Children's Dentistry

Paediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through to their teenage years. Professional dental care during these formative years is designed to support healthy development and minimise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

With statistics indicating that many Australian children experience tooth decay, our goal is to provide the clinical care and education necessary to maintain a healthy smile and address any developmental concerns early.

It is often thought that children do not need to see a dentist until they have a full set of primary (baby) teeth. However, early dental visits allow our team to monitor the development of the gums, lips, and oral cavity, as well as the teeth.

Regular assessments help our clinicians support your child’s oral health and identify any developmental concerns early. For this reason, many parents schedule their child’s first appointment when the first tooth emerges. Clinical guidelines recommend that children begin dental visits by 12 months of age.

It’s normal to feel anxious before your child’s first dental appointment but there’s no need to worry. At Bond Street, we put children and their parents at ease by providing thorough and straightforward advice in a caring and supportive environment. As well as giving your child a thorough checkup, their first dental appointment is a chance for our dentists to discuss:

• Teething
• Childhood habits like thumb sucking
• Your child’s bite (how the teeth will fit together)
• How to prevent decay
• Nutritional advice for optimal oral health

At Bond St, we provide a wide range of paediatric dental services in-house, ensuring continuity of care for your family. Our clinicians focus on providing a supportive environment for children while delivering essential oral health services, including:

• Preventive care and oral health education

• Comprehensive examinations and digital imaging

• Professional cleanings and routine reviews

• Restorative fillings

• Tooth extractions (where clinically indicated)

As part of a comprehensive preventive care programme, our dentists monitor the development of your child’s teeth and jaws. Assessing these factors early allows for the timely identification of developmental patterns that may benefit from orthodontic review.

Factors our clinicians monitor during a paediatric assessment include:

• Bite Alignment: How the upper and lower teeth meet.

• Spacing and Crowding: Including protruding or missing teeth.

• Functional Habits: Such as prolonged thumb sucking or difficulties with chewing.

• Early Loss of Primary Teeth: Which can affect the eruption of permanent teeth.

If developmental concerns are identified, we will provide a referral to a specialist orthodontist for a detailed evaluation. Early assessment is designed to monitor growth and determine if interceptive care is clinically indicated.

Establishing a thorough oral hygiene routine from an early age is an important step in supporting a child’s long-term dental health. Learning effective brushing and flossing techniques early helps to reduce the risk of decay and promotes healthy habits for the future.

The following tips can help you support your child’s dental routine:

• Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled brush appropriate for your child’s age. Many children find an electric toothbrush helps them clean more effectively.

• Age-Appropriate Toothpaste: For children under 18 months, cleaning with water and a soft brush is typically sufficient. Consult your dentist regarding when to introduce fluoridated toothpaste.

• Assisted Flossing: We recommend flossing for your child until they have the manual dexterity to do so themselves (usually around age 7–8).

• Interactive Habits: Encourage your child by making brushing an engaging part of their morning and evening routine.

• Tongue Brushing: Remember to gently brush the surface of the tongue to help remove bacteria.

• Supervised Brushing: Even once children begin brushing independently, regular supervision helps ensure they are effectively removing plaque from all surfaces.