Teething: a milestone in a child’s development

Teething is a significant developmental milestone for infants and toddlers. It marks the beginning of the transition from a gummy smile to a mouth full of teeth. Teething typically starts around six months of age, although it can vary from child to child. This process involves the emergence of primary (baby) teeth through the gums, which can be accompanied by discomfort and pain.

The five stages of teething

Understanding the stages of teething can help parents anticipate what to expect and how to provide their children with the necessary care and comfort. There are five distinct stages of teething:

1. Pre-eruption: This stage begins before any teeth break through the gumline. Babies may become irritable, drool excessively, and chew on objects to alleviate gum discomfort.

2. Eruption: This is when the teeth start to push through the gums. The central incisors (front teeth) usually emerge first, followed by the lateral incisors, canines, and molars. Parents may notice redness and swelling around the emerging tooth, along with increased drooling and fussiness.

3. Cutting teeth: During this stage, the tooth has partially broken through the gums. It’s common for babies to experience discomfort, mild pain, and sleep disturbances. Parents can provide relief through teething toys and gentle gum massages.

4. Fully erupted: Once the tooth is fully visible above the gumline, the pain typically subsides. However, some children may still experience discomfort as they get used to the new sensation of having teeth. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene at this stage.

5. Shedding teeth: As children grow, they start to lose their baby teeth to make way for permanent ones. This process usually begins around age six and continues into early adolescence.

Easing teething pain

Teething can be a challenging time for both children and parents. Fortunately, there are several strategies to ease the discomfort associated with teething:

• Teething toys: Soft, textured teething toys provide babies with something safe to chew on, helping to relieve gum irritation.

• Chilled teething rings: Refrigerated teething rings can offer soothing relief by numbing the gums when chewed on.

• Gentle gum massage: Gently massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger can help alleviate discomfort. Ensure your hands are clean to prevent any infections.

• Cold washcloth: Dampen a clean washcloth, place it in the freezer for a short time, and then give it to your child to chew on. The coldness can numb the gums temporarily.

• Over-the-counter remedies: Some over-the-counter teething gels or pain relievers formulated for infants can be used under a paediatrician’s guidance.

• Comfort and cuddles: Sometimes, all a teething baby needs is comfort from their parents. Holding, rocking, and cuddling can provide emotional support during this uncomfortable time.

Onto the older kids: the impact of sports drinks on children’s dental health

While teething is a natural process, the choices parents make regarding their children’s diet and oral hygiene can significantly impact their dental health. One common concern is the consumption of sports drinks by children.

Sports drinks are marketed as beverages that can help athletes replenish lost electrolytes during physical activity. However, they are often high in sugar and acidity, making them less than ideal for children’s dental health.

Here are some reasons why sports drinks can be detrimental to kids’ teeth:

• High sugar content: Most sports drinks contain a substantial amount of sugar to improve taste. Consuming these drinks can lead to tooth decay and cavities if not properly managed.

• Acidity: Sports drinks are often acidic, which can erode tooth enamel over time. Enamel is the protective outer layer of teeth, and once it’s damaged, it cannot regenerate.

• Dehydration: Contrary to their intended purpose, sports drinks are unnecessary for children who engage in typical physical activities. Water remains the best choice for keeping kids hydrated.

• Empty Calories: The high sugar content in sports drinks contributes empty calories to a child’s diet, potentially leading to weight gain and other health issues.

• Habit Formation: Introducing sugary drinks to children at a young age can establish a preference for sweet beverages, making it challenging to encourage healthier choices.

Tips for protecting children’s teeth from sports drinks

To safeguard your child’s dental health, it’s essential to be mindful of their consumption of sports drinks and take appropriate measures:

• Limit consumption: If your child doesn’t play a sport or participate in intense physical activity, there is typically no need for them to consume sports drinks. Encourage water as the primary source of hydration.

• Read labels: Be wary about reading product labels. Look for lower-sugar or sugar-free options if sports drinks are deemed necessary.

• Rinse with water: If your child occasionally drinks a sports beverage, encourage them to rinse their mouth with water afterwards to help neutralise acidity and wash away sugar.

• Regular dental check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups for your child to monitor their oral health and address any potential issues early.

• Educate on oral hygiene: Teach your child proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental care, to minimise the impact of sugary beverages.

