Dental checks for young children

First dental check by age 1

All children should have their teeth and mouth check by the time they turn 1.

This check can be done by an a qualified dental practitioner, such as an oral health therapist, dentist, dental therapist or dental hygienist.

It might also be done by a trained non-dental health professional, such as a maternal and child health nurse, doctor or practice nurse. These professionals will refer your child to a dental clinic if necessary.

Regular dental check-ups are important for children

Dental checks are important because:

• the early signs of tooth decay and other problems can easily be missed by families
• small problems can be treated before they become larger problems
• they give you a chance to ask questions or talk about any concerns you may have
• your dental practitioner can help your child avoid decay with treatments such as fluoride application and dental sealants
• children get to know the dental staff and become familiar with the process of visiting the dental clinic.

Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels that determine how often they should have a check-up. Talk with your dental practitioner about how often your child needs a check-up.

For more information about the types of dental services available, see Seeing a dentist or other dental health practitioner

Tips for positive dental visits

Here are some ways you can help make your child's visit to the dental clinic a positive one:

• Make sure you only say positive things about your dental experiences in front of children
• Prepare your child for what to expect by reading story books about dental visits or by 'playing dentist' at home.
• Take your child with you when you have a dental check so that they can see what happens.
• Talk about dental visits being a part of their regular routine that helps to keep them healthy. Highlight the new, interesting, and fun aspects of visiting the dental clinic.
• Make dental appointments early in the day so your child is not tired.
• Arrive a little before the appointment time to let your child become familiar with the new surroundings.
• During the dental visit, let the dental practitioner have your child's full attention. They are trained to be gentle and make your child feel comfortable during the check-up.
• Combine the dental visit with a fun activity afterwards like a trip to the park or having a friend over to play.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Commonwealth Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covers some or all of the cost of basic dental treatments over a two year period for eligible children.

A child is eligible if they are aged 0–17 years, are eligible for Medicare and you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or another relevant Australian Government payment.

CDBS can be used in the Victorian Public Dental Service or participating private dental clinics

See the Services Australia website for more information.

Victorian public dental healthcare

Oral Health Victoria (OHV) provides public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne and over 50 integrated and registered community health services.

All children aged 0-12 can use public dental services at a low cost or for free, depending on their eligibility.

See the OHV website to find your local public dental clinic and for more information about fees.

Private dental healthcare

Many families have a regular private dental practitioner that they visit. If you would like your child to see a private dental practitioner but you do not have a regular one, it is a good idea to ask family, friends or people in your local area to suggest someone.

Fees for private dental healthcare

Private dentists and dental practitioners set their own fees, which can vary depending on the practitioner and the type of treatment required.

These costs can be offset if:

• your child qualifies for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and the dental clinic you attend accepts the scheme (be sure to ask the clinic about any potential copayments)
• you have dental insurance, which is offered under many private health insurance policies or as an insurance extra.

See the Australian Dental Association's'Find a Dentist' page for more information.

Keeping children’s teeth healthy

You can help to keep your child’s teeth healthy by:

• Never putting children into bed with a bottle. As the child sleeps, milk can pool in the mouth and the lactose sugar in the milk feeds the bacteria that cause decay. Saliva flow is low during sleep, so does not protect against damage.
• Cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear (usually around 6 months of age) using only water and a clean damp cloth or small soft-bristled toothbrush.
• From 18 months of age to 6 years, brush teeth twice a day using low-fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. After brushing, spit out toothpaste but don’t rinse.
• Helping your child to brush their teeth twice a day – in the morning after breakfast and before bed at night. Do this until they are about seven or eight years old to make sure every surface gets cleaned well.
• Offering a wide variety of nutritious foods and have healthy snacks on hand.
• Avoiding or limiting food and drinks containing sugars (e.g. soft drink, fruit juices, cordial, sports drinks, energy drinks, and hot drinks sweetened with sugar or honey), especially between meals. Frequently eating sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay.
• Offering tap water regularly. Fluoride in tap water is a natural substance which helps protect against tooth decay. Most of Victoria’s tap water has fluoride in it, which is good for teeth and safe to drink.

Where to get help

• Your dentist or other dental practitioner
• Oral Health Victoria provide public dental services through the Royal Dental Hospital Of Melbourne and community dental clinics for eligible people. For more information about public dental services call (03) 9341 1000, or 1800 833 039 (outside Melbourne metro)
• Australian Dental Association 'Find a Dentist' or call (03) 8825 4600
• Your GP (doctor)
• Maternal and child health nurse.