toothache or pain when eating
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
White, brown or black areas on a tooth
A chipped, cracked, loose or knocked-out tooth
Swollen, bleeding or painful gums
Facial swelling
Persistent bad breath
A baby tooth that has not fallen out as expected
An adult tooth erupting in an unusual position
Jaw, bite or tooth-alignment concerns
Difficulty brushing because of pain or sensitivity
Facial swelling, dental trauma and significant pain should be assessed promptly.
What happens during a children’s dental appointment?
A gentle introduction
We introduce the child to the dental environment at an appropriate pace. Parents are encouraged to provide relevant health and dental information and discuss any concerns.
Examination
The dentist may examine:
Teeth and existing restorations
Gums and other oral tissues
Tooth eruption and development
The child’s bite
Signs of tooth decay
Oral-hygiene effectiveness
Risk factors for future dental problems
Dental X-rays are only recommended when clinically necessary.
Prevention and education
Preventive care may include:
Toothbrushing instruction
Dietary guidance
Professional cleaning
Fluoride treatment
Fissure sealants
Advice about sports mouthguards
An individual review schedule
Treatment when needed
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include a filling, management of a damaged tooth, extraction or referral for specialist care. The options will be explained to the parent or guardian before treatment.
Helping an anxious child
Tell us when making the appointment if your child is worried or has had a difficult previous experience.
Parents can help by:
Using calm and positive language
Avoiding words that may increase fear
Treating the visit as a normal part of staying healthy
Avoiding promises that nothing will be felt
Bringing the child when they are rested
Allowing the dental team to explain procedures in age-appropriate language
Some children require several short visits to develop confidence before treatment can be completed.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule—or CDBS—provides eligible children aged 0 to 17 with access to benefits for selected basic dental services.
Covered services can include:
Dental examinations
X-rays
Cleaning
Fissure sealants
Fillings
Root canal treatment
Extractions
Eligibility, benefit balances, service restrictions and the indexed cap should be confirmed before treatment. The Tooth Doctor bulk bills eligible CDBS services, subject to the child’s eligibility, available balance and applicable item requirements.
Contact Medicare through myGov or call 132 011 to check your child’s eligibility.
Home care for children’s teeth
Help your child to:
Brush twice daily with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste
Spit out toothpaste rather than swallowing it
Clean between teeth when recommended
Drink tap water
Limit frequent sugary foods and drinks
Avoid going to sleep with a bottle containing milk, formula or sweetened drinks
Wear a properly fitted mouthguard during relevant sport
Attend dental appointments at the interval recommended for their needs
Young children usually require adult assistance and supervision with brushing.
Frequently asked questions
How often should my child visit the dentist?
The recommended interval depends on the child’s age, development and risk of dental disease. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate schedule after assessment.
What if my child will not open their mouth?
This is common, particularly during early visits. The first appointment can still help the child become familiar with the practice. A full examination may become possible as confidence develops.
Are baby teeth important if they eventually fall out?
Yes. Baby teeth assist with eating, speech, appearance and maintaining space for developing adult teeth. Decay or early tooth loss can cause pain and other problems.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
X-rays are only recommended when the expected diagnostic benefit justifies them. The dentist will explain why an X-ray is considered necessary.
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are protective coatings placed into susceptible grooves of back teeth to help reduce the risk of decay. They are not required for every tooth or child.
What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket. Contact a dentist promptly for advice and assessment.
When does my child need a sports mouthguard?
A custom-fitted mouthguard may be recommended for contact sports and activities with a risk of dental injury. It should be checked as the child grows and replaced when it no longer fits correctly.
Arrange your child’s dental appointment
The Tooth Doctor is located at 221 Waverley Road, Malvern East VIC 3145.
CALL (03) 9569 3221
Related treatments
This information is general and does not replace an individual dental or medical assessment.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Jim Androutsopoulos — [07/26].