Dental care during childhood plays an important role in helping to guide healthy oral development. From the first tooth through to the early and permanent dentition stages, regular monitoring and preventive visits help support comfort, function, and understanding of good daily care.
Why Children’s Dentistry Matters
A child’s mouth changes quickly as they grow, with new teeth emerging and jaw development taking place. Dental care that’s tailored for children takes into account their stage of growth, daily habits, and the small details that support ongoing prevention and comfort during visits.
Some important reasons to invest in children’s oral care:
- Early detection and prevention: Dental decay is very common in Australian children — more than 40% of children may have some experience of tooth decay in early life. Early lesions often begin as subtle white-spot changes or surface demineralisation and can be managed more conservatively when found early.
- Support for growth and development: Primary (baby) teeth guide the proper spacing and alignment for later permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth too early, or allowing disease to disrupt normal development, can affect how adult teeth come in.
- Minimising future treatment burden: Children who engage with regular dental care tend to need less treatment over time. Preventive measures such as sealants, fluoride applications and careful monitoring reduce the risk of advanced decay or complex interventions.
- Building positive experiences and habits: A child who learns that dental visits are safe, calm and caring is more likely to continue regular care into adolescence and adulthood.
- Link to general health: Oral health is connected to overall well-being. Poor dental health in children can affect eating, speech, and sleep.
When Should Children First Visit the Dentist?
It’s recommended that children have their first dental visit soon after the first tooth appears, or by about 12 months of age. Early visits allow the dental team to monitor growth, provide advice on care at home, and help children become familiar with the dental setting.
After the first visit, regular check-ups are generally recommended every six to twelve months, depending on each child’s needs and oral condition.
