--- title: Paediatric Dentistry canonical_url: https://directory.collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au/procedures/paediatric-dentistry/ category: description: geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # Paediatric Dentistry ## Collins Street Specialist Centre Paediatric Dentistry Collins Street Specialist Centre is a specialist dental practice dedicated to the oral health of children and young people, from infancy through to young adulthood. Paediatric dentistry is a specialised branch of dental care concerned entirely with the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years. Paediatric dentistry is a specialised branch of dental care concerned entirely with the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. Our paediatric dental team understands that early dental experiences shape a child's attitude toward oral health for life, which is why we prioritise gentle, compassionate, and evidence-based care from the very first visit. ## What is paediatric dentistry? Paediatric dentistry covers the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. Paediatric dentists complete additional years of specialised training beyond dental school, giving them the clinical skills and knowledge to address the dental, emotional, and developmental needs of young patients. Children are not simply small adults. Their teeth, jaws, and oral tissues are constantly growing and changing, and their dental needs differ significantly from those of adults. Paediatric dentists are trained to recognise and treat conditions specific to developing dentitions, manage dental anxiety in young patients, and guide parents and caregivers on best practice for maintaining their child's oral health at home. In Australia, specialist paediatric dentists are registered with AHPRA and hold specialist recognition — it is worth confirming your treating dentist's specialist status on the AHPRA register when seeking specialist paediatric dental care. ## Why paediatric dentistry matters Establishing sound oral health habits early in life is one of the most meaningful investments a parent can make in their child's overall wellbeing. Poor oral health in childhood can carry far-reaching consequences: - Pain and discomfort from untreated cavities or dental infections - Difficulty eating and speaking, which can affect nutrition and language development - Missed school days due to dental pain or unplanned emergency appointments - Knock-on effects on self-esteem associated with damaged or missing teeth - Increased risk of adult dental disease, given the well-established link between childhood oral health and long-term dental outcomes Children who receive regular, appropriate paediatric dental care are more likely to develop strong, healthy teeth, maintain positive associations with dental visits, and carry sound oral hygiene habits through into adulthood. ## When should my child first see a dentist? One of the most common questions parents bring to us is: when should my child have their first dental appointment? The widely accepted recommendation from dental professional associations is that a child should see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth — whichever comes first. This early visit serves several important purposes: 1. Assessing erupting teeth and jaw development 2. Identifying early risk factors for tooth decay or bite problems 3. Educating parents on feeding practices, teething, thumb-sucking, and oral hygiene 4. Familiarising your child with the dental environment in a low-pressure, supportive setting Early visits help normalise the dental experience for your child, reducing the likelihood of dental anxiety developing later in life. Collins Street Specialist Centre welcomes infants and toddlers for these important first visits, ensuring families receive the guidance they need from the very beginning. ## Common paediatric dental conditions Children can be affected by a wide range of dental conditions at different stages of development. Our specialist paediatric dental team — comprising Dental Board-registered Specialist Paediatric Dentists Dr Angel Babu, Dr Susan Hinckfuss, Dr Sarah Scott, and Dr Kesava — is experienced in diagnosing and managing all of the following. ### Early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay) Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases affecting young children. It develops from prolonged exposure of teeth to sugary liquids — including formula, breast milk, fruit juice, and sweetened drinks — particularly when children are settled to sleep with a bottle or sippy cup. ECC can progress rapidly in primary (baby) teeth, causing significant pain and potentially affecting the underlying permanent teeth. Management ranges from fluoride applications and dietary counselling through to restorative treatment or, in advanced cases, extraction under sedation or general anaesthesia. ### Tooth decay (dental caries) Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children worldwide. Caused by acid-producing bacteria that metabolise dietary sugars, tooth decay can affect both primary and permanent teeth. Left unmanaged, cavities can progress to infection, pain, and tooth loss. At Collins Street Specialist Centre, we take a preventive-first approach to tooth decay, combining regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, and evidence-based dietary advice to minimise your child's risk at every stage of development. ### Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) While commonly associated with adults, gum disease can also affect children. Gingivitis — inflammation of the gingival tissues caused by plaque accumulation — is particularly common in children and adolescents. Clinical signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Left unaddressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious infection affecting the bone supporting the teeth. Regular professional cleaning combined with thorough home care forms the cornerstone of gum disease prevention and management in young patients. ### Dental trauma Children are active and curious, which unfortunately means dental injuries are not uncommon. Falls, sporting collisions, and accidents can result in chipped or fractured teeth, displaced or knocked-out teeth, soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums, and root fractures. Prompt treatment is essential following dental trauma. If your child's permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist — ideally in milk or the child's own saliva — and seek emergency dental care immediately. Collins Street Specialist Centre is equipped to manage paediatric dental emergencies with both clinical skill and sensitivity to the distress these situations cause families. ### Malocclusion (bite problems) Malocclusion refers to misalignment of the teeth and jaws. Common presentations include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and dental crowding. While some malocclusions self-correct