Kids Dental Arana Hills
With gentle guidance and a positive experience at every visit, we help little ones develop strong dental habits that grow with them and support confident, healthy smiles for life.
Early positive experiences at the dentist can set children up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. While it’s normal for kids to feel a bit anxious, our friendly team takes a gentle and empathetic approach. We listen to their concerns, explain treatments in simple terms, and create a calm, comfortable environment using modern technology for safe, effective care.
From infants to teens, we provide comprehensive dental services for children of all ages. By promoting good oral hygiene habits early and making regular check-ups a positive experience, we help build confidence in young patients while making dental care simple and affordable for families.
What is kids' dental?
Paediatric dentistry, or children’s dentistry, is the services and treatments given to those under the age of 18 for their oral health needs.
At this visit, your child can get comfortable with the dental chair and team, while our dentist gently checks their teeth and gums. We’ll also answer your questions and share tips for healthy habits at home.
From there, your child will receive standard dental care as they grow. This includes all of the usual treatments and services you would expect as an adult, including:
- Preventive care
- Routine dental cleaning
- Oral examinations
- Dental x-rays
- Fillings
- Orthodontics (plates or braces)
- Extractions
In addition to annual check-ups, it’s important to follow recommendations regarding treatments or procedures for dental issues.
How does kids' dental work?
As children grow, their baby teeth will slowly fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. This means there is a lot more change and development than in adult teeth, which is why children need regular check-ups to ensure everything is developing as it should and to treat or avoid problems before they arise.
Common issues
Decay happens when sugars and starches from food mix with bacteria in the mouth to form acids. These acids attack the enamel (the tooth’s hard outer surface), slowly weakening it over time. Children are especially vulnerable because their enamel is thinner than an adult’s.
Cavities are essentially the “holes” that form when tooth decay progresses. If plaque and bacteria aren’t cleaned away, the enamel breaks down further, creating permanent damage in the tooth surface. Left untreated, cavities can spread deeper, causing pain or infection.
Kids are energetic explorers, which means falls, bumps, or sports injuries can easily chip, crack, or knock out teeth. Baby teeth may also be more fragile than adult teeth, making them more prone to damage.
Prolonged sucking habits can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, sometimes leading to changes in the alignment of teeth or the shape of the palate (roof of the mouth). This may result in bite issues if the habit continues beyond the toddler years.
Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can come from plaque build-up, food particles stuck between teeth, or poor oral hygiene. Sometimes it’s linked to dry mouth, gum disease, or even tonsil or sinus infections.
Just like adults, children can get gingivitis – the earliest stage of gum disease. It usually shows up as red, swollen, or bleeding gums caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Catching it early is important, because it’s reversible with good care.
Some children grind their teeth during sleep or times of stress. This can wear down tooth enamel, cause jaw discomfort, or even headaches. In many cases, kids outgrow the habit, but it’s worth monitoring if the grinding is frequent or forceful.
Young children under the age of five will likely only need visual check-ups and basic cleanings. After the age of five, your dentist will likely suggest moving to x-ray check-ups to keep a better eye on teeth developing under the gum line.
When is it time to take your child to the dentist
By the age of two, it’s recommended your child has their first oral health assessment. At this visit, we gently check their teeth, gums, and mouth to make sure everything is developing normally and there are no early signs of decay. It’s also a chance for your child to get used to the dental chair in a calm, positive way. Some children may feel a little anxious, but our caring team works to make the experience relaxed and even enjoyable.
As your child grows, X-rays are usually introduced between the ages of 4–6. These images help us see how their teeth and gums are developing, detect any hidden cavities, and identify potential crowding that may need orthodontic care later.
To make visits as easy as possible, we recommend booking morning appointments when children are fresh and less likely to feel tired from a busy day at school or play.
Advantages of children’s dentistry
Looking after our children’s health is vital, and their oral health is a big part of that. Here are a few key advantages of paediatric dentistry:
Maintain good oral health during childhood: Dental pain can be rough, especially for young kids, which is why avoiding issues with regular check-ups and good dental hygiene habits is a good way to ensure great oral health during childhood.
Set up good habits for life: Taking your child to regular dental visits and teaching them the importance of dental hygiene will help to set them up with good habits and dental health for life.
Avoid dental problems as an adult: Childhood dental health is vital. Neglecting it can lead to lifelong discomfort and costly treatments. Preventative children's dentistry builds a strong foundation, helping your child avoid future problems.
Avoid dental fear: By starting dental visits early, you may be able to avoid the fear that some children (and plenty of adults) have of dentists and dentistry.
How much does kids' dental cost?
Children’s check-up costs vary, and specialist paediatric dentists may charge more. If your child is eligible for Medicare and meets requirements, they may access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides up to $1,132 over two years for basic treatments like check-ups, x-rays, cleans, fillings, and extractions.
Eligible families can use CDBS at DentArana straight away:
Child Dental Benefit Schedule
Did you know your child may be eligible for up to $1,132 in dental benefits through Medicare’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)? It’s a simple way to cover essential treatments and keep their smile healthy.
What to expect from your child’s dental appointment
Paediatric dental care is usually quite similar to adult check-ups but with a little more care and patience. Here’s what you can generally expect:
Maintaining your child's dental health at home
It is critical to establish healthy dental habits for your children, including brushing sessions at least twice a day for two minutes each session, as well as flossing when age-appropriate after two years old.
For young babies, use a cloth to clean their gums and when their teeth begin to appear, use a specially designed toothbrush for infants to keep their teeth healthy and clean.
Do not use any toothpaste until 18 months of age, at which time you may use a pea-size amount of children's toothpaste with low fluoride until two years of age. From ages two to eight, children may use a smear of regular children’s toothpaste for brushing their teeth. Additionally, aim for a diet that’s low in sugar, as sugar can cause tooth decay at any age.
Keep in mind that children younger than the age of six will need your assistance to brush their teeth properly. And don't forget to replace toothbrushes every three to four months.
Our goal is to help children develop healthy smiles that will last a lifetime; get in touch with our friendly team and schedule an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Children can begin to see a regular or paediatric dentist from around the age of one, or when their first tooth comes through if that happens sooner. Your dentist will advise you on when to come back for the next appointment, which could be six months or up to a year.
A specialised children’s dentist is called a paediatric dentist. These are dentists who specialise in offering treatment for children, but it’s likely you can visit your regular dentist as many also offer services for kids.
Some children may be anxious leading up to their dental appointment. You can reassure your child by talking about the visit positively, showing excitement, and talking about why it’s so important for their health.
Schedule your check-up today
Healthy smiles start young.
At DentArana, our gentle team makes every visit positive, stress-free, and fun for your child. Book their appointment today and set them up for a lifetime of confident smiles.
