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Dental care for babies and children

Dental benefits for kids (CDBS)

The Australian Government's Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps cover the cost of your child's dental care. Learn what's covered here.

Looking after your baby or child’s teeth

Learn about tooth development in babies and children, brushing teeth, flossing, tooth decay, other dental problems and when to see a dentist.

Teething and baby teeth

Teething starts between 4 and 10 months. Teething babies can be fussy and cranky. Learn how to ease your baby's teething pain and care for new teeth.

Teeth grinding

Find out about teeth grinding and clenching (called bruxism) in children, including signs of teeth grinding and available treatments.

Tooth arrival chart

Babies are usually born with 20 baby teeth. Use this chart to see when you can expect their teeth to come through.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a self-soothing habit in young children. Read about some strategies to help stop your child from sucking their thumb.

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

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This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

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