as a child grows, others warrant early intervention to prevent more complex problems in later years. Our paediatric dental team works collaboratively with orthodontic specialists to monitor jaw development and tooth eruption patterns, facilitating timely referral for orthodontic assessment when clinically indicated. ### Hypodontia and supernumerary teeth Some children are born with congenitally absent teeth (hypodontia) or additional supernumerary teeth. Both conditions can disrupt the eruption and alignment of adjacent teeth and may require monitoring, surgical management, or orthodontic intervention as part of a coordinated treatment plan. ### Enamel defects Enamel hypoplasia and molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are developmental conditions in which tooth enamel does not mineralise correctly, leaving affected teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. These conditions are increasingly identified in children and require tailored preventive and restorative management strategies. ## Preventive paediatric dentistry Prevention is the foundation of paediatric dental care at Collins Street Specialist Centre. Our preventive services are designed to protect your child's teeth and supporting structures at every stage of development. ### Dental check-ups and cleanings Regular six-monthly check-ups allow our team to monitor your child's oral development, detect problems early, and provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus that brushing and flossing alone cannot reliably eliminate. ### Fluoride treatments Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and increases its resistance to acid from oral bacteria and dietary sugars. Professional fluoride treatments — delivered as a varnish, gel, or foam — are a safe and effective preventive measure for reducing the risk of dental caries in children, with a well-established evidence base supporting their use. ### Fissure sealants The chewing surfaces of back teeth contain deep grooves and fissures that are difficult to clean and particularly susceptible to decay. Fissure sealants are thin, protective resin coatings applied to these surfaces to seal out bacteria and food debris. The procedure is quick, non-invasive, and can substantially reduce the risk of cavities in these high-risk areas. ### Oral hygiene instruction Teaching children to brush and floss correctly is one of the most enduring contributions we can make to their long-term oral health. Our team provides age-appropriate oral hygiene instruction for both children and their parents, covering technique, frequency, appropriate toothpaste selection, and the relationship between diet and dental health. ### Dietary counselling Diet is a significant determinant of dental health. Frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates — sugary foods and drinks in particular — is a primary risk factor for dental caries. Our paediatric dental team provides practical, evidence-based dietary guidance to help families make informed choices that support healthy teeth. ### Mouthguards Children who participate in contact or collision sports face a real risk of dental injury. Custom-fitted mouthguards, fabricated from impressions of your child's own teeth, offer substantially better protection than over-the-counter alternatives. Collins Street Specialist Centre can fabricate custom mouthguards to protect your child's teeth on the field, court, or oval. ## Managing dental anxiety in children Dental anxiety is common in children — and in many adults whose early dental experiences were less than positive. At Collins Street Specialist Centre, we are committed to creating a calm, welcoming, and child-centred environment in which young patients feel safe and genuinely at ease. ### Tell-show-do technique One of the most well-established strategies for managing dental anxiety in children is the tell-show-do technique. Collins Street Specialist Centre also offers teddy bear therapy — an approach originated by Dr Susan Hinckfuss — in which a child's own beloved toy acts as a 'co-patient' during treatment demonstrations, allowing the child to observe the procedure on a familiar companion before experiencing it themselves. This technique has proven particularly effective in reducing fear and building trust with anxious young patients. Before undertaking any procedure, the clinician explains what will happen (tell), demonstrates using instruments or models (show), and then proceeds with treatment (do). This approach reduces fear of the unknown and helps children feel informed and in control throughout their appointment. ### Positive reinforcement Praise, encouragement, and small rewards — such as stickers — can be remarkably effective in building a child's confidence and fostering positive associations with dental visits. Our team is trained in child-centred communication techniques designed to make dental appointments a constructive and, where possible, enjoyable experience. ### Nitrous oxide sedation For children with moderate dental anxiety or those requiring more extensive treatment, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) is a safe and well-tolerated option. Administered through a small nasal mask, it induces a relaxed and calm state while the child remains conscious and responsive throughout. The effects dissipate rapidly, and children are typically able to return to normal activities immediately after their appointment. ### General anaesthesia In some circumstances — particularly for very young children, children with significant dental anxiety, those with special healthcare needs, or those requiring comprehensive treatment — dental care under general anaesthesia may be the most appropriate recommendation. This allows thorough treatment to be completed safely in a single visit, minimising distress for both the child and their family. Collins Street Specialist Centre works closely with specialist anaesthetists to ensure the highest standards of safety and clinical care throughout this process. ## Paediatric dentistry for children with special healthcare needs Children with physical, developmental, cognitive, or complex medical conditions often present with unique oral health needs and may find standard dental appointments difficult to navigate. Collins Street Specialist Centre has substantial experience providing care for children across a wide range of special healthcare needs, including: - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Down syndrome - Cerebral palsy - Congenital cardiac conditions - Cleft lip and palate - Bleeding disorders and other systemic conditions with implications for dental management We work collaboratively with families, paediatricians, and other members of the treating healthcare team to develop individualised care plans that prioritise each child's comfort, safety, and oral health outcomes. ## The role of parents in paediatric dental health Parents and caregivers are the most important partners in a child's