Our approach to children's dentistry focuses on making your child comfortable while in the dentist chair to support a lifetime of healthy oral habits.

Healthy, Happy Smiles Often Begin in Childhood

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Children's Dentistry

At Kenmore Family Dental, we believe that good oral health habits start early, which is why we recommend you bring in your children by the time their first teeth have erupted, which is usually somewhere around six months to a year old. Children who get used to visiting the dentist as kids sometimes to grow into adults who continue to see their dentist regularly.

Our new clinic was designed with families in mind. The first thing you’ll see when you walk in is our pirate ship-themed area that includes an Xbox and plenty of video games. We hope your children will have a great time before their appointment or waiting while you finish up yours.

The Importance of Early Visits to the Dentist

Although children will ultimately lose their primary, or baby, teeth, there are many reasons it is crucial to keep these teeth healthy until their permanent teeth come in. They will need them for chewing and speaking properly, and the primary teeth also impact how the permanent teeth come in and act as a guide for the alignment of adult teeth.

Just as adults are prone to plaque build-up, gum disease and tooth decay, kids can develop all of these issues as well. You might choose your children should visit the dentist twice each year for regular check-ups and cleans. We will also use digital x-rays to keep an eye on teeth before they have erupted to ensure their proper development.

We will speak with your child about his or her oral health in an age-appropriate manner. We will also talk to you about implementing proper home care. Most children lack the dexterity to properly brush their own teeth until they are about eight years old, so it’s up to their parents to assist with brushing and flossing. We can show you how to do this effectively.

Preventive Care for Children

For kids who might be prone to tooth decay, we offer preventive measures such as fluoride application and dental sealants. These non-invasive procedures provide added protection against cavities

Fluoride treatments will help teeth stay strong and healthy and more resistant to dental decay. Dental sealants are applied to the back molars soon after they erupt. The sealant serves as a physical barrier, keeping food particles from collecting and bacteria from taking hold in the deep grooves of those teeth. Application of the sealant is a quick treatment that requires no shots or drilling.

We Strive for a Positive Dental Experience

We are committed to building a partnership with children and parents to support good oral health for the entire family. The sooner we get started on healthy smiles for life, the better the outcome.

We look forward to meeting you and your children so we can provide the best in dental care for our patients of all ages. We welcome you to call our Kenmore, QLD dental clinic to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my children look after their teeth?

The most important thing parents can do to instil good dental habits in their children is to demonstrate them. Children tend to emulate the behaviour of their parents, so brushing and flossing with your kids is a great way to get them accustomed to looking after their teeth.

Make sure your children are using a small toothbrush with soft bristles that are gentle on teeth and gums. Kids under the age of six should use toothpaste that is specially formulated for children because they tend to swallow more of it than they spit out. Set a timer to ensure kids are brushing for a full two minutes. Help them floss between each tooth until they can do it properly themselves.

Show them how to keep their toothbrush safe from germs by rinsing it after brushing and storing it in a clean, dry location. Advise kids to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before they use their toothbrush to avoid spreading germs.

You might also encourage your children to eat a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods and to avoid sugary or starchy snacks. After eating, drinking a glass of water rinses the teeth and mouth and helps eliminate food particles and bacteria.

When should my child first see a dentist?

We recommend that your son or daughter’s first visit to the dentist take place as soon as his or her first teeth erupt—usually anywhere from six months to one year old. Although that might seem early, it enables us to start building a positive relationship between your child and the dentist. Many adults who are fearful of the dentist report that their anxiety began at a young age with an unpleasant experience at the dentist. We strive to help your child feel comfortable, safe and confident about dentist visits in the future.

Early visits to the dentist also give us a chance to monitor oral development in your child and address concerns in their earliest stages.

As your child gets older and more comfortable in the dentist chair, we will begin to include cleans as part of their routine check-ups. We may also recommend fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help keep tooth decay from forming if needed.

Bringing your kids to the dentist also provides us with an opportunity to educate both you and your child on proper oral home care. Until little hands have the dexterity to brush and floss properly, it’s up to mums and dads to ensure teeth are being cared for at home.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr Chris Plackner

Dr Chris Plackner lives a few minutes away with his wife Julia and daughter Charlotte. Originally from Red Deer, Canada, he drew his passion for dentistry from his dad who was also a dentist.

A people person, Chris gets a lot of joy from making a visit to the dentist an enjoyable experience for his patients. When he’s not at the practice, Chris enjoys taking the surfboards up to the Sunshine Coast.

He studied and trained at Griffith University – School of Dentistry and Oral Health, on the Gold Coast. Chris is ...