Caring for children’s dental health, especially during the teething phase, is an essential aspect of parenting. Understanding the stages of teething and how to alleviate associated discomfort can help both parents and children navigate this challenging period. Additionally, being mindful of the impact of sports drinks on dental health and making informed choices regarding their consumption can contribute to a lifetime of healthy smiles for our young ones.

Is it time to book your kids in for a dentist appointment? Book online with the Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic or call our friendly team on 5975 5944 today.

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What is children’s dentistry? 

First things first – what exactly is children’s dentistry? Well, let’s just say it’s more than simply cleaning your child’s teeth! Children’s dentistry covers various aspects of the teeth, jaw and mouth as a whole. 

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, the children’s dentist services we provide include the following

• Check-ups and x-rays
• Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments
• Fissure sealant
• Oral health education
• Orthodontic monitoring & referral
• Growth monitoring
• Sports mouthguards

Booking a visit with our friendly team is also a great starting point to discuss any concerns or questions about your child’s teeth, and we can refer you to the correct specialist if necessary 

When should I take my kids to the dentist?

Some ‘advice’ circling states that you don’t need to take your child to the dentist until they have a complete set of baby teeth. However, children’s dentistry is about so much more than teeth! Oral hygiene covers all aspects of your child’s mouth, including their gums, lips, mouths, and jaws.

When it comes to your child’s teeth, our experts recommend that you bring them in when their first teeth appear or by the time they turn one year old. However, we welcome kids (and parents!) earlier if you have any questions or concerns.

Often, young children only need to visit the dentist every 6-12 months (or as otherwise discussed with your dental practitioner). During your appointment, our dentists will advise on a suitable time frame for your child’s next visit.  

What can I expect at my child’s first dental appointment?

So, you’ve got your child – somewhat begrudgingly – through the dental doors of doom. Now what? The friendly team at Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic ensures your child feels safe and comfortable the moment they step inside the clinic. Our waiting room is bright, airy and surrounded by lush trees to help you relax before your appointment.

At their first appointment, we give your child a thorough check-up and discuss with you your child’s teething and habits (such as thumb sucking), nutritional advice, your child’s bite and much more. We’ll monitor their facial and dental development as they grow to help avoid teeth crowding and jaw issues. We can also address factors such as large tonsils, sleep apnoea or snoring, and mouth breathing. 

We know it’s vital for children to see a dentist when they are young, so we make child comfort our number one priority. This will help them form positive associations with dental visits and decrease fear or negative stigma.

How can I help my child with oral health at home?

Good dental hygiene should never stop at your six-monthly check-up – it should be carried through to daily life. From teeth brushing to flossing to everything in between, our team ensures that you and your child are equipped with the most up-to-date advice on oral health. We’re here to answer any questions or concerns you or your child may have, and we work to make oral hygiene fun! We want to ensure your child learns good oral health habits early on to ensure they’re set up for a good daily routine.

Some tips we like to give to our parents and kids:

• If you can, invest in a child’s soft-bristled electric toothbrush. These are much more effective than manual brushes.
• Don’t worry about toothpaste for kids under 18 months – water on a soft toothbrush works fine.
• Floss your child’s teeth for them up until ages 7-8.
• Make oral hygiene fun! Pump their favourite songs or turn teeth brushing time into a game!
• Encourage your child to brush their tongue gently.
• Even when your child can brush their own teeth, keep checking to ensure that any food and plaque have been removed until you’re confident that they are brushing thoroughly.

Should my child wear a mouthguard when playing sports?

If your child plays a contact sport, a fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection and keeps dental trauma to a minimum. Although the DIY ‘boil and fit’ mouthguards from the chemist and sporting stores are a quick and cost-effective solution, they are unlikely to provide effective protection, are uncomfortable and can make breathing hard.

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our custom-fitted mouthguards are comfortable, easy to speak and breathe with, and custom-fit to your child’s teeth. It is recommended that your child wears a mouthguard for both training and games.

Why should I see Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic for children’s dentistry?

Choosing a dentist for your child is a significant decision. You’re not just choosing someone to clean your child’s teeth every six months. Rather, you’re choosing a practitioner who will monitor your child as they grow and will watch their development over time. At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our team of specialists know that visiting the dentist can be intimidating. That’s why we work hard to ensure your child feels safe in our care and make a trip to see us as enjoyable as possible. 

