First Step
Consultation
The dentist checks your concern and confirms whether this treatment is suitable before care begins.
Children's Dentistry
Book Children's Dentistry at Smile On Dental
Book Children's Dentistry with Smile On Dental. Start with an assessment, understand your options, and get clear next steps before treatment begins.
Quick Summary
What to know about Paediatric Dentistry.
Best For
Children due for check-ups or preventive dental care
Suitability depends on oral health, symptoms, goals, and clinical findings.
Planning
Personalised
Timing, visits, cost factors, and aftercare are explained after the assessment.
Branch Access
Pretoria & Polokwane
Use the location section to choose the branch that is easiest for you to attend consistently.
Overview
About Paediatric Dentistry
Treatment Introduction
Keep the visit calm and practical.
Children's dental care should feel calm, friendly, and reassuring. Paediatric dentistry helps families build healthy routines and gives parents practical guidance for their child's oral health.
Decision Support
A consultation comes before the treatment decision.
Smile On Dental uses the visit to understand your symptoms, goals, oral health, and expectations before recommending a suitable treatment plan.
Visual Guide
Educational visuals for Paediatric Dentistry.
Treatment Guide
Paediatric Dentistry: options, process, benefits, and care.
01
When children may need dental care
Paediatric dentistry helps children build healthy routines while giving parents a clear starting point for a first visit, toothache, prevention, or treatment decisions.
Parents often search for a kids dentist because of toothache, a visible cavity, bleeding gums, a knocked tooth, sensitivity, thumb-sucking concerns, crowded teeth, or a child who is nervous about the dentist. Some visits are also routine first dental visits, giving the dentist a chance to check development before a small concern becomes harder to manage.
At Smile On Dental, paediatric appointments are approached as an assessment first. The dentist checks the teeth, gums, bite, oral habits, and any symptoms before explaining what may be needed. The goal is to support the child without rushing into treatment that has not been clinically confirmed.
Common reasons to book
- Toothache, sensitivity, swelling, or gum bleeding.
- Cavities, broken teeth, or dark marks on teeth.
- A child's first dental visit, routine check, or prevention plan.
- Concerns about habits, bite development, or dental anxiety.
02
How the dentist assesses a child
A careful assessment helps separate normal development from problems that need monitoring or treatment.
The dentist may look at baby teeth, adult teeth that are erupting, gum health, plaque levels, jaw growth, bite alignment, and how the child brushes at home. If there has been pain, trauma, or swelling, the assessment focuses on comfort and safety first, with X-rays considered only when they are clinically useful.
Parents are part of the conversation because home routines, diet, habits, previous dental experiences, and decision concerns all matter. A child who has never had treatment may need a different pace from a child who already understands the chair, mirror, and dental instruments.
Assessment may include
- Checking teeth, gums, bite, and eruption patterns.
- Reviewing symptoms, habits, diet, and brushing routines.
- Considering X-rays only when the dentist needs more information.
- Explaining findings in practical terms for the parent and child.
03
Treatment options for children
The right paediatric treatment depends on the child's age, cooperation, symptoms, and the condition of the tooth.
Some children only need prevention, such as cleaning guidance, fluoride advice, fissure sealants, or a review plan. Others may need a filling, treatment for a sore baby tooth, care after a dental injury, or referral for a more complex concern. The dentist should explain why a tooth is being monitored, protected, restored, or removed so parents can compare reasonable options.
Because children grow quickly, timing matters. A baby tooth close to falling out may be managed differently from a baby tooth that still needs to last for years. The dentist also considers comfort, chewing, speech, infection risk, and how treatment may affect the developing adult teeth.
Options may involve
- Prevention with cleaning advice, fluoride guidance, or sealants.
- Fillings or repair where a tooth can be restored.
- Monitoring when immediate treatment is not the best step.
- Referral when a concern needs specialist-level care.
04
Comfort during a paediatric visit
Comfort is part of paediatric dentistry because a child's early dental experience can shape future habits.
A calm appointment usually starts with simple explanations and a pace the child can manage. The dentist may show instruments, use short instructions, pause when needed, and keep the visit focused on what must be done that day. Parents can help by keeping explanations simple and avoiding frightening words before the visit.
