Ideally we like to see your child by their first birthday. This gives us the opportunity to check that oral development is progressing normally. The teeth can be checked for cleanliness and we can give you advice on brushing and diet.

A Specialist Children’s Dentist (Paediatric Dentist) has post graduate training focusing on the unique needs of children. This training gives the dentist the skills in behaviour management to enable the examination and treatment of children with varying needs. The specialist is able to examine and treat children that have special needs which include very young children, children with physical or intellectual disabilities and medically compromised children. Other treatment options are also available including the use of nitrous oxide sedation(happy gas) and treatment under general anaesthesia. The specialist works with the parents/caregivers to provide a preventive program for your child and to give appropriate advice as the child develops and moves through the various stages of growth.

It is not always what type of toothbrush is the correct, but how well the brush is being used. Electric toothbrushes are very efficient cleaners and are preferred by some children and parents/caregivers. However, a normal toothbrush can be just as effective if used properly.

Fluoride is important as it makes the enamel more resistant to acid attack from the plaque. It is recommended that children start using low fluoride tooth paste between 2 and 6 years of age. After this time they can then use the full strength toothpaste. It is also important to drink tap water as this has the optimum amount of fluoride (0.7ppm) to help prevent tooth decay in children.

Children with special needs are welcome at the practice. Let the receptionist know when you book your appointment that your child has special needs. Appropriate time and scheduling of the appointment will be made. The dentist will spend time with parents/caregivers after the examination discussing preventive care as well as any treatment requirements.

Usually your child will loose the front 8 baby teeth between 6years and 8 years of age. At this time the first permanent (6 year old) molars also come through behind all the baby teeth. No more baby teeth will loosen up until your child is about 10 years old. Then the lower eye teeth become loose. Between 10 and12 years of age the remaining baby teeth are lost and are replaced with adult teeth. At 12 years of age the second molars come through. This just leaves the wisdom teeth. If they come through it can be as early as 16 years of age. Of course ther is quite a bit of variation in eruption times. If you have any concerns ask the dentist at your next appointment. Below are diagrams showing the eruption times of the baby teeth and the adult teeth.

This is not uncommon. If the baby tooth is loose, encourage your child to wiggle it so that it loosens further and falls out. The new adult incisor will continue to grow and the tongue will push it forward into the correct position. If the baby tooth isn’t loose, get one of our dentists to check it. Sometimes the teeth need a little help to come out.

Baby teeth are important for the proper growth and development of the jaw. They maintain space for the adult teeth and are important for speech development and eating. Early loss of baby teeth can lead to the need for orthodontic treatment later in your child’s life.

A fissure sealant is a protective coating placed on the biting surfaces of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. It is often used on the first permanent molars, which erupt into the mouth at about 6years of age. As these teeth have deep fissures (grooves) they are susceptible to decay as the fissures can’t been cleaned properly. The sealant makes cleaning the tooth easier and will prevent decay in the pits and fissures.

It is best to contact your Dentist for advice in these cases. In some instances the Dentist will recommend the child is seen immediately, in other cases it won’t be as urgent. However it is best to get the dentist to check any traumatic injury to the teeth as soon as possible.

If a baby tooth is knocked out do not try and put it back. If you do try and put it back you may accidentally damage the adult tooth that is developing in the gum. It is always a good idea to ring your dentist for advice and to organize for your child to be seen as soon as possible.

Unlike baby teeth, if a permanent tooth is knocked out it should be replaced in the socket immediately. The longer it is out of the mouth, the less chance there is that the tooth will survive. If you are unable to put the tooth back, see your dentist ASAP. In the meantime the tooth can be stored in milk.