Children's dentistry · Broadmeadows
Children's dentist in Broadmeadows
Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows looks after children from their first dental visit, ideally by age two, through to their teens. Visits focus on prevention and building confidence. Eligible children are bulk billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
What do you need help with?
- Can my child get free dental care?How the Child Dental Benefits Schedule works, and who is eligible.→
- It's my child's first visitWhat happens, what to bring, and how to prepare them.→
- What will it cost?Children's check-up fees, CDBS and health funds.→
- I can see white spots on their teethWhat white marks can mean, and when to get them checked.→
- My child knocked out or broke a toothWhat to do now. Don't put a baby tooth back in.→
- My child has a toothacheCommon causes and when to call.→
When does a child need to be seen urgently?
Go to hospital or call 000
- Swelling of the face or neck that is spreading, or trouble breathing or swallowing
- A knock to the head with drowsiness, vomiting or confusion
- Bleeding from the mouth that won't stop with firm pressure
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- A knocked-out adult tooth (keep it in milk and come straight in)
- A knocked-out or broken baby tooth, to check for other injuries
- Toothache that keeps your child awake, or a swollen gum
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- A small chip with no pain
- White or brown spots you have noticed
- Crooked adult teeth coming through
Why do children's teeth need early care?
Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth, and they help children eat, speak and smile with confidence. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, and early signs are easy for families to miss. Regular check-ups catch problems while they're small, and help children get used to the dentist before they ever need treatment.
What care do children need at each age?
- Babies and toddlers. First dental check by age two. Wipe gums before teeth appear, and don't put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
- Preschoolers. Regular check-ups, fluoride, and building positive visits. Help with brushing twice a day.
- School age. Adult teeth come through. Ask about fissure sealants for back teeth, and a custom mouthguard for contact sport.
- Teenagers. Keeping up check-ups, checking bite and alignment, and monitoring wisdom teeth.
How much toothpaste should children use?
Victorian health guidance recommends water only, no toothpaste, until 18 months. From 18 months until six, use a pea-sized amount of children's fluoride toothpaste, or a non-fluoride alternative if that is your preference. From six, standard fluoride toothpaste or a non-fluoride alternative. Ask your child to spit, not rinse. Most children need help or supervision with brushing until around eight, and often longer.
If your child uses a non-fluoride toothpaste, we recommend a check-up every four months rather than every six, because fluoride is the main protection against decay and its absence needs to be made up for with closer watching. Toothpaste and flossing recommendations are made for each child at their regular hygiene appointments, not from a general rule.
What if my child is nervous?
Fear of the unknown, strange sounds or stories from other kids can make children anxious. We use clear, age-appropriate explanations and a tell, show, then do approach, keep early visits short and positive, and never rush. At home, read books about the dentist, use positive words and try not to share your own worries.
What does a first visit look like?
Ten seconds from a child's visit at Y3 Smiles Dental, filmed with her family's consent.
Can my child get dental care bulk billed?
Many families can. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule gives eligible children a capped benefit for basic dental services over two years, and Y3 Smiles Dental bulk bills eligible children within that limit. See CDBS bulk billing for who qualifies, or children's dental costs if your child isn't eligible.
Who will see your child?
Children's dental care at Y3 Smiles Dental is led by principal dentist Dr Fatima Kurnaz. We're at Unit 1/34 King William St, Broadmeadows, open Monday to Saturday. Back to the Y3 Smiles Dental home page.
Kids and teeth, on our Instagram
Other questions people ask
When should my child first see a dentist?
By the time they turn two. Early visits help build good habits and catch problems early, and you are welcome to bring a younger child along to a family appointment to get used to the room.
How often should children have a check-up?
Most children benefit from a check-up every six months. Children at higher risk of decay may need to come more often.
Are dental x-rays safe for children?
Dental x-rays use a very small amount of radiation. We only take them when they are needed to see something that can't be seen in the examination.
Can I stay with my child during the appointment?
Yes. Parents and carers stay with their child, and younger children often sit on a parent's lap for their first visits.
Do you see teenagers?
Yes. We see children and teenagers up to adulthood, including check-ups, sports mouthguards and keeping an eye on wisdom teeth.