Frequently asked questions

Yes. We welcome new patients and families of all ages. Book a visit or call 02 6160 0540.

We get to know you, check your teeth, gums and bite, take X-rays only if they're needed, and explain what we find and your options before any treatment. Your first visit.

Your health fund card, your Medicare card (and your child's CDBS letter if you have one), a list of any medicines you take, and previous X-rays if you have them¹.

Send us a booking request and we'll call you to confirm a time, or call us on 02 6160 0540.

We recommend booking ahead so we can give you enough time. Walk-ins are welcome if we have availability — call first to check.

Yes. Please let us know at least 24 hours ahead so we can offer the time to someone else.

Most people need a check-up every 6 to 12 months. Dr Kaur will recommend a timing based on the health of your teeth and gums².

No. X-rays are recommended only when they're clinically useful, based on your dental history, your risk and what we see.

Saturdays are by appointment. Our weekday hours are 8:30am–5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Plenty of on-street parking, plus a car park behind the clinic. About a five-minute walk from the Dickson light rail stop on Northbourne Avenue.

When their first tooth appears or by their first birthday — whichever comes first³.

Yes. Ideally they'll have had their first visit by then³. Early visits are short and gentle, and you can stay close the whole time.

Under 18 months, brush with water only unless your dentist advises otherwise. From 18 months to 5 years, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and spit, don't rinse. From 6, standard fluoride toothpaste³.

Usually every 6 to 12 months. Dr Kaur will suggest what suits your child².

Often, yes. Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth, and decay can cause pain and infection³. Dr Kaur will explain the options for your child's tooth.

Thumb sucking becomes a dental concern around age 3, especially if it is frequent or forceful. Aim to gently stop the habit by this age. Continuing beyond 3–4 years can affect tooth alignment and the shape of the mouth, causing protruding front teeth or a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when biting. The risk depends on how often, how strongly and how long the child sucks their thumb. Arrange a dental check if the habit persists or you notice bite changes.

Yes. Younger children usually sit on a parent's lap for their first visits.

An orthodontic assessment is recommended between 7 and 10 years of age⁴ — earlier if you notice something that worries you.

Treatment while a child is still growing to guide the jaws or make room for adult teeth, used only when there's a clear reason. Most children just need monitoring⁴.

No. Most children are simply monitored⁴. Treatment is only suggested when there's a clear reason, and Dr Kaur will explain it.

Dr Kaur is a general dentist with additional training in orthodontics. She is not a registered specialist orthodontist.

Looking at how a child breathes, swallows and rests their tongue and lips, alongside their teeth and jaws — and referring to the right health professional when something needs a closer look. About airway-focused care.

There's no single right age. Dr Kaur looks at breathing and habits as part of every child's check-up, from the first visits.

Common reasons include colds, allergies and enlarged adenoids or tonsils. If it happens most of the time, including at night, check with your GP and mention it at your child's next dental visit⁵.

Studies link mouth breathing in children with differences in how the jaws grow and how the teeth meet. The evidence shows a link rather than cause and effect, and its quality is limited⁶.

Start with your GP. Snoring most nights, gasping or pauses in breathing need a medical check, and a doctor can arrange further tests⁵. Let Dr Kaur know too.

It depends on your teeth and bite. Dr Kaur will tell you whether aligners suit you, or whether braces or a specialist referral would work better⁴.

No. They're clear and less noticeable than braces, but people may see them up close⁴.

Take them out to eat. Drinking anything other than water with them in can trap liquid against your teeth⁴.

It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Dr Kaur will give you an estimate at your consultation.

The Australian Dental Association doesn't recommend do-it-yourself orthodontics, because there's no in-person examination first⁴⁷.

It depends on how much your teeth need to move. You'll get a full written estimate before you start. Aligners aren't covered by the CDBS⁸.

Whitening is considered safe and effective when done by, or under the supervision of, a dentist following professional directions. Temporary sensitivity and gum irritation are the most common side effects⁹.

Used under dental supervision, whitening is considered safe; sensitivity and gum irritation are the usual side effects⁹. Whitening kits used without a dental check can put you at risk¹⁰.

No. Whitening only lightens natural enamel, so existing crowns, veneers or white fillings may not match afterwards¹¹.

It isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding¹⁰.

It varies. Veneers may need repair or replacement over time, and Dr Kaur will explain how to look after yours¹².

Most people find it fine. If your gums are sensitive, tell us — we can go slowly and take breaks.

Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which is usually reversible with good brushing, cleaning between teeth and a professional clean¹³.

It depends on where the tooth is, how your teeth bite together and how big the filling is. Dr Kaur will explain the choices¹⁴.

Smaller areas of damage can usually be filled. A crown may be recommended for a tooth that's badly broken, cracked or heavily filled¹².

Usually two — one to prepare the tooth and take a mould or scan, and one to fit the crown¹². Where suitable, a crown can be completed in a single visit.

Sometimes. Where it suits the tooth, your crown can be designed, made and fitted in a single visit. Dr Kaur will tell you if it's an option for you.

Not necessarily. Crowns can need repair or replacement over time¹².

Hold it by the crown, rinse it quickly if dirty, and put it back in place or keep it in milk. See a dentist ideally within 30 minutes¹⁵. Dental first aid.

No. Rinse your child's mouth with salt water, use an ice pack if it's swollen, and bring your child in¹⁵.

If you have trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing, or swelling near your eye or neck, call 000 or go to an emergency department¹⁶. Otherwise, call us.

No. See a dentist or doctor urgently¹⁷.

Antibiotics alone don't cure a tooth infection — the cause needs dental treatment¹⁷¹⁸.

Call us as early in the day as you can on 02 6160 0540. We'll do our best to see you as soon as possible.

Yes. Tell us when you book. We'll take our time, explain each step and agree a stop signal before we start. Gentle care for nervous patients.

Never. Many people put off the dentist. We'll start with a conversation, and nothing happens without your agreement.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas, or happy gas) is a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen you breathe through a small nose mask. It's a commonly used minimal sedation technique: you stay awake and can talk throughout¹⁹.

Yes. A family member or friend is welcome to come with you.

A Medicare program that helps eligible children aged 0–17 with basic dental care, up to $1,158 over two calendar years⁸. How the CDBS works.

Your child may be eligible if they're eligible for Medicare and you or they receive an eligible government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. Services Australia sends eligible families a letter⁸¹²⁰.

Yes. We bulk bill the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, so there's nothing to pay for covered treatment while your child has benefits left. How the CDBS works.

No. It doesn't cover orthodontics or cosmetic treatment⁸.

We accept all major health funds and are an HCF preferred provider. Claim on the spot with HICAPS, so you only pay the gap on the day.

Not for most adults in private clinics². The Child Dental Benefits Schedule helps eligible children⁸.

We accept EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard. Payment plans are available. Ask our friendly team about the options. You'll always know the cost before treatment.

Yes. We treat Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patients. Call 02 6160 0540 if you have questions about your cover.