Friendly & fun children's dentist in Gisborne
We provide dentistry services for children that are fun, friendly and focused on your child’s comfort. Our children’s dentists help your child develop excellent dental habits and behaviours that last a lifetime.
At Gisborne Family Dental, we make sure your children learn positive, routine dental behaviours early so they can carry them confidently into adulthood. Good oral health starts young, and we’re here to support every step.
Experienced paediatric dentists
Our paediatric dentists will always put your child first, making sure they feel safe, looked after and happy during their visit. It’s never too early to start teaching children how to care for their teeth. From the moment their first teeth appear, we encourage parents to help their children learn healthy brushing and flossing habits. We believe learning good dental habits can and should be fun.
Why early dental care matters for children?
Many parents wonder if dental care is necessary when their child still has baby teeth. The answer is yes. Baby teeth play a crucial role in your child’s dental development.
Primary teeth help children chew, speak and smile confidently. They also guide adult teeth into their proper position as your child grows. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay or injury, neighbouring teeth can move into the empty space. This can increase the risk of crowding and bite problems later.
That’s why early dental care matters. We recommend bringing your child to see us from around 18 months of age, or when their first teeth appear. These early visits:
- Help your child become familiar with the dentist and dental environment
- Allow us to check that their teeth and jaw are developing well
- Give us the opportunity to offer guidance on brushing, diet and oral habits
With the right care and support, we can help your child build healthy habits and a positive relationship with dental visits. This sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Children’s dental services we offer
At Gisborne Family Dental, we offer a wide range of gentle, child-friendly dental services, including:
- First dental visits and oral health education
- Routine check-ups and professional cleans
- Fissure seals and fillings
- Oral hygiene instruction and habit coaching
- Support for anxious or nervous children
- Emergency dental care for children
Whether it’s their first visit or ongoing care, our goal is to make every appointment positive, relaxed and supportive
How we make dental visits positive for kids
Every child is different, so we tailor our approach to suit their needs. Here’s how we help children feel safe, confident and in control during their dental visits:
Talk Together
We start by having a friendly chat with your child. We don’t just talk about teeth but also about their favourite toys, cartoons or hobbies. This helps build trust and puts them at ease.
Explore & Get Comfortable
Before any treatment begins, we gently introduce your child to the dental chair, mirror and tools. They can look around, ask questions and take their time.
Small Steps, Big Support
We explain each step of the visit in simple, child-friendly language. Whether it’s a check-up or a clean, we always stop if your child needs a break.
Encourage Confidence
We celebrate bravery and progress. Whether it’s opening their mouth for the first time or sitting calmly in the chair, we make sure your child leaves feeling proud.
Our aim is to help your child feel positive about visiting the dentist and confident in caring for their smile.
Are you looking for an experienced children’s dentist in Gisborne?
Our children’s dentists will put you and your family first. We make sure you’re well looked after and your kids enjoy their experience at Gisborne Family Dental.
It’s never too early to begin teaching your little ones correct oral hygiene. From when their first teeth start to come through as babies, we encourage you to help your kids brush and floss their teeth, all while making it fun.
We can help your whole family achieve the smile you want.
FAQs
We recommend bringing your child for their first dental visit around 18 months of age, or when their first teeth appear.
Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak and smile confidently. They also guide adult teeth into the correct position. Early loss of baby teeth can lead to long-term dental issues.
We understand that some children feel anxious. Our team is experienced in supporting nervous kids and will take time to build trust, explain each step and go at your child’s pace.
Talk to your child positively about the dentist. Explain that the dentist will help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Avoid using words like “hurt” or “pain.”
We can bulk bill eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Please contact our team to check your child’s eligibility. We also offer payment plan options available to make family dental care more accessible.
We offer same-day emergency dental appointments for children wherever possible. If your child has a toothache, injury or dental accident, contact us immediately.
Diet plays a big role in your child’s dental health. Limit sugary snacks and drinks like lollies, juice and soft drinks. Encourage healthy foods like vegetables, fruit, cheese and lean meats to support strong teeth.
Start early and make it fun. Use a small, soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Encourage your child to brush twice a day, and supervise until they can brush well on their own. Our team is happy to demonstrate the correct brushing technique during your child’s visit and as part of their ongoing general dental care.
