Tips & Hints for Children

We are able to look after all your Children’s Dental needs across our Practices in the

– Pioneer Valley – Covering Mirani, Marian, Kuttabul and Finch Hatton

– Moranbah – Covering Nebo, Dysart, Clermont, Middlemount and Glenden

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, even though it is entirely preventable?

Here is a guide to help you and your children ensure that they have a great start to a lifetime of good Oral Health. Our Children’s Dentist is trained to make sure the visit is as positive as possible.

When should my Toddler first see a Dentist?

As a rule of thumb, it is time for a dental visit when your baby’s first tooth becomes visible or they reach 12 months old – whichever comes first. If you notice anything you think is out of the ordinary before this time, contact your local dentist.

Tips for your child’s first dental visit with our Children’s Dentists include:

Allow your child to go with you when you visit a dental clinic. The Dentist may offer your child a ride in the dental chair for fun.
Help children to accept that dental visits are part of a regular routine.
Be positive about dental visits and highlight the new, interesting and fun aspect of visiting the dental professional.
Make your child’s appointment early in the day so your child is not tired.
Arrive before the appointment time to let your child become familiar with the new surroundings.
Be a ‘passive observer’ and let the oral health professional have your child’s full attention.
It is not necessary to ‘bribe’ children to see the dentist or oral health professional, or for parents to be anxious.

Teach Your Child to Brush

Check your child’s lip or tongue for possible tongue or lip tie.
Brush twice a day – after breakfast and before bedtime. If they can brush after lunch or after sweet snacks.
Use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste (you don’t need much), or dental powder.
Get your child to gently brush the inner surface of their teeth back and forth using short circular motions. Then move to the outer surface and then the chewing surface on top.
Make sure they pay particular attention to where the tooth meets the gum as this is where plaque builds up.
Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth – both top and bottom.
Remind your child not to be too rough. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and food and too much pressure can harm the gums.
Spend two minutes brushing. Use an egg timer or play a favourite song.

Guide to when teeth appear
As a guide, your baby is likely to sprout their first teeth around six months old. Sometimes teeth can come through as early as four months and as late as ten, so there is no need for alarm if teething starts a little early or a little late. If you are concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your local Dentist. By the age of three, all baby teeth should come through and by around age six, your child will likely start losing them to make way for their adult (secondary) teeth.

If you ever have any questions, our Children’s Dentist is more than happy to help you when you need it most.