We’re the Friendly Dentists for Your Child

What is Paediatric Dentistry?

Adults aren’t the only ones who need good dental care. Little ones all the way up to older-aged teens still need regular check-ups and, where there are any issues, professional dental treatment. That’s where our friendly team of children’s dentists come in.

Our kid’s dental services are tailored to provide exceptional care and support to children. We specialise in offering high-quality treatment in a comfortable, non-scary environment, reducing anxiety and improving your child’s experience with their oral health.

Here at Mulgrave Dental Group, it’s our goal to make every visit enjoyable and stress free, helping your children establish good oral health habits which last a lifetime.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for not only maintaining optimal oral health, but also building a healthy, anxiety-free relationship with the dentist that lasts their whole life.

Our skilled paediatric dentists are very thorough, able to detect signs of dental issues early so that they can be addressed. Then, professional cleaning helps to prevent cavities and gum disease, ensuring your child’s smile stays healthy and bright.

By bringing in your child to see us regularly, we can keep an eye on what’s going on under the surface of their teeth. We’ll utilise modern, safe dental X-ray technology to get a comprehensive look of their oral structures, aiding in the early detection of any hidden issues that require attention. This is a non-invasive procedure and extremely valuable for our treatment of their oral health.

If your child experiences tooth decay or cavities, we can clean and repair that damage with a gentle dental care approach and custom-designed restorations which seamlessly blend with their natural teeth.

Early orthodontic evaluation is essential to monitoring the development of your child’s teeth and jaw. When we identify potential alignment issues early, we can intervene sooner than later and create better outcomes - potentially avoiding the need for more extensive treatments later in life.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. You’ll need to supervise while they’re younger, making certain that they’re doing it correctly and thoroughly.

Age-Specific Oral Care Practices

As your child's teeth develop, their oral care needs to evolve too. For infants, gently clean their gums with a soft, damp cloth after each feeding. Once their first tooth erupts, switch to a baby toothbrush and use water. When their baby teeth have erupted enough to touch, you can introduce flossing between the teeth.

Choose Age-Appropriate Toothpaste

For children aged 3 and above, use a fluoride toothpaste approved by dental professionals. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protects against cavities. Remember, a little goes a long way - use only a pea-sized amount.

Promote a Healthy Diet

Your child’s diet contributes quite a lot to the well-being of their teeth. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks as these are notorious for leading to tooth decay. Instead, encourage your little ones to eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and water as healthier alternatives.

Reduce Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common habits among children, but if they go on too long then it can start to affect their teeth, causing problems such as an open bite. While most children outgrow these habits naturally, in any case where they do not, you may need to wean them away from the pacifier yourself. Praising their efforts to stop and using positive reinforcement can really help here.

Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child about every six months. These visits allow our experienced paediatric dentists to monitor their oral health, detect any issues early and provide necessary preventive care. It also helps get your child used to the idea of visiting the dentist, which can reduce anxiety in future and encourage them to keep going even as an adult.

Be a Good Role Model

Children tend to mimic their parents' behaviour so you have a great opportunity to show them how it’s done! Stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine of your own and show your children how you do it. Additionally, try to get to the dentist regularly yourself, normalising regular check-ups in your household. Adults should generally visit one to two times a year.

As soon as you step into our dental practice, you and your child will be greeted with smiles and a friendly environment designed to make them feel safe and comfortable. Our dedicated paediatric dental area is thoughtfully decorated with vibrant colours and engaging décor, providing a cheerful and inviting space for your child's visit.

We understand that dental care for children requires special consideration. Our kid’s dental team utilises age-appropriate equipment and techniques to ensure your child's comfort and well-being throughout their visit. Our gentle and patient approach helps children build trust and confidence in dental care from an early age.

We’re passionate about children's dental health. With years of experience and specialised training in paediatric dentistry, our team is well-equipped to address the unique dental needs of your children. We strive to foster a nurturing environment where children feel at ease and parents feel assured that their child is in capable hands.

We understand that some parents have concerns about their child's dental visits, especially their first visit. Know that our friendly team will always take the time to address any questions or anxieties you might have, and help make certain you feel informed and comfortable with the entire process. We believe in open communication and partnership with parents to ensure the best possible care for their child.