If a child is anxious, the first visit may be about trust, examination, and planning rather than completing every possible procedure. The dentist will advise what is appropriate after seeing the child, the tooth, and the level of urgency. Comfort does not mean ignoring a problem; it means managing it in a child-appropriate way.
Comfort planning focuses on
- Simple explanations and a steady pace.
- Parent involvement without overwhelming the child.
- Clear limits when treatment is urgent.
- A plan that fits the child's age and cooperation.
05
Aftercare and home routines
Aftercare is usually simple, but it needs to be consistent enough to protect the child's teeth between visits.
After a filling, cleaning, extraction, or injury review, the dentist will explain what the child can eat, how to brush, what discomfort may be expected, and which symptoms should be reported. Parents should follow the specific instructions given at the visit because aftercare depends on the treatment completed.
Long-term care usually includes brushing support, age-appropriate toothpaste advice, fewer frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and regular dental checks. Children often need help brushing for longer than parents expect, especially around back teeth and gum edges where plaque can build up.
Home care priorities
- Follow the dentist's aftercare instructions after treatment.
- Help with brushing around back teeth and gum edges.
- Reduce frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
- Return for reviews when the dentist recommends monitoring.
06
Benefits of early dental support
Early dental support can make treatment simpler and help children become more confident with routine care.
When children are checked regularly, the dentist can pick up decay, gum inflammation, enamel concerns, crowding signs, or oral habits before they become more difficult to manage. Early advice can also help parents understand which changes at home are likely to make the biggest difference.
The benefit is not only fewer dental problems. A child who understands dental visits as normal care may be more willing to report pain, accept cleaning help, and return for reviews. That confidence can matter as much as the treatment itself.
Potential benefits
- Earlier detection of decay, gum problems, or bite concerns.
- More confident dental visits over time.
- Practical brushing and diet guidance for parents.
- A clearer plan when a child has pain or dental trauma.
07
Cost factors and choosing Smile On Dental
Paediatric dental costs depend on the assessment, the treatment required, and whether the visit is preventive, restorative, urgent, or review-based.
Cost factors can include the type of appointment, whether X-rays are needed, how many teeth are involved, the complexity of treatment, and whether follow-up is required. The dentist can explain the plan after examining the child, because guessing from symptoms alone may miss important details.
Smile On Dental gives families a practical starting point for children's dentistry with assessment-led care and clear next steps. If your child has pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or a dental injury, book an assessment promptly so the team can advise the appropriate course of care.
Takeaway
- Start with an assessment before deciding on treatment.
- Costs depend on diagnosis, complexity, and follow-up needs.
- Prevention and routine reviews can reduce avoidable surprises.
- Urgent symptoms should be checked rather than guessed at home.
Who It Helps
When this treatment may be suitable.
Children due for check-ups or preventive dental care.
Parents looking for gentle dental support.
Families building healthy routines from a young age.
Treatment Journey
Your Paediatric Dentistry Journey
You arrive and explain what is happening
Usually a gentle single visit, with prevention or treatment booked if needed.
You may bring your child in for a first visit, a check-up, tooth pain, cavities, cleaning, fluoride, or help building better brushing habits.
The dentist will ask when it started, what makes it better or worse, whether there is pain or sensitivity, and what you want the visit to help you solve.
What this first step covers
- Your main concern
- Symptoms or goals
- Medical and dental history
- What you hope to leave understanding
The dentist checks the cause
Before treatment starts, the dentist confirms what is actually going on.
The dentist helps the child settle, checks teeth and gums, looks at development, asks about diet and brushing, and explains findings to the parent in simple terms.
The dentist may then explain options such as Routine check-up and prevention, Cleaning, fluoride, or sealants, A separate treatment appointment if a cavity or pain issue is found, depending on what the examination shows.
What may be checked
- Teeth and gums
- Bite and comfort
- X-rays if needed
- Whether same-day care is suitable
Care starts or the next visit is planned
Some treatments are completed in one appointment, while others need a separate visit.
