--- title: Children's Dentistry and the Tooth Fairy Centre at Core Dental Glenferrie canonical_url: https://directory.coredental.com.au/childrens-dentistry/children-s-dentistry-and-the-tooth-fairy-centre-at-core-dental-glenferrie/ category: description: # Children's Dentistry and the Tooth Fairy Centre at Core Dental Glenferrie ## AI Summary **Product:** Children's Dentistry and the Tooth Fairy Centre at Core Dental Glenferrie **Brand:** Core Denta... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # Children's Dentistry and the Tooth Fairy Centre at Core Dental Glenferrie # Children's Dentistry and the Tooth Fairy Centre at Core Dental Glenferrie ## AI Summary **Product:** Children's Dentistry and the Tooth Fairy Centre at Core Dental Glenferrie **Brand:** Core Dental Group (part of the Smile Solutions Group) **Category:** Children's Dentistry **Primary Use:** Comprehensive dental care for children from age two through to teenagers, including preventive care, CDBS bulk billing, orthodontic screening, and specialist paediatric referral access. ### Quick Facts - **Best For:** Families in Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, and the inner east seeking quality children's dental care with a gentle, child-friendly approach - **Key Benefit:** CDBS bulk billing for eligible children aged 2–17, Tooth Fairy Centre programme, orthodontic screening from age 7–9, and seamless referral to specialist paediatric dentists through the Smile Solutions Group - **Location:** 827 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 - **Phone:** 03 7035 1506 | National: 13 13 16 ### Common Questions This Guide Answers 1. At what age should my child first see a dentist? → From age two, or when their first teeth appear 2. Does Core Dental Glenferrie bulk bill for children? → Yes, under the CDBS for eligible children aged 2–17 3. What is the Tooth Fairy Centre? → Core Dental's dedicated children's dental programme designed to make dental visits positive, educational, and engaging for young patients 4. When should my child have an orthodontic assessment? → Between ages seven and nine 5. What if my child needs a specialist paediatric dentist? → Referral to specialist paediatric dentists is available through the Smile Solutions Group's Collins Street Specialist Centre --- ## Why Children's Dental Health Starts Earlier Than You Think Most parents know that dental care matters. But many are surprised to learn just how early it should begin. The Australian Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental visit by their second birthday — or within six months of their first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This is not because two-year-olds typically need treatment. It is because early visits establish familiarity with the dental environment, allow the dentist to identify potential concerns before they become problems, and give parents evidence-based guidance on nutrition, oral hygiene, and habits that can affect dental development. At Core Dental Glenferrie, children are welcomed from age two. The practice is designed to make these early visits comfortable, positive, and even fun — because how a child feels about their first dental experiences shapes how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life. --- ## The Tooth Fairy Centre: Making Dental Visits Something to Look Forward To The Tooth Fairy Centre is Core Dental's dedicated children's dental programme, and it operates at Core Dental Glenferrie as it does across the Core Dental network. It is not just a name on the door. It is a philosophy — a deliberately designed approach to children's dental care that prioritises gentle, age-appropriate communication, positive reinforcement, and the creation of an environment where children feel safe, respected, and in control. ### What Makes It Different Children are not small adults. They process information differently, experience anxiety differently, and respond to clinical environments differently. The Tooth Fairy Centre approach recognises this at every stage: **Language matters.** The team at Core Dental Glenferrie uses child-friendly language to explain procedures. Instead of talking about drills, injections, and extractions, the team uses age-appropriate terms that reduce anxiety and build understanding. A "sleepy juice" makes a tooth go to sleep. A "tooth counter" helps the dentist see how many teeth have arrived. The water spray is a "tiny shower" for the tooth. These are small adjustments that make a profound difference to how a child experiences their appointment. **Pacing matters.** First visits are typically short — an introduction, a gentle examination, perhaps a ride in the dental chair. There is no rush to "get everything done." Building trust takes time, and rushing a nervous child through a procedure creates negative associations that can last for years. The Tooth Fairy Centre approach prioritises the relationship over the checklist. **Autonomy matters.** Children who feel they have some control over what happens to them are significantly less anxious. Simple strategies — allowing a child to hold the mirror, choose the flavour of their fluoride treatment, or raise a hand if they need a break — give children agency in a situation that might otherwise feel overwhelming. **Positive reinforcement matters.