Our ultimate goal is to create a positive and enjoyable dental experience for your child, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. From the first tooth to adolescence, we provide comprehensive paediatric dental care that prioritises your child's oral health and overall well-being.

We offer a variety of flexible payment plans for children’s dental treatment. Here you can spread out the cost of their treatment, paying in simple, manageable monthly instalments. We offer both zero- and low-interest options, depending on your budget.

Financing programs are also available at Mulgrave Dental Group, allowing you to finance the cost of your child’s dental visits through reputable third-party financing companies. These programs often provide competitive rates and flexible repayment terms, simplifying the management of their treatment costs.

Dental insurance plans sometimes cover family dentistry, including a range of paediatric treatment options. If you’re not sure what your insurance will cover, chat with us during your child’s appointment and we’ll help walk you through it.

We recommend that you bring your child in for their first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or no later than their first birthday. Early dental visits allow our paediatric team to monitor your child’s oral development, provide essential oral hygiene guidance and establish a positive dental experience from an early age.

For most children, it’s recommended that you bring them in for a regular dental appointment every six or so months - about twice a year. The development of their mouth can change quite quickly, especially in the early years, so this frequency will help us stay on top of the changes and keep an eye on any potential problems.

One of the best ways to fight cavities is the combination of good oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet.

Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, and teach them proper brushing techniques. Try to start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other, and limit sugary snacks and drinks.

From there, regular dental check-ups will help us to keep an eye on your child’s development, thoroughly clean their teeth and intervene if we spot any issues.

Compassion and good experiences are key to helping your child overcome their dental anxiety.

Try to maintain a positive attitude about dental care, and avoid sharing any negative experiences of your own - they may pick up on your worries. Then, choose age-appropriate books or videos that portray dental visits in a friendly manner. You can also bring a favourite toy or comfort item to the appointment, which will help to give them reassurance that this is ‘normal’, and to distract them while you wait for your appointment to begin.

We’ll also help as much as we can. Our team will always take the time to explain procedures in a child-friendly way, and offer gentle care to make their experience as stress-free as possible.

Yes, dental X-rays are a safe and important part of your child’s dental care.

At Mulgrave Dental Group, we use modern digital X-ray technology designed with your child’s comfort and safety in mind. Additionally, we take extra precautions for both adults and children by using lead aprons and thyroid collars to shield sensitive areas.

In Australia, the Australian Society of Orthodontists advises that children should have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. This early assessment allows the orthodontist to monitor the growth of your child’s jaw, plus the development of their teeth, and identify potential orthodontic concerns that may necessitate timely intervention.

Parents can begin using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste on their child’s toothbrush as soon as their first tooth emerges. You don’t need to wait for it to grow in fully - the moment you see it coming through, you can start to gently brush.

As your child grows and learns to spit, you can move to using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. You’ll need to supervise their brushing habits until they’re around the age of 7 or 8 years, to ensure they use an appropriate amount of toothpaste and brush thoroughly.

Don’t worry, baby teeth are designed to fall out so this is OK. That said, to prevent any further complications you’ll need to act quickly.

If a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely due to accident or injury, don’t try to replant it. Make sure your child is feeling calm and safe after their injury, and try to contact our office immediately for guidance. Our team will provide instructions on how to care for the area until the permanent tooth erupts, or request that you pop in for an examination if there’s any concerns about further damage.

Children generally start to lose their baby teeth around the age of 6 or 7, and the process continues until the early teenage years.

You can expect the lower front teeth to typically fall out first, and for the rest to fall out roughly in the order they came in. As permanent teeth start to erupt, they may push against the roots of your child’s existing baby teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out. We all remember what it was like to have those wobbly teeth! Try to let their teeth fall out naturally - don’t pull on any tooth too early or it could risk infection. They’re designed to come out, and most will do so safely and painlessly.

In many cases yes - baby teeth are designed to fall out, and sometimes the adult tooth behind isn’t quite visible yet, leading to a temporary missing tooth. When the adult tooth grows a bit, it’ll fill the gap. Nothing to worry about.