The visit is paced so the child feels safe. If care is simple and the child is ready, it may happen the same day; otherwise the next step is planned calmly.
A second visit may be best if the child needs time to build confidence or if treatment needs a longer appointment.
What you should know before leaving
- What was done today
- Whether another visit is needed
- What to expect afterwards
- What symptoms should be reported
You leave with aftercare and prevention advice
The journey should end with you knowing how to protect the result.
The dentist recommends when to return based on age, risk, development, and whether treatment was needed.
Parents receive practical brushing, diet, fluoride, and habit guidance that fits the child's age.
Your home-care plan
- Cleaning guidance
- Food or habit advice
- Review timing
- When to call the practice
Benefits
Why patients consider this treatment.
Supports early dental confidence.
Helps parents understand children's oral health needs.
Encourages prevention and healthy habits.
Suitability
What the dentist checks before recommending care.
Children's Dentistry
Keep the visit calm and practical.
Children's dental care should support comfort, prevention, parent guidance, and age-appropriate treatment planning.
Suitability
Not every option suits every patient.
The dentist considers symptoms, oral health, bite, medical history, expectations, and maintenance before recommending paediatric dentistry.
Costs
Fees depend on the final plan.
Cost discussions are most useful after diagnosis because materials, complexity, visit count, and follow-up needs vary from patient to patient.
Appointment
What to expect when you visit Smile On Dental.
Careful Assessment
Your dentist reviews your concern, oral health, and treatment goals before recommending next steps.
Clear Guidance
The team explains the likely process, timing, and care options in straightforward language.
Personal Plan
Your treatment plan is shaped around comfort, function, appearance, and long-term oral health.
Costs & Aftercare
Plan treatment with clear next steps.
Before You Book
Explain the concern
Mention whether you are booking for children's dentistry, pain, appearance, function, prevention, or a second opinion.
At the Visit
Ask questions
Ask about diagnosis, options, number of visits, comfort, maintenance, and what could happen if treatment is delayed.
Aftercare
Follow guidance
Your dentist will explain home care, review visits, and any symptoms that should be reported after treatment.
FAQs
Questions about Paediatric Dentistry.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
The best starting point is a consultation. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite, symptoms, concerns, and smile goals before recommending a personalised treatment plan.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use the Book an Appointment button to open the booking site and choose a convenient appointment time. You can also request a callback if you would prefer the practice team to contact you first.
Can I request a callback instead?
Yes. You can request a callback if you prefer the practice team to contact you before booking. This can be helpful when you are unsure whether you need a routine visit, cosmetic consultation, orthodontic assessment, or urgent support.
Can I ask about treatment costs before starting?
Yes. Costs depend on the diagnosis, treatment complexity, materials, and number of visits required. Your dentist can explain the recommended next step before treatment begins.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your identification, medical history, current medication details, previous dental information if available, and any questions you want to discuss with the dentist.
What if I have pain, swelling, or sensitivity?
Book an assessment so the dentist can diagnose the cause before you choose a treatment. Pain or swelling may need urgent attention, X-rays, restorative care, or another clinical next step.
Related Treatments
Continue exploring dental care.
Locations
Choose a Smile On Dental branch.
City Treatment Pages
Explore children's dentistry care by city.
Clinical Leadership
Care led by a verified dental profile.
Chief Dentist & Practice Director
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole
Dr. Kholofelo Machaba-Selatole leads Smile On Dental & Aesthetic Studio with a warm, patient-focused approach to family, restorative, cosmetic, and orthodontic care.
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Patient Feedback
What patients have shared.
60+ five-star patient reviews across Pretoria and Polokwane.
60+
Five-star reviews
5.0
Average rating
4
Practice locations
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
"Customer care is superb, very friendly front desk staff. I'm happy to have gained my confidence back."
Vusi Maluleke
Polokwane
"From reception right into the doctor's consultation room it was all smiley faces that welcomed us."
Amy Kwenaite
Polokwane
"The best dental service I have seen in Pretoria, cannot wait for my next appointment."
Makutuma Evans
Pretoria
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