Episode: Kids at the Dentist

🎙️ Bite-Sized Dental | Episode: Kids at the Dentist
Hosts: Dr Bing Lee & Glenn Hartas

Transcript

Glenn Hartas
Way FM 105.3 — your positive alternative. Hello, Glenn here, and joining me from our station sponsor Innova Dental is Dr Bing. Dr Bing, let’s talk about children and the dentist. When should parents start taking their children to the dentist?

Dr Bing
Glenn, typically it should be when their first teeth come through. I really encourage parents to bring their little ones along when they come in for their own appointments — it helps make them more familiar with the surroundings and makes the experience much less daunting.

Another great time is if they have older siblings who are already comfortable in the chair. The younger sibling can see their big brother or sister having fun and realise there’s nothing to be scared of just yet.

Glenn Hartas
Okay. And any tips for making that first visit a great experience?

Dr Bing
I think the most important thing is not making it a big deal. It should be a fun experience — and hopefully the child isn’t in pain. Definitely avoid using the dentist as a scare tactic when a child isn’t behaving. It’s also great to make dental visits part of the family routine so it doesn’t feel out of the ordinary. Bring them along when you have your own check-ups. Let them have a ride in the chair, look in the mirror — start with something small to help them get comfortable. It really makes things easier in the long run.

Glenn Hartas
Okay. So what kind of oral health routine should we adopt for a child?

Dr Bing
That really depends on their age.
Before teeth come through, there’s nothing to brush, so just use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe the gums and remove any food or debris.

From 0 to 2 years old, you can use infant toothpaste — there are different formulations suited to different age groups.

From 2 to 6, use children’s toothpaste — just a tiny smear is enough.

And from age 6 and up, children can start using adult toothpaste, still only a pea-sized amount.

I usually advise parents to supervise brushing — watch your child do it to see if they’re developing the right technique. Then go over it again until they’re able to manage it on their own. A good rule of thumb is: when they can tie their own shoelaces, they usually have the coordination to brush properly.

Flossing is also very important — especially when the teeth start touching. Because of the shape of baby teeth, decay is more likely to occur between the teeth than on the biting surfaces. So yes, start flossing early — and kids will usually need help with that until around age 10, as it can be quite tricky to do it properly on their own.

Glenn Hartas
Okay. What should parents look out for in their children when it comes to their teeth?

Dr Bing
There are three big things to watch for: white spots, brown spots, or teeth that don’t look like they’re in the right position. White spots that look chalky are usually not a good sign — they could be the start of decay.
Brown spots or holes typically mean there’s already a cavity. If the teeth look out of position, that’s worth keeping an eye on as well. It’s best to bring the child in early before any of these issues become painful.

Glenn Hartas
Okay. Are there any government schemes available to help children access the dentist?

Dr Bing
Yes, there’s the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which allows eligible children aged 2 to 17 to access bulk-billed dental care — up to $1,000 over two calendar years with participating providers.
The best way to find out if your child is eligible is to contact Medicare.

It’s a great scheme, and it’s helped many of our little patients — especially those who might not otherwise have had access to dental care — get a great start to good oral health.

Glenn Hartas
Okay. Wonderful. Thanks so much for your time. We’ll chat again soon.