Dental care with Dr. Jenny Wang

Part 1: Oral health for kids

By 3 years of age most kids will have all 20 primary baby teeth. Even though baby teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth they are still important. They guide or hold the space for adult teeth and influence the development of speech and facial growth. As baby teeth can develop cavities, it’s important they are looked after through a number of ways.

Oral care at home

Baby teeth should be brushed twice a day with a soft tooth brush and the right children’s toothpaste (always check the label for age guide) as soon as they are present in the mouth. Encourage your child to brush their own teeth but remember they will lack coordination until about 8 or 9 years so help them out at least once a day.

Diet

One of the most important factors for kids oral health is diet.  It’s not just about the amount of sugar but eating patterns. Risks of tooth decay can increase if children eat too often. Similarly, if there is high intake and frequency of acidic drinks (e.g. fruit juices, cordials, soft drinks) there is a greater risk of developing tooth decay.

Professional advice and care

Dental visits should be started early—usually at 3 years old when your child has all the baby teeth. We work with you to ensure the experience is a positive one for your child and help become accustomed to routine dental care.

When your child attends an appointment with a dentist at the Health Hub, we will make sure it’s a pleasant experience! We will check for cavities and assess the dental development of your child.  Our dentists care about your child’s teeth and will provide advice on home care in addition to performing a hygiene and fluoride treatment.  When required, we may refer your child to an orthodontist (for correction of crooked or misaligned teeth) or a paediatric dental specialist if extensive treatment is required.

Developing good habits from a young age ensures they maintain them for life!