Where a missing tooth may become an issue for your child is if a baby tooth falls out too soon, or one of their adult teeth gets knocked loose. Leaving missing teeth unaddressed can lead to long-term issues which we’d want to address as soon as possible, as the neighbouring teeth may shift into the gaps causing misalignment and bite issues, among other problems.

If you’re worried about your child’s missing tooth, book a paediatric dentistry appointment with our team and we can help you understand if it’s a problem or not, and if so, what we can do about it.

Exterior image of Mulgrave Dental Group clinic, Melbourne dentist.

Our clinic hours:

Mon: 9 am - 6 pm
Tue: 9 am - 7 pm
Wed: 9 am - 7 pm
Thu: 9 am - 7 pm
Fri: 9 am - 5 pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Any Questions?

Don’t let worry put you off getting the treatment your child needs. We’re here to help.

At Mulgrave Dental Group, your family is our priority. We offer an array of modern dental and paediatric services along with exceptional customer service in a warm, relaxed, child-friendly atmosphere. We have well over 50 years of collective experience, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need us.

Book Now Call Us: 03 9562 5156

Thank you Diluni and your wonderful staff for making both my children feel at ease and very comfortable with you. It was only our second visit but my daughter was so impressed and appreciative of your warm, gentle, attentive and friendly manner that she is sad she has to wait a whole 6 months before seeing you again.

We would recommend you to all our friends and family members who have anxious children needing a dental work. Thanks again and keep up your excellent and professional work!!!!

The professional and dedicated team provided a safe and supportive environment for my non-verbal autistic adult son. We were given a thorough assessment prior to the procedure and we knew exactly what was to be expected. This and the kind and caring team/staff made the whole experience a lot easier for my son and I.

We highly recommend the clinic.

Best dental experience I could ask for with my daughter who has special needs.

Everyone involved has been so kind, understanding, patient and accommodating. The customer service was exceptional, all staff were friendly and welcoming. The procedure was performed with such professionalism and perfection. I would highly recommend Mulgrave Dental Group. Could not be happier.

Being a long time Mulgrave local, my kids and myself have been their patients for many years. Dr. Perera has singlehandedly transformed this practice in recent years. The clinic is newly furnished and is equipped with modern equipment and technology. Staff are professional and friendly.

In recent months we have completed two successful correction procedures for my kids’ overbite and crossbite. The results are amazing.

I am terrified of the dentist; actually I WAS terrified of the dentist until I attended Mulgrave Dental. I had an unfortunate incident with one of my teeth which forced me to go to the dentist. They discovered a range of issues and we agreed on a treatment plan (which included general anaesthetic). They were great in calming me down and I felt in safe hands with the dentist and everybody involved. End result was great and barely had any pain! I am now a regular patient and they’ve helped me overcome my fear of the dentist.

I started going to Mulgrave Dental Group earlier in the year after reading their amazing reviews. It is the first time I have been really happy with a dentist. All staff are extremely friendly, warm and kind. The receptionists make you feel welcome as soon as you enter the door. Dr. Diluni and all the dental nurses I have seen have taken the time to explain everything thoroughly, and provide helpful treatment information. I used to dread going to the dentist and for the first time I can say I no longer do!

Building Bright, Healthy Smiles

We understand the importance of a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Missing or damaged teeth can be distressing for children, affecting their self-image and interactions with others. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of their oral health, and why our paediatric team is here and ready to help.

With our commitment to excellence, warm, friendly care and state-of-the-art paediatric dentistry treatments, Mulgrave Dental Group is your trusted partner for the healthy development of your child’s smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step today.

How to Contact Us

Mulgrave Dental Group is located only 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD, just off Wellington Road. Come visit our office at 47 Wanda Street, Mulgrave, 3170 Victoria.

Call us on: 03 9562 5156
Email: reception@mulgravedentalgroup.com.au

Clinic Hours:

We’re Melbourne’s Friendly Paediatric Dentistry Experts

What is Paediatric Dentistry?

Our Paediatric Dentist Services