Early Dental Care for Kids
Good dental care should begin in infancy, our child dentistry team at Lane Cove Family Dentist is here to guide parents through every stage, from cleaning baby gums to scheduling that all-important first visit. Cleaning your baby’s gums, scheduling their first dental visit by age one, and establishing consistent brushing and flossing habits help protect their teeth for life. Children who learn early to care for their teeth are more likely to maintain strong, healthy smiles into adulthood.
The importance of dental health should be emphasised from a young age. As children get older, it is important that they develop good oral health habits so the parents do not have to worry about their well-being when away from work or other circumstances. Children will often mimic what they see in adults and if you want them to practice proper oral care, follow Dr. Raji Pillai’s advice on how best to accomplish this goal!
The Importance Of Dental Hygiene In The Modern Age Cannot Be Ignored
Teeth are not only important for chewing food, but also they aid us with proper articulation and speech. Without proper maintenance teeth can lead to cavities, plaque build-up which causes infections that result in bleeding gums and intense pain. This pain could affect our day-to-day activities like concentration or work due to lack of sleep caused by the pangs of extreme pain; it may even hinder mental health issues such as low self-esteem or inferiority complex among children who develop poor oral care habits early on because their parents did not teach them properly how bad bacteria cause problems throughout one’s mouth resulting from dirty hands while eating processed or sugary foods without toothpaste/mouthwash.
What Is Early Dental Care?
Why Dental Hygiene Matters for Children
- Cavities and gum infections from plaque buildup
- Pain or bleeding gums affecting sleep and focus
- Speech or self-esteem issues caused by visible decay or discomfort
What Can You Do?
Dental Care for Infants (0–2 Years)
- Clean the gums after feeding using a soft, damp cloth to remove milk residue and bacteria.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth erupts.
- Avoid bottle decay: switch from bottles to a sippy cup around 6 months of age to prevent prolonged exposure to milk or juice.
- Schedule their first dental visit by their first birthday (or earlier if teeth appear sooner).
- Replace toothbrushes every 3 months or when bristles become worn.
Schedule their first dental visit by their first birthday and check whether your child is eligible under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme, which can cover up to $1,000 in basic dental services.
Dental Care for Children (3+ Years)
Daily Care Routine
As your child’s adult teeth come through, ask us whether dental sealants are appropriate, they provide an extra layer of protection against cavities on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
What Is Next?
Ensuring your child’s teeth remain healthy and clean is of paramount importance as they grow. As such, regular dental check ups should be scheduled at an early age so that the health care provider can detect any underlying issues undetectable superficially and provide advice on how to best maintain oral hygiene specific to their unique needs. The frequency of dental appointments will depend upon what you are advised by Dr Raji Pillai but it is advisable for children under five years old every six months with a dentist in Lane Cove Family Dentist. You can book online or call our office directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
Around their first birthday or when the first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits allow the dentist to check that teeth and gums are developing normally, provide guidance on cleaning techniques, and help your child become comfortable in a dental environment from a young age.
Q: How can I make brushing fun for my child?
Use colourful brushes, play a two-minute song, or let them brush a doll’s teeth first. Allowing your child to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste flavour can also help build enthusiasm and make brushing feel like a positive part of their daily routine rather than a chore.
Q: Is thumb sucking harmful?
Prolonged thumb sucking can cause bite problems or misalignment of adult teeth, particularly if the habit continues beyond the age of four or five. Most children naturally stop on their own, but if the habit persists, speak with your dentist about gentle strategies to help discourage it before adult teeth begin to emerge.
Q: What toothpaste should my child use?
Always choose a fluoride toothpaste recommended by your dentist and ensure only a small amount is used — a rice-sized smear for children under two, and a pea-sized amount from age three onwards. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and is safe when used in the correct quantities for each age group.
Q: When should my child start flossing?
Flossing should begin as soon as two teeth are touching, as this is when plaque can start to build up in the spaces between them. For younger children, floss picks or child-friendly flossers can make the process easier. Parents should assist with flossing until their child has the dexterity to do it effectively on their own, usually around eight to ten years of age.
Q: How often should my child visit the dentist?
For most children, a check-up every six months is recommended. Regular visits allow the dentist to monitor tooth development, detect any early signs of decay, and provide preventive treatments such as fluoride applications or dental sealants where appropriate. The frequency may vary depending on your child’s individual needs, so follow the guidance of your dental health provider.
Q: Are dental sealants suitable for children?
Yes. Dental sealants are a safe and effective preventive treatment for children, particularly once the permanent back molars begin to emerge, typically between the ages of six and fourteen. Sealants create a protective coating over the deep grooves of the back teeth, where decay most commonly starts, and can significantly reduce the risk of cavities. Ask our team whether sealants are appropriate for your child at their next visit.
Q: Is my child eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme?
Eligible children may be able to access up to $1,000 in basic dental services through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme. This can cover services such as examinations, cleaning, and fillings. Eligibility is generally based on age and whether the child receives certain government payments. We recommend checking your eligibility with Medicare or speaking with our team, who can help you understand what is covered and how to make the most of the benefit.
* The information provided in this site is only general advice given out by a professional for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for actual medical treatment. This should not be taken as a complete diagnosis and should not be solely followed in case of medical emergencies. Please consult your dental health care provider for customized treatment and diagnosis. *