Children's dentistry
A gentle children's dentist in Dickson, from first tooth to teens
Your child should have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday3.
Dr Kaur keeps early visits short, gentle and fun, so your child gets to know the dentist before there's ever a problem.
When to book
Good times to bring your child in
Baby teeth matter: they help children eat and speak, and they guide adult teeth into place3. Tooth decay is the main reason children lose baby teeth early3.
- The first tooth appearsOr by their first birthday — whichever comes first3.
- No teeth by 12 monthsWorth a check with the dentist5.
- Dark spots or marksMarks on the teeth can be an early sign of decay3.
- Toothache or chewing on one sideChildren don't always say when something hurts.
- The bite doesn't meetIf the top and bottom teeth don't come together when your child bites3.
- Thumb or dummy sucking continuesEspecially as the adult teeth start to come through3.
- Mouth breathing or snoringBreathing through the mouth most of the time, or snoring, may affect how your child's jaws develop. Airway-focused dentistry.
At home
Brushing and toothpaste, age by age
Simple habits make the biggest difference. Here's what Australian health guidance recommends3.
| Age | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before teeth | Wipe the gums gently with a clean, damp cloth. |
| First tooth to 17 months | Brush with a soft brush and water only. No toothpaste unless your dentist advises it. |
| 18 months to 5 years | Brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Spit it out — don't swallow or rinse. |
| 6 years and over | Standard fluoride toothpaste, twice a day. Keep helping until about age 9. |
| Once two teeth touch | Start cleaning between them with floss. |
Also: never put your child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice, and never dip a dummy in honey or anything sweet35.
The first visit
Your child's first visit
No rush, no pressure. If today is just about saying hello, that's a good visit4.
- 1
Meet and greet
Your child can sit on your lap, ride the chair up and down, and meet Dr Kaur.
- 2
A gentle look
Dr Kaur counts and checks the teeth and gums, inside and outside the mouth4.
- 3
A little clean or fluoride
Only if your child is comfortable and it's needed4.
- 4
Your questions
Brushing, toothpaste, teething, dummies, bottles and snacks.
- 5
A plan
When to come back, and what to watch for at home.
Care for growing smiles
What children's dentistry includes
Check-ups and cleans
Regular visits to keep teeth healthy and catch problems early.
Fluoride treatments
Extra protection for teeth at higher risk of decay.
Cavity prevention
Diet and brushing advice, and fissure sealants on back teeth where Dr Kaur recommends them. Not every child needs them6.
Fillings
Gentle repair of decay in baby and adult teeth.
Growth and bite checks
Keeping an eye on how the teeth, jaws and bite develop. Early orthodontic assessment.
Laughing gas when appropriate
Nitrous oxide can help anxious children feel calmer. About laughing gas.
Who it's for
Babies, toddlers, school-age children and teens
We see children from their first tooth through to their teenage years — and parents are always welcome in the room.
- Babies and toddlers
- Short visits to build trust, plus advice on teething and brushing.
- School-age children
- Check-ups, prevention, and keeping an eye on adult teeth coming through.
- Teenagers
- Sport, braces or aligners, wisdom teeth — and more independence at visits.
Comfort, cost and funding
Making visits easy for families
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Eligible children aged 0–17 can receive up to $1,158 in benefits over two calendar years for basic dental care such as check-ups, X-rays, cleans, fillings and extractions1. It doesn't cover orthodontics or cosmetic treatment1. We bulk bill the CDBS. You don't need to apply — Services Australia sends eligible families a letter2. How the CDBS works.
Nervous children
We never force a worried child. Short, positive visits come first. Gentle care.
Family bookings
Ask about booking siblings together. Call us on 02 6160 0540.
Good to know
Things to consider
- Some children need more than one visit to feel comfortable. We'd rather take things slowly than create a bad memory.
- Thumb sucking is common in young children. If it continues as adult teeth come through, it can affect how the teeth and bite develop3.
- Mouth breathing most of the time, or snoring, is worth mentioning to your GP and to us7. Airway-focused dentistry.
Your dentist
Dr Amandeep Kaur
Dr Kaur is a general dentist with a particular interest in children's dentistry and how children's teeth and jaws develop. She'll explain your options clearly and take the time you need.
Meet Dr KaurQuestions
Children's dentistry: your questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
When their first tooth appears or by their first birthday — whichever comes first3.
Can a three-year-old go to the dentist?
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.
What toothpaste should my child use?
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.
How often should my child have a check-up?
Usually every 6 to 12 months. Dr Kaur will suggest what suits your child.
Do baby teeth need fillings if they'll fall out anyway?
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.
Is thumb sucking bad for my child's teeth?
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.
Keep exploring
Related services
Early orthodontics and growth guidance
Checking how your child's teeth, jaws and bite are developing as they grow.
About early orthodontics
Airway-focused dentistry
Looking at breathing, habits and jaw growth — and referring when something needs a closer look.
About airway-focused care
General dentistry
Check-ups, cleans, fillings and gum care to keep small problems small.
About general dentistry
Planning your visit
More articles for families- Your first visitWhat happens, what to bring, and how we get to know you.
- Fees and health fundsWritten estimates, claiming on the spot and the CDBS.
- Finding us on Cape StDirections, parking, the light rail and opening hours.
- About the clinicHow we care for families in Dickson and the inner north.
- Your child's first dental visit: when to go and what to expect5 min read
Sources
Health information on this page is general and based on the sources below. It isn't a substitute for advice about your own situation. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.
- 1.Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Guide to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (Version 16, October 2026)
- 2.Services Australia — Child Dental Benefits Schedule
- 3.healthdirect — Looking after your baby or child's teeth
- 4.Australian Dental Association — First dental visits
- 5.Australian Dental Association — Baby and toddler oral health
- 6.Australian Dental Association — Fissure sealants
- 7.healthdirect — Adenoids
Ready when you are
Questions about children's dentistry? Book a visit and Dr Kaur will talk you through your options.