Children's Dentistry

It is a good habit to start a daily cleaning routine as soon as your baby first starts to teeth. Usually this is at the ages of 6 months. Teeth should be brushed at least once each day and especially before bedtime. 

Babies without teeth, the gums should be rubbed with a damp piece of gauze or a clean washcloth to remove plaque. As teeth merge though the gums, they should be brushed gently with the same technique as described for manual toothbrushing, with a toddlers toothbrush. 

When the child is old enough not to suck or swallow toothpaste from a toothbrush, it is recommended that you follow the manufacturers guidelines and use a dab of low-strength fluorde toothpaste. A pea size amount can be smeared on the brush head. Be cautious that too much fluoride toothpaste at a young age can cause brown spots on permanent teeth. Flossing can begin when the baby have teeth that come into contact. This is usually near the ages of 18months to two years. 

Children should always be supervised for oral hygiene until the age of eight or nine years old. Or until you are confident that good techniques are employed on a daily basis. Visits to the dentist should start at the age of 12-18months, or earlier if you have any concerns with your childâs teeth. It is often just an introduction to our team and practice, and we will be looking to ensure their gums are healthy and teeth are coming through straight. Also, we will monitor their jaw and facial bone structure for the development of alignment problems or crowding of teeth, as early diagnosis may greatly reduce the need for metal braces. 

Baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries refer to holes in baby teeth. Baby teeth usually have softer enamel compared to adult teeth. Therefore it is important to refrain children from sweet drinks, lollies and other sweet foods to meal times. Some useful tips are: avoid high sugar diets, allowing children to fall asleep with bottles containing milk and sugary drinks like juice, soft drink, flavored milk or cordial, cleaning your childâs teeth before bed time, encouraging your child to see the dentist at the age of one.

What is Fissure sealants?

Fissures are natural grooves in teeth that are formed on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Some fissures can be very deep and narrow, in which toothbrush bristles will not be able clean out food particles sufficiently. Fissure sealants are white or clear resin coating to seal the deep grooves, helping protect the teeth from food particles being trapped, dental plaque and acid attack. Sealants are usually placed on the molar teeth, and on occasionally premolars, when the tooth first emerges into the mouth. They gradually wear away after several years and can be reapplied if necessary.