Our practice also supports the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS), and we bulk bill all eligible children. The government-funded CDBS is now available for families with children aged 2-17 years. Families must receive government benefits. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian government payment. If children are eligible, they receive up to $1,000 over two calendar years for preventative and restorative dentistry.

Is it time you booked your child in for their first (or next!) dental visit? We’ve got you covered. Contact the Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic today and become part of our family.

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At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our patients are our first priority. Our team strives to ensure that you feel comfortable and secure during your visit and is open to answering any questions you may have.

If it’s been a long time between dental visits, you may be unsure of the type of consult you should have. In this blog, we will advise on the types of dental consults we offer and who they may best be suited to.

Preventative dentistry

One of the most important dental visits you’ll have is the preventative check-ups every six months. Seeing a Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic team member regularly means that you’re putting preventative measures in place for your oral health. These check-ups monitor your teeth and gums and ensure they are maintained and cared for. Our expert team can provide oral health tips, help you develop a daily hygiene routine and recommend products for you.

In a preventative check-up, your dentist can provide a range of dental care services, including:

• Examining the teeth and mouth.
• Preparing a care plan and discussing treatment options.
• Restoring adult and baby teeth.
• Removing ‘baby’ teeth when needed.
• Storing your dental records.
• Providing preventative dental care such as fissure sealants and fluoride therapies.
• Providing referrals for children who require further dental treatment.
• Sharing oral health advice and preventative measures.

Who should book a preventative dental appointment: Everyone! Booking a dentist appointment every six months will ensure that you care for your oral health in the best possible way.   

Children’s dentistry

Children’s dentistry is an essential service that we offer. Familiarising children with the dentist from a young age and ensuring they’re comfortable means that there is a greater chance they won’t develop a fear of the dentist as they get older.

Kids’ mouths and jaws are constantly growing and developing. By seeing a dentist regularly, we closely monitor their facial growth and dental development. By doing this, we’re helping to avoid jaw issues and crowding of teeth. We examine and care for all aspects of your child’s oral health and address factors such as large tonsils, sleep apnoea or snoring, mouth breathing and thumb sucking.

Some of the children’s dentistry services we provide at Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic include:

• Check-ups and x-rays
• Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments
• Fissure sealants
• Oral health education
• Ortho ascent
• Growth monitoring
• Sports mouthguards

Who should book a children’s dental appointment: Children should book this type of appointment (well, technically, it’ll be the parents booking the appointment!). You should book your child’s first dentist appointment when their first teeth appear or by the time they turn a year old (however, you are more than welcome to come and see us earlier if you have any questions).

Emergency dentistry

Sometimes, life deals us with some curveballs, and emergencies happen. Regardless of how careful you are with your teeth, accidents, unfortunately, do happen. The Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic team is well-equipped to deal with dental emergencies like a broken tooth or severe toothache.

The most common dental emergencies we see at our clinic are:

• Toothache due to decay, especially when the tooth nerve or bone is affected.
• A broken tooth or split tooth.
• A whole tooth getting knocked out.
• A loose crown or tooth cap.

If an emergency does occur, contact us immediately. Even if your symptoms begin to subside, seeking treatment is vital to prevent future or under-the-surface damage.

Who should book an emergency dental appointment: These appointments should be booked by those experiencing a dental emergency (such as those mentioned above). If an emergency does occur, it’s important not to panic. You need to act quickly and calmly, call us for help and come in for a check-up – even if you’re not in pain. 

Fillings

Fillings are another standard treatment we provide. During your routine check-up, your dentist will advise whether any teeth need fillings. Most fillings are done because of a tooth cavity, but they can also help prevent toothaches and further tooth decay. Sugary foods and neglect of oral hygiene put you at risk of developing cavities. If you need a filling, you’ll need to book a separate appointment to have the treatment done.

Who should book a fillings appointment: If your dentist has advised you that you need a filling, you’ll need to book a fillings appointment.

How do I book my first appointment?

If it’s been a long time between dental visits for you, it’s time to book in! To book an appointment with one of the Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic dentists, you can email or call us at (03) 5975 5944. Our friendly administration team will be able to discuss your options, including which appointment is best suited to you.

To learn more about our practice, team and the services we offer, head to our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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