Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Children's Dentistry

According to Better Health, every child should have their first dental check by age two. Each patient has different oral health needs that determines how often they should visit the dentist. Your oral health professional can let you know how often your child should receive checkups.

Everyone on our team has several years of experience catering to children's unique oral health concerns and comforts. From toddlers and school-age children to teenagers, we can provide your child with exceptional dental care in a caring and relaxing environment. 

Routine dental visits allow us to check your child's mouth for tooth decay, gum disease, proper growth and development and much more. During these visits, we can also discuss your child's oral health milestones, nutrition, habits and behaviours (e.g., thumb-sucking) and oral hygiene tips for home.

Children's Dental Exams and Cleans in Pascoe Vale, VIC

Instead of waiting for a problem to arise, we invite you to arrange your child's dental checkup today. Our kind and professional team looks forward to meeting you and your child and welcoming your family to our dental clinic in Pascoe Vale, VIC. We welcome your call if you have any questions or concerns about your child's dental visit. 

The correct amount of toothpaste for children depends on their age: use a rice grain-sized smear (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under three years, and a pea-sized amount for children aged three to six. Proper toothpaste portioning is crucial for effective cleaning and minimising fluoride ingestion, especially important during a child's developmental years.

Age-Based Toothpaste Guidelines

Birth to 18 Months

When the first baby tooth erupts, brush with a clean, damp toothbrush or a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste. At this stage, the goal is to establish the brushing routine and gently clean emerging teeth.

18 Months to Three Years

Continue using a rice grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. This small amount provides cavity protection while minimising what gets swallowed. Supervise brushing and encourage spitting, though many children haven’t developed this skill yet. 

Three to Six Years

Graduate to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. By this age, most children should be learning to spit after brushing. Continue to supervise and assist with brushing, especially reaching back teeth.

Six Years and Older

Continue with a pea-sized amount, though children become more independent with brushing. Supervision remains important until around age seven or eight, when their manual dexterity is more developed. 

Need More Guidance on Kids' Oral Habits?

The team at Lumino Smiles is always happy to answer your questions. If it's time for your child's next check-up, call our Pascoe Vale dental clinic to arrange an appointment. 

Good dental hygiene habits start early, and when your children are young is the best time to reinforce them. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Clean your child’s mouth every day, even if he or she doesn’t have teeth yet. You can take a soft cloth and clean along their gums to get them used to the process. After teeth grow in, use a small child’s brush with soft bristles to gently brush teeth twice each day.
• When your children are old enough, help them brush their teeth. Because youngsters lack the dexterity to brush their own teeth properly until they are about eight years old, you’ll need to supervise the process to ensure it is done right.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride. There are many flavours of toothpaste available in shops that your child will enjoy. Just a tiny amount of toothpaste on the brush is adequate.
• Set a good example. Brush your teeth alongside your child. When mums and dads are good role models for oral health care, kids are more apt to pick up good habits.
• Bring your child in for a check-up at our Pascoe Vale, VIC dental clinic where we are happy to provide children’s dentistry services.

Talking To Your Pascoe Vale Children's Dentist Is Important

We believe that taking a proactive approach to your child's dental health is important. If you're wondering about your child's dental care, or when to bring them in, please don't hesitate to contact us at Lumino Smiles Dental. We look forward to seeing your entire family. 

Our team at Lumino Smiles Dental treats patients of all ages, including children and teenagers. We believe a healthy smile often starts in the early years, and we are delighted to help our young patients care for their teeth and gums. One way we care for children’s smiles is through routine dental exams and cleans in Pascoe Vale. 

What We Do for Kids' Exams and Cleans

We typically recommend seeing children for their first checkup when their first tooth erupts or before their first birthday. As children get older, we encourage parents to schedule exams and cleans for them every six months to prevent decay and gingivitis before they even begin. We also monitor the growth and development of their teeth, gums, bite, jaws, and oral tissues.  

During a child’s exam and clean, we do the following: 

• Digital dental x-rays, if needed
• Evaluate the risk of cavities and gingivitis 
• Remove dental plaque and tartar 
• Gently clean, floss, and polish teeth 
• Apply fluoride treatment 
• Apply sealants or fillings, if needed

Whatever your child may need, we are here to provide support and treatment to keep their smiles strong and sparkling. 

Family Dentistry in Fun and Positive Setting

We make early visits fun for children and teens, and we always strive to make our young patients feel safe and at ease—no matter what age. Our dental team has many years of experience helping young patients and their families keep their teeth strong, fresh, and bright. Whether you're one or 101, we can help you at Lumino Smiles Dental!

We invite you to arrange your or your child's dental checkup and clean by calling our clinic or contacting us online. 

We love welcoming children to our dental clinic. Our entire staff is dedicated to making our youngest patients feel comfortable and welcome.

Early childhood dental appointments allow Dr Amir and our hygienist to ensure that your child is developing normally and help prevent common childhood dental conditions, such as decay.

Is your clinic a family practice?

We take great pride in being a family-friendly practice. We gladly accommodate each and every member of the family. We even encourage parents to bring along their little ones to their dental appointments so the children can get used to the practice and create the habit of going to the dentist regularly. 

When Should My Child Have Their First Dental Appointment?

We recommend that your child have their first dental visit about six months after their first tooth appears. This is a great time for parents to discuss important topics such as home care, habits such as thumb sucking and nutritional support for healthy teeth.

Can We Minimise the Need for Braces for My Child?

Dr Amir takes a proactive approach to orthodontics and will evaluate your child around age six or seven to determine if early orthodontic treatment will benefit their development. These early orthodontic treatments often reduce their time in braces in the future and prevent the need for orthodontic-related tooth extractions.

Is It Normal for Children to Snore?

Regular snoring is not normal for children and may indicate a medical condition called obstructive sleep apnoea. A sleep evaluation can reveal the underlying cause of snoring and may prevent neurological and developmental problems.

Should I Be Worried if My Child Grinds Their Teeth?

Anytime a child or adult grinds their teeth regularly, it is best to seek advice from a qualified practitioner as it can indicate an underlying medical or dental condition that requires treatment. Call our office if you have questions.