Introduction to Child Dental Care

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that a child’s first dental visit should be when the first tooth appears or by their first birthday. 

After the first visit, the dentist will advise on how often your child should return for check-ups.

Baby teeth are essential for a child’s development. They help with proper chewing, learning to speak clearly, and contribute to facial structure. 

Initially, before the teeth erupt, you can clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth. 

In Australia, it is recommended to start using low-fluoride toothpaste from around 18 months of age. 

You can make brushing teeth more engaging by playing a song, using a toothbrush with their favorite characters, or turning it into a game. 

Yes, powered toothbrushes can be safe for children and even make brushing more effective and enjoyable. 

Flossing can begin when a child has two teeth that touch. This typically starts around the age of two or three. 

Demonstrate the process and guide your child’s hand so they can feel the correct movement. Use a mirror so they can see what they are doing, and teach them to use gentle, circular motions for brushing. 

Yes, poor oral hygiene can lead to dental problems like cavities and gum disease, which in turn can affect a child’s general health. Oral health issues can impact a child’s ability to eat and sleep properly and may contribute to other health issues outside of the mouth​3​.

Signs of tooth decay in children can include white, brown, or black spots on the teeth that don’t brush away. 

A child’s diet is critical to their oral health. Limiting sugary foods and drinks is essential, as sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Instead, encourage tooth-friendly choices such as water, milk, carrot or celery sticks, cheese, and fresh fruit​1​.

Tooth-friendly snacks include carrot or celery sticks, cheese, and fresh fruit. 

Sugar in the diet contributes to tooth decay by feeding the bacteria in plaque, which produces acids that erode tooth enamel and can lead to cavities. It’s not only obvious sweets like candies and cakes but also hidden sugars in processed foods like cereals and flavored yogurts that are problematic​1​.

If a child’s baby tooth is knocked out, do not attempt to reinsert it, as this could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, visit a dentist as soon as possible to assess any further damage and receive appropriate care​1​.

Dental X-rays are considered safe for children and are used judiciously by dentists to diagnose and monitor oral health conditions. Modern dental X-ray machines emit very low levels of radiation and are often necessary for a complete oral health assessment​1​.

Helping a child overcome fear of the dentist can involve positive reinforcement, explaining dental procedures in child-friendly terms, and perhaps visiting the dental office for a non-treatment visit to familiarize the child with the environment​2​.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian government program providing financial support for basic dental services for eligible children aged 2-17, helping to cover costs for examinations, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions​3​.

Eligibility for the CDBS can be checked by calling Medicare, using your Medicare online account through MyGov, or by asking your dental practitioner​1​.

The CDBS covers a range of dental services including examinations, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, and extractions, but it does not cover orthodontic, cosmetic dental work, or services provided in a hospital​3​.

Thumb sucking is a common habit in infants and young children. It can provide comfort and security; however, if it becomes a long-term habit, it can lead to dental problems such as misalignment of the teeth, changes in the roof of the mouth, and speech problems. Prolonged thumb sucking can cause an overbite, where the front teeth protrude, an open bite where the front teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, and potentially a lisp due to mispositioned teeth affecting speech sound formation​1​.

Helping a child stop thumb sucking involves encouragement and support. You can use positive reinforcement, like praise or rewards, for not sucking their thumb. Distractions, such as giving them a toy or engaging in activities that keep their hands busy, can also be helpful. For some children, wearing a glove or adhesive bandage can serve as a reminder. 

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is when children grind or clench their teeth outside of normal chewing movements. It can lead to teeth wearing down and potential damage to the teeth and jaw joints. Signs and symptoms include fractured or chipped teeth, headache, sore jaws, sensitivity in teeth, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD)​2​.

The exact causes of teeth grinding can vary but are often linked to stress and anxiety. Other contributing factors can include alcohol and caffeine consumption, smoking, snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea, and certain medications like antidepressants and stimulants​3​.

Managing teeth grinding in children may not always require treatment, but when it does, it involves removing the cause where possible and repairing any damaged teeth with fillings or crowns. 

Long-term effects of teeth grinding can include significant wear and tear on the teeth, leading to sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities and tooth fractures. It can also contribute to TMD and may affect the overall appearance of the smile. Early treatment is essential to prevent these complications​2​.

Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that occurs when children consume too much fluoride while their teeth are developing. It manifests as white lines or flecks on the surface of the teeth. In Australia, it usually occurs in mild forms and can lessen over time with no negative impact on oral health or appearance​4​.

Like thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use can lead to dental problems such as open bites, overbites, and general misalignment of teeth. It can also potentially affect speech development if used during key stages of language development​5​.

To manage pacifier use, it’s recommended to limit its usage after the age of six months and avoid it beyond two years to prevent potential dental issues. Gradual weaning and choosing orthodontic pacifiers designed to minimize dental impact can also be helpful strategies​5​.

Children with braces require extra attention to dental care. They should avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage the braces. Thus, proper brushing and flossing techniques are crucial to remove food particles and plaque from around the brackets and wires. Moreover, regular dental check-ups are necessary to ensure the braces are functioning correctly and to adjust them as needed. It’s also essential for children with braces to protect their mouth during sports by using a mouthguard.