Children's dentistry in Westleigh is caring for your child from their first visit
Bringing a child to the dentist for the first time can feel like a big deal for parents as much as for children. At Dentist @ Westleigh, we see children regularly and our team takes time to help them feel comfortable at every appointment. Our practice welcomes children of all ages.
A note to anxious parents
Many parents who feel nervous about their own dental appointments carry that worry about their kids too. That makes sense. What helps is knowing what to expect before you arrive so here's what a typical first visit with your child looks like.
What to expect at your child's first visit
Your child's first visit is primarily about building familiarity. It is not a full clinical workup. Allow around 30 minutes. Many children are more relaxed than parents expect. Here's what typically happens:
A friendly introduction:
Our team members will introduce themselves and explain what they're doing in simple language. Children are encouraged to look at instruments before anything happens.
A gentle check:
We will look at your child's teeth and gums, checking how the teeth are developing and noting anything that may need attention.
A clean:
If your child is comfortable, a gentle clean and polish is completed at the first visit. There's no rush if your child needs more time to settle, that's fine.
A chat with you:
We will take you through what was found and what to look out for at home, including brushing technique and diet considerations appropriate for your child's age.
Regular visits help catch small issues before they need more significant treatment. We recommend checkups every six months for most children, though our team will advise based on your child's individual needs.
Routine checkups and cleans
X-rays are not taken at every visit. We will advise when they are clinically appropriate generally to check on developing adult teeth or where an examination alone isn't sufficient.
X-rays
If your child plays contact sport, a custom-fitted mouthguard offers better protection than a standard over-the-counter option. We can fit one at Dentist @ Westleigh. Ask our team about timing a mouthguard made during a growth period may need replacing as teeth change.
Mouthguards
Fluoride treatments can help strengthen tooth enamel. We will advise whether this is appropriate for your child at each visit.
Fluoride treatments
Fissure sealants are a thin coating applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth areas where food and bacteria can collect in the grooves. They are a straightforward preventive treatment that we may recommend for your child. Not every child needs them; it depends on the depth and shape of the grooves in their teeth.
Fissure sealants
Services for children
Who this may be relevant for
This service is for families with children at any age from the first tooth through to the teenage years. We also see children who:
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Have not visited a dentist before and need a gentle first experience
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Have previously had a difficult dental appointment (ours or elsewhere)
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Play sport and need a mouthguard
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Have been referred by their school dental service for follow-up
Investment
The Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) through Medicare may cover some dental treatment costs for eligible children.
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Ask our team about your child's CDBS entitlement when you book.