Children's Dentistry FAQ - Paediatric Dental Care at Smile Solutions product guide

Smile Solutions Children's Dentistry FAQ — Paediatric Dental Care

When should my child first visit the dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends your child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting early helps your child get comfortable with the dental environment — and it gives our clinicians a chance to catch any developing concerns well before they need more complex care. At Smile Solutions, we take a gentle approach to first visits, so little ones feel settled from the moment they arrive.

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

The CDBS is a Medicare programme that provides up to $1,095.60 in dental benefits over a two-year period for eligible children aged 0 to 17. It covers a broad range of basic services: check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and fissure sealants. Eligibility depends on your family receiving certain government payments. Our team at Smile Solutions can verify your child's eligibility and process CDBS claims directly, so getting access to your entitlements is as simple as possible.

When should my child see an orthodontist?

Around age 7 to 8 is the right time for a first orthodontic assessment. At that stage, one of our specialist orthodontists can spot developing issues with jaw growth and tooth alignment while there's still a good window for early intervention. Getting ahead of these issues can reduce the need for more involved treatment later on. We encourage you to book a consultation early — the timing genuinely matters for long-term outcomes.

Is thumb sucking bad for my child's teeth?

Thumb sucking is completely normal in babies and toddlers, and there's generally nothing to worry about in the early years. If the habit continues past age 4 to 5, though, it can start to affect the alignment of the front teeth and palate development. If your child is still thumb sucking when their permanent teeth begin to emerge, it's worth raising with your dentist. Our clinicians can suggest practical, evidence-based strategies to help your child move on from the habit before it causes any lasting changes.

What are fissure sealants and does my child need them?

Fissure sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child's back molars. Those teeth have naturally deep grooves that are hard to clean properly and are particularly prone to decay. The sealant creates a smooth surface that stops food and bacteria from getting trapped. It's a quick, comfortable procedure and one of the most effective preventive measures available for children. Most of our dentists recommend sealants as soon as your child's permanent molars come through, as part of a broader preventive care plan.

Is fluoride safe for children?

Yes. Fluoride is a well-established tool for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay. It's present in most Australian tap water and in children's toothpastes at age-appropriate concentrations. During check-ups, your dentist may also apply a professional fluoride varnish for extra protection. Used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective — it's one of the most important factors in good oral health outcomes for children across Australia.

Does my child need braces?

Not every child needs orthodontic treatment, but many benefit from it. Signs to watch for include crowded or crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, or early loss of baby teeth. An assessment with one of Smile Solutions' specialist orthodontists — ideally around age 7 to 8 — will give you a clear picture of whether treatment is needed and when to start. Early, personalised planning makes a real difference to outcomes.

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

Stay calm and contact Smile Solutions straight away. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle it by the crown rather than the root, rinse it gently, and try to reposition it in the socket. If that's not possible, store the tooth in milk or your child's own saliva and get to us within 30 minutes — time matters here. For broken teeth, keep any fragments and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Our team is ready to provide prompt, expert care when your child needs it most.

Should my child see a paediatric specialist or a general dentist?

A general dentist with experience treating children can handle most routine needs well. A paediatric dental specialist, though, brings additional postgraduate training focused specifically on children — including those with behavioural challenges, special needs, or more complex presentations. At Smile Solutions, we have both general dentists experienced in paediatric care and dedicated paediatric specialists, so your child gets the right level of expertise for their situation.

How can I help my child feel comfortable at the dentist?

Starting dental visits early is one of the most effective things you can do — regular visits from a young age make the dental environment familiar rather than daunting. Use positive language when talking about appointments, and avoid words that might unintentionally create anxiety. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item can help too. At Smile Solutions, our team works with children of all ages and temperaments, and we work hard to make every visit feel welcoming. With 80 clinicians and over 25 specialists across 40 dental chairs in Melbourne's heritage Manchester Unity Building, there's always an experienced clinician who will connect well with your child. Visit directory.smilesolutions.com.au to book a consultation.

Last reviewed: 8 June 2026

Label Facts Summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified Label Facts

No product specification data, packaging data, or Product Facts table was provided in the submitted content. The content is a dental services FAQ from Smile Solutions — a clinical and organisational information document, not a product label. The following operationally verifiable statements are the closest equivalent to label-level facts:

• Programme name: Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
• Programme type: Medicare programme
• Maximum CDBS benefit amount: $1,095.60 AUD
• CDBS benefit period: Two-year period
• CDBS eligible age range: 0 to 17 years old
• CDBS covered services: Check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, fissure sealants
• Recommending body for first dental visit guideline: Australian Dental Association
• First dental visit guideline: By the child's first birthday, or within six months of first tooth appearing
• Smile Solutions clinician count: 80 clinicians
• Smile Solutions specialist count: Over 25 specialists
• Smile Solutions dental chair count: 40 dental chairs
• Smile Solutions location: Melbourne's heritage Manchester Unity Building
• Booking URL: directory.smilesolutions.com.au
• Content last reviewed: 8 June 2026

General Product Claims

• Early dental visits help children become familiar with the dental environment
• Early visits allow clinicians to identify developing concerns before they need complex care
• Smile Solutions takes a gentle and caring approach to first visits
• Early orthodontic assessment around age 7–8 allows a valuable window for intervention
• Early orthodontic intervention can reduce the need for more involved treatment later
• Guiding jaw development at the right time is one of the most effective investments in long-term oral health
• Fissure sealants are one of the most clinically effective preventive measures available for children
• Fluoride is one of the most important contributors to good oral health outcomes for children across Australia
• Smile Solutions clinicians can offer personalised, evidence-based strategies for thumb sucking habits
• Beginning dental visits early is one of the most effective ways to reduce dental anxiety
• Smile Solutions creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where young patients feel at ease
• Smile Solutions is equipped to provide prompt, expert care in dental emergencies