oral health journey. There are several practical ways families can support healthy dental development at home. ### Start early Begin cleaning your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth even before the first tooth erupts. Once the first tooth appears, transition to a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a smear of fluoride toothpaste — approximately the size of a grain of rice for children under two years of age. ### Supervise brushing Children typically do not develop the manual dexterity required to brush their teeth effectively without assistance until around seven or eight years of age. Parents should assist or closely supervise tooth brushing until this milestone is reached, ensuring that all tooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly twice daily. ### Limit sugary foods and drinks Reducing both the frequency and quantity of sugary snacks and beverages — particularly between meals — is one of the most effective strategies for preventing tooth decay. Water and plain milk are the most appropriate drink choices for children. ### Be mindful of bacterial transmission The bacteria primarily responsible for dental caries, *Streptococcus mutans*, can be transmitted from parent or caregiver to child through shared utensils, cups, or by cleaning a dummy in your own mouth. Awareness of these transmission pathways can meaningfully reduce your child's early exposure to decay-causing bacteria. ### Model good oral hygiene Children learn a great deal by observing the adults around them. Demonstrating consistent brushing and flossing habits, and speaking positively about dental visits, helps establish oral health as a normal and valued part of family life. ## Transitioning from paediatric to adult dental care As children move through adolescence and into young adulthood, their dental needs evolve considerably. The transition from paediatric to general or specialist adult dental care is a meaningful clinical milestone. Collins Street Specialist Centre supports families through this process, ensuring continuity of care and a well-coordinated handover to appropriate adult dental services when the time is right. Adolescents face a distinct set of oral health challenges: - Orthodontic treatment for alignment and occlusal correction - Wisdom tooth development and eruption, which may require monitoring or surgical management - Sports-related dental injuries, particularly in those participating in contact sports - Dietary habits, including increased consumption of energy drinks and acidic beverages - Oral piercings, which carry risks of tooth fracture and gingival recession - Tobacco and vaping, both of which pose serious and well-documented risks to oral and systemic health Our team provides age-appropriate education and clinical support to help adolescents make well-informed decisions about their oral health as they assume greater personal responsibility for it. ## Frequently asked questions about paediatric dentistry **At what age should my child start using toothpaste?** Fluoride toothpaste should be introduced as soon as the first tooth erupts. A smear (grain of rice size) is appropriate for children under two years of age, increasing to a pea-sized amount for children aged two to six years. **How often should my child see the dentist?** Most children benefit from dental check-ups every six months, though your treating dentist may recommend more or less frequent review depending on your child's individual risk profile and oral health status. **Are dental X-rays safe for children?** Yes. Contemporary digital dental radiography uses very low doses of radiation and is considered safe for children when clinically indicated. Radiographs are an important diagnostic tool, enabling clinicians to detect interproximal decay, monitor tooth development, and identify pathology not visible on clinical examination alone. Collins Street Specialist Centre uses current digital radiography equipment to minimise radiation exposure in line with the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle. **What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?** Unlike permanent teeth, avulsed primary teeth should not be reimplanted, as doing so carries a risk of damaging the developing permanent tooth beneath. You should contact Collins Street Specialist Centre promptly so that we can assess the injury, confirm the tooth is primary, and ensure no tooth fragments remain within the soft tissues. **My child grinds their teeth at night. Is this normal?** Bruxism (teeth grinding) is relatively common in children and frequently resolves on its own as the child matures. Persistent or severe grinding can result in tooth surface loss, jaw discomfort, and headaches. If you have concerns about your child's grinding habits, our team can assess the situation and advise on appropriate management strategies. **When will my child's permanent teeth come through?** Eruption of the permanent dentition typically begins around six years of age with the first permanent molars and lower incisors, continuing through until the late teens when the third molars (wisdom teeth) may emerge — if present. Considerable variation in eruption timing is entirely normal, and our team monitors dental development at each check-up to ensure progress is within expected parameters. ## Booking a paediatric dental appointment at Collins Street Specialist Centre Every child deserves a healthy, confident smile — and that begins with evidence-based, compassionate specialist paediatric dental care. Whether you are bringing your infant for their very first dental visit, seeking assessment and management of a specific concern, or establishing ongoing preventive care for your growing child, our specialist team is here to support you. Contact Collins Street Specialist Centre to learn more about our paediatric dental services or to arrange an appointment. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have and will work with you to find an appointment time that fits your family's schedule. ## Directory Entries ### [Childhood Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries)](https://directory.collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au/procedures/paediatric-dentistry/childhood-tooth-decay-early-childhood-caries.html) ### [Dental Anxiety in Children](https://directory.collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au/procedures/paediatric-dentistry/dental-anxiety-in-children.html) ### [Dental Trauma in Children](https://directory.collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au/procedures/paediatric-dentistry/dental-trauma-in-children.html) ### [Fissure Sealants for Children](https://directory.collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au/procedures/paediatric-dentistry/fissure-sealants-for-children.html) ### [Your Child's First Dental Visit](https://directory.collinsstreetspecialistcentre.com.au/procedures/paediatric-dentistry/your-child-s-first-dental-visit.html)