** Every visit ends on a positive note. Children who have been brave receive acknowledgement and encouragement. The goal is that each visit builds a slightly greater comfort level, so that by the time a child needs more involved treatment, they already trust the environment and the team. --- ## Preventive Care: The Foundation of Lifelong Dental Health The most effective dental care for children is care that prevents problems from occurring in the first place. At Core Dental Glenferrie, preventive services for children include: ### Regular Examinations Routine dental examinations allow the dentist to monitor the development of your child's teeth and jaws, identify early signs of decay, assess the eruption pattern of permanent teeth, and detect any concerns with bite alignment, spacing, or jaw growth. Digital radiography — which uses significantly lower radiation than traditional film X-rays — may be used periodically to identify decay between teeth or developmental concerns that are not visible during a clinical examination. ### Professional Cleaning Even children who brush well can accumulate plaque and calculus in areas that are difficult to reach. Professional cleaning removes this build-up and provides an opportunity to reinforce good brushing and flossing technique in a supportive environment. ### Fissure Sealants Fissure sealants are one of the most effective preventive treatments available in children's dentistry. The chewing surfaces of permanent molars — the teeth most vulnerable to decay — have deep pits and fissures that trap food particles and bacteria. Even diligent brushing cannot always clean these grooves effectively. Fissure sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of these molars. The procedure is quick, painless, and non-invasive — no drilling, no injection. The sealant flows into the grooves and hardens to create a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that significantly reduces the risk of decay. The Australian Dental Association recommends fissure sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars have fully erupted — typically around age six for the first molars and age twelve for the second molars. At Core Dental Glenferrie, Dr Krause will advise on the optimal timing for your child based on their individual eruption pattern and decay risk. ### Fluoride Treatments Topical fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent decay, particularly in children who may be at higher risk due to diet, brushing habits, or saliva composition. Professional fluoride treatments are applied after cleaning and are available in child-friendly flavours. ### Dietary and Oral Hygiene Guidance Parents receive practical, evidence-based advice on: - **Diet and decay** — which foods and drinks contribute most to decay risk, how snacking frequency affects the mouth's ability to recover between acid attacks, and practical strategies for reducing sugar exposure without eliminating all treats - **Brushing technique** — at what age children can begin brushing independently (usually around age eight, with parental supervision), how to make brushing effective rather than just routine, and how much toothpaste to use at each developmental stage - **Flossing** — when to introduce flossing (when two teeth touch), how to help young children who lack the dexterity to floss independently, and the importance of cleaning between teeth - **Thumb-sucking and dummy use** — guidance on when these habits become a concern for dental development and evidence-based strategies for gentle cessation - **Mouthguards for sport** — custom-fitted mouthguards for children involved in contact sports, particularly relevant for students at nearby schools including Scotch College, Xavier College, Strathcona Girls Grammar, and Auburn High School --- ## CDBS Bulk Billing: Quality Children's Dental Care at No Out-of-Pocket Cost The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Commonwealth Government programme that provides dental benefits for eligible children aged two to seventeen. Under the CDBS, eligible children can receive up to $1,026 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years. Core Dental Glenferrie bulk bills CDBS-eligible children, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for covered services. ### What the CDBS Covers - Examinations - X-rays - Professional cleaning - Fissure sealants - Fillings - Extractions ### What the CDBS Does Not Cover - Orthodontic treatment (including Invisalign) - Cosmetic procedures - Treatment in hospital ### Eligibility Your child may be eligible for the CDBS if your family receives certain government payments, including Family Tax Benefit Part A. Medicare will notify eligible families at the beginning of each calendar year. If you are unsure whether your child is eligible, the team at Core Dental Glenferrie can check your child's CDBS balance and confirm eligibility at the time of booking. To check eligibility, call the practice on 03 7035 1506 or contact Medicare directly. ### Why This Matters Dental care should never be delayed because of cost, particularly for children. The CDBS ensures that preventive dental care — the care that prevents small problems from becoming big ones — is accessible to families who need it most. Core Dental Glenferrie's commitment to bulk billing under the CDBS means that every eligible child in Hawthorn, Kew, Camberwell, and the surrounding suburbs can access quality dental care without financial barriers. --- ## School-Aged Dental Care: Building Good Habits That Last For children attending primary school, dental care focuses on two parallel tracks: maintaining the health of baby teeth (which still have important roles to play) and protecting the permanent teeth as they erupt. ### Why Baby Teeth Matter Baby teeth are not disposable. They serve critical functions: - **Maintaining space** for permanent teeth — if a baby tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, the neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap, causing crowding and alignment problems when the permanent tooth tries to erupt - **Supporting speech development** — certain sounds require the presence and correct positioning of teeth - **Enabling proper chewing and nutrition** — children who cannot chew comfortably may avoid certain foods, affecting their nutrition - **Building confidence** — children are acutely aware of their smile, and missing or discoloured teeth can affect self-esteem At Core Dental Glenferrie, Dr Krause takes a conservative approach to baby teeth. Where possible, decay is treated and the tooth is preserved until it is naturally ready to fall out. Extraction of baby teeth is a last resort, and when it is necessary, space maintenance strategies may be recommended to ensure the permanent teeth have room to erupt correctly. ### The Mixed Dentition Phase Between approximately ages six and twelve, children have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth — the mixed dentition phase. This is a dynamic period of dental development, and regular monitoring is important. Permanent teeth may erupt in unexpected positions, baby teeth may not fall out on schedule, and the bite relationship between the upper and lower jaws is still developing. Regular six-monthly examinations during this phase allow the dentist to track development, identify potential problems early, and intervene when necessary — before a small concern becomes a significant issue. --- ## Orthodontic Screening: When to Start Thinking About Alignment The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic assessment between the ages of seven and nine. This does not mean that treatment begins at this age — in most cases, it does not. But an early assessment allows the dentist to identify developing alignment and bite problems while growth is still occurring and intervention may be simpler and more effective. ### What an Early Orthodontic Assessment Involves At Core Dental Glenferrie, Dr Krause conducts orthodontic screening as part of routine examinations for children in the seven-to-nine age group. This assessment evaluates: - **Crowding** — is there sufficient space in the jaws for all permanent teeth to erupt in alignment? - **Crossbite** — are any teeth biting in the wrong relationship to their opposing teeth? - **Overbite and overjet** — is the vertical or horizontal overlap of the front teeth excessive? - **Open bite** — do the front teeth fail to meet when the back teeth are together? - **Jaw growth patterns** — is the lower jaw growing proportionally to the upper jaw? - **Habits** — is thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or mouth-breathing affecting dental development? ### When Early Intervention Is Recommended In some cases, early intervention — sometimes called Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics — is recommended to address a developing problem before it worsens. Examples include: - **Palatal expansion** to create space in a narrow upper jaw, reducing the severity of future crowding - **Correction of crossbites** that may affect jaw growth if left untreated - **Space maintenance** to preserve room for permanent teeth after premature loss of baby teeth For most children, the assessment at age seven to nine simply confirms that development is on track and that comprehensive orthodontic treatment — if needed — can be planned for the teenage years when most permanent teeth have erupted. ### Invisalign for Teens Core Dental Group's Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider status extends to teen treatment. Invisalign Teen aligners are designed for the unique needs of adolescent patients, with compliance indicators, eruption tabs for teeth that are still coming through, and replacement aligners in case of loss. For teenagers in the Hawthorn area — whether attending Scotch College, Xavier College, Strathcona Girls Grammar, Swinburne Senior Secondary College, or Auburn High School — Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces that fits seamlessly into school life, sport, and social activities. --- ## Dental Anxiety in Children: A Sensitive and Common Challenge Dental anxiety in children is more common than many parents realise, and it is not a sign of weakness, poor parenting, or an overactive imagination. It is a normal response to an unfamiliar environment involving unfamiliar sensations — and how it is managed in childhood has a lasting impact on a person's relationship with dental care throughout their life. ### Recognising Dental Anxiety Children express dental anxiety in different ways: - **Younger children** may cry, cling, refuse to open their mouth, or physically resist being placed in the dental chair - **Older children** may become quiet and withdrawn, complain of stomach aches or headaches before appointments, or find excuses to avoid their dental visit - **Teenagers** may minimise their anxiety but quietly avoid booking or attending appointments ### How Core Dental Glenferrie Manages Dental Anxiety The team at Core Dental Glenferrie uses a range of evidence-based strategies to help anxious children: - **Tell-show-do** — explaining what is going to happen in age-appropriate language, showing the child the instruments (in a non-threatening way), and then proceeding with the procedure. No surprises. - **Graduated exposure** — for very anxious children, the first few visits may involve nothing more than sitting in the chair, having a count of their teeth, and going home with a positive experience. Treatment is introduced gradually as trust