Dental Health Week is here!
This year, Dental Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of children’s oral health milestones — and on educating parents and caregivers about how to support their children in reaching every “S-milestone”. S-milestones for kids are great for good habits and a lifetime of smiles.
Did You Know?
Even in Australia, tooth decay in children is alarmingly common:
- 1 in 3 children aged 5–6 has decay in their baby teeth
- 1 in 4 children aged 6–16 has decay in their adult teeth
For many of these children, this means a lifetime of ongoing dental treatment.
There is a common myth that tooth decay in baby teeth is not a big deal because they will eventually fall out. However, losing baby teeth too early can cause problems. It can lead to space loss with the adjacent teeth drifting into the empty space and later to complex orthodontic problems such as crowding.
What Causes Decay?
Tooth decay is mainly caused by sugars in our diet. These sugars feed the bacteria in our mouths, which produce acid as a by-product. Over time, that acid wears away the tooth surface, eventually causing “holes.”
That is why it is crucial to:
- Eat healthy foods at regular intervals
- Avoid frequent snacking
- Clean teeth thoroughly every day
As parents and caregivers, we play a key role in helping kids make smart food choices and keeping their meal and snack times structured.
How to Protect Your Child’s Smile
The best way to care for children’s teeth is to:
- Brush twice a day – morning and night
- Use fluoride toothpaste from 18 months of age
- Clean between the teeth daily (once the teeth start to touch)
Our team is here to support your family with regular check-ups and early detection of dental issues. Let’s work together to build strong, healthy smiles from the very start!
You may be eligible of the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme. We bulk bill children under this scheme. Book an appointment now!
See you in our Adelaide dental clinic conveniently located in the CBD near Rundle Mall! The Adelaide City Dental Care Team.
PS: check out our socials (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) for top tips for teeth, mouth and gums and dental family snaps! Maybe even the latest on YouTube.
