At Paediatric Dental Home, we help children prevent common dental problems by providing regular check-ups, cleanings, and fissure sealants.
We recommend regular biannual check-ups for children every six months. However, children who are at a higher risk of getting cavities may require more frequent visits, and we will advise you if this is necessary for your child.
During your child’s check-up, we will identify any signs of tooth decay, instruct on oral hygiene, evaluate gum health, monitor tooth eruption and assess jaw development.
As children age, x-rays may be needed at their dental appointments. We take x-rays only when necessary and will advise you if your child needs them. X-rays are very safe, and your child is exposed to minimal radiation.
Dental care for your baby should begin even before that first tooth appears. At Paediatric Dental Home, our specialists at both our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong practices recommend starting oral hygiene routines from birth.
For newborns and young infants, gently wipe the gums twice daily using a clean, damp washcloth or a soft infant finger brush. This not only keeps the mouth clean but also helps your baby become accustomed to having their mouth cleaned, establishing a foundation for good oral hygiene habits.
Once your baby's first tooth emerges (typically between 6 and 10 months of age), it's time to introduce a proper toothbrush. Select a small, soft-bristled toothbrush designed specifically for infants and use only a smear of age-appropriate, low-fluoride toothpaste—about the size of a grain of rice. Brush gently twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime.
As your child grows and more teeth appear, gradually increase the amount of toothpaste to a small pea-sized amount by age three. Continue to assist with brushing until your child is around 7-8 years old, as young children lack the manual dexterity to clean their teeth effectively on their own.
Remember that early childhood caries (tooth decay) can develop as soon as teeth appear, particularly if your baby sleeps with a bottle containing anything other than water. Avoid putting your baby to bed with milk, formula, juice or sweetened liquids to help prevent decay.
We recommend scheduling your baby's first dental visit at our Geelong or Hoppers Crossing paediatric dental clinic within six months after their first tooth erupts, or by their first birthday. This early visit allows our specialist paediatric dentists to assess your child's dental development and provide personalised advice for maintaining optimal oral health.
Establishing good oral hygiene habits early in life sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our friendly team is always available to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and answer any questions about caring for your baby's developing teeth.
During a dental cleaning, we polish the teeth with a special paste. This removes a sticky substance called plaque that builds up on teeth.
If your child needs help learning how to clean their teeth properly, we can use a special coloured dye to show the location of plaque. If we see any hard deposits, called tartar or calculus, on the teeth, we will complete a scaling treatment with our special ‘water toothbrush.’
Dr Anuj Batra initially qualified as a general dentist before undertaking specialist training in paediatric dentistry in New Zealand. He made Melbourne his home in 2012 and has since established ...
Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Alyssa Brooks completed her undergraduate dental training at the University of Melbourne. Following graduation, she relocated to the Victorian country town of Shepparton to ...
Dr Lucy Yu graduated with her dental degree from the University of Queensland before pursuing specialist training in paediatric dentistry at the University of Sydney. Her extensive professional journey includes ...
Some children have deep grooves and pits in their teeth, which can increase their susceptibility to dental decay. Commonly, primary or adult molar teeth tend to have deep grooves, and our dentists recommend fissure sealants if they think it will benefit your child’s teeth.
Fissure sealants are clear or white plastic coatings that our dentists place on children’s teeth to protect them and prevent future dental decay. They are noninvasive and straightforward to place.
Fissure sealants typically last a few years. However, when sealants wear down with time, they can be repaired or redone as needed.
Contact your Geelong and Hoppers Crossing paediatric dentists if it’s time to arrange your child’s next booking.
Our paperless digital record system at Paediatric Dental Home securely stores your child's complete dental history, treatment plans and images in one accessible location across our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong children's dental clinics. This advanced technology allows our team to instantly access and update information, track developmental milestones and share visual explanations with parents during consultations.
Digital records ensure seamless communication between our specialists, reduce wait times and eliminate paper waste—creating a more efficient, environmentally friendly practice. Rest assured that your child's information remains protected by the highest security standards while supporting our commitment to personalised, consistent care.