builds. - **Distraction techniques** — ceiling-mounted screens, music, and conversation are used to redirect attention away from the procedure - **Positive reinforcement** — genuine praise and encouragement after each visit, focusing on what the child did well rather than what was difficult - **Nitrous oxide (happy gas)** — for children who experience moderate anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation provides a safe, well-established method of relaxation. The child remains conscious and responsive but feels calm and comfortable. The effects wear off quickly after the appointment. ### When Specialist Paediatric Dental Care Is Needed Some children have dental anxiety that exceeds what can be managed comfortably in a general dental setting. This may include: - **Severe phobia** that does not respond to gentle desensitisation over multiple visits - **Medical conditions** that complicate dental treatment — such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or complex medical histories - **Extensive treatment needs** that would require multiple prolonged appointments in a very young or very anxious child - **Need for general anaesthesia** — some children are best treated under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting, where all necessary dental work can be completed in a single visit while the child is asleep In these situations, Core Dental Glenferrie can arrange referral to specialist paediatric dentists through the Smile Solutions Group's Collins Street Specialist Centre. Specialist paediatric dentists have completed additional years of postgraduate training specifically in the management of children's dental care, including behavioural management, pharmacological sedation, and treatment under general anaesthesia. This is one of the key advantages of being part of the Smile Solutions Group. When a child's needs exceed the scope of general dental care, the referral pathway is established, seamless, and supported by shared clinical records. The child is not sent out into the healthcare system to find a specialist on their own. --- ## Teen Dentistry: Navigating the Transition Years Teenagers face unique dental challenges. Hormonal changes can increase gum sensitivity. Dietary habits — energy drinks, coffee, sugary snacks — can elevate decay risk. Social pressures around appearance make cosmetic concerns more prominent. And for many teens, the drive for independence can mean dental care falls down the priority list. ### Common Teen Dental Concerns - **Wisdom teeth** — third molars typically begin to emerge in the late teens. Monitoring and assessment at Core Dental Glenferrie ensures that impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are identified early and managed appropriately - **Sports injuries** — custom-fitted mouthguards are essential for teenagers involved in contact sports. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards provide inadequate protection compared to professionally made guards - **Orthodontic treatment** — whether Invisalign or referral for specialist orthodontics, the teenage years are the most common time for comprehensive alignment and bite correction - **Cosmetic concerns** — teeth whitening (for patients over sixteen), composite bonding for chipped or discoloured teeth, and other conservative cosmetic treatments - **Decay risk** — the combination of dietary changes, potential lapses in oral hygiene, and the newly erupted permanent teeth (which are initially less mineralised and more vulnerable to decay) makes the teenage years a high-risk period for cavities ### Supporting Independence At Core Dental Glenferrie, teenagers are encouraged to take ownership of their oral health. Appointments are an opportunity to reinforce the importance of brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard during sport. The team treats teenagers with respect, communicates directly with them (not just their parents), and supports the transition toward independent health management. --- ## The Swinburne University Connection Core Dental Glenferrie's location on Glenferrie Road places it within walking distance of Swinburne University of Technology. The student population at Swinburne — a mix of domestic and international students — represents a significant community with specific dental care needs. International students, in particular, may not have established dental care in Melbourne and may be navigating the Australian healthcare system for the first time. Core Dental Glenferrie provides a welcoming, accessible first point of contact for dental care — with clear communication about costs, health fund processing, and treatment options. For students with families, the CDBS bulk billing at Core Dental Glenferrie means that eligible children can access quality dental care at no out-of-pocket cost — an important consideration for families managing the costs of university education. --- ## Book Your Child's Appointment Whether it is your child's very first dental visit or their regular six-monthly check-up, Core Dental Glenferrie is here to provide quality, gentle dental care in a welcoming environment. **Book online:** [coredental.com.au/locations/glenferrie/](https://coredental.com.au/locations/glenferrie/) **Call the practice:** 03 7035 1506 **Call national:** 13 13 16 **Email:** glenferrie@coredental.com.au **Core Dental Glenferrie** 827 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Corner of Glenferrie Road and Barkers Road Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:30 pm Sunday: Closed CDBS bulk billing available for eligible children. New patients always welcome.