Children’s Dentistry in Maroochydore

Boy Sitting On Dental Chair — Suncoastdental In Maroochydore, QLD

Calming & Friendly Clinic

It’s not uncommon for kids to feel intimated or even scared of the dentist, but rest assured that when you visit Suncoast Dental, we’ll do everything in our power to accommodate your child. Servicing families of Maroochydore and surrounds, our team is passionate in helping every child grow up with healthy oral hygiene habits, ensuring they have a fun and relaxing time at our clinic.

Our team of licensed dentists and oral hygienists love working with children and use tried and tested, child friendly dental techniques to assist our young patients. We are committed to reducing the stress, anxiety and pain associated with dental treatments as much as possible, as well as teaching both kids and parents on how to best encourage healthy teeth cleaning habits. Afterall, we believe a smile should last a lifetime! If it’s time to book in a dental check for your little one, get in touch with Suncoastdental in Maroochydore today.

Baby Teeth Care

Proper dental care is vital for adults, but good hygiene habits need to begin while we’re young. Tooth decay in children is a growing issue, with children aged 5 to 10 having an average of one and a half decayed, missing or filled baby teeth. From the moment they start teething, sticking to a regular cleaning schedule is key to preventing further dental issues as they grow older. Doing so, your child can avoid fillings or other dental restoration work. It will also ensure that there are no crowding problems when adult teeth come through later on.

Most babies begin teething at 3 months old, with their first tooth usually appearing between 6 to 9 months of age. We recommend parents to clean baby teeth by using a soft cloth or toothbrush and begin using a low-fluoride toothpaste at 18 months old. Still have more questions? Our dentists or oral hygienists can offer more tailored help to assist you!

Baby Cleaning His Teeth — Suncoastdental In Maroochydore, QLD
Child Teaching Dental Hygiene — Suncoastdental In Maroochydore, QLD

Dental Hygiene Tips

As soon as your baby’s teeth begin to appear, you should arrange a dentist visit to ensure the teeth are developing as they should. From there, we recommend brushing their teeth at least twice a day, using small circular motions. It’s important that you encourage them to stick to this routine and provide plenty of praise! Make sure to replace their toothbrush or brush head every 3 months and encourage regular flossing once they are older. Limiting unhealthy foods such as soft drinks and lollies will also prevent tooth decay and help your child avoid unnecessary pain.

When To Start Visiting The Dentist

It’s vital to regularly visit the dentist to ensure your child’s tooth is growing without troubles. We also advise parents to never use the dentist as a threat and our team will make sure to always provide your child with a positive experience. If you begin to notice any misalignment of the teeth or jaw, book an appointment with us immediately. If your child complains of any pain, or if you notice swollen gums and loose teeth, get in touch with our team straight away. We’ll schedule a time as soon as possible and advise on what treatment is required.

Dentist Checking Child's Tooth — Suncoastdental In Maroochydore, QLD

Frequently Asked Questions

The first dental visit is recommended by 12 months of age, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. The first visit often lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your child’s age, the visit may include a full exam of the teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to check growth and development. 

There are a number of problems that affect the oral health of children, including tooth decay, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and early tooth loss. Even though baby teeth are eventually replaced with permanent teeth, keeping baby teeth healthy is important to a child’s overall health and well-being. 

The average child has their full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of 3 years. Between the ages of about 6 and 7 years, the primary teeth start to shed and the permanent teeth begin to come through. By the age of about 21 years, the average person has 32 permanent teeth – 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw. 

Severe decay in baby teeth can have serious consequences for your child’s nutrition, speech and jaw development. The longer tooth decay is left untreated, the more your child will experience: pain and discomfort. a higher risk of new decay in other baby and adult teeth. 

  • 0-3 Years Old: Finger Slip or Infant Toothbrushes for Babies. … 
  • 3-5 Years Old: Kid-Sized Toothbrush. … 
  • 6-9 Years Old: Kid-Sized Toothbrush or Electric Toothbrush. … 
  • 10 Years and Older: Adult Toothbrush or Electric Toothbrush 
  • Soft Bristles and A Diamond-Shaped Head. The softer the bristles, the better. Kids have a tendency to brush pretty hard, so soft and gentle bristles will ensure they don’t overbrush, which could cause damage to their teeth and gums over time. 

As children under the age of 6 tend to swallow rather than spit out excess toothpaste, they need to use a low fluoride toothpaste. In some children a higher strength fluoride may be required, on the advice of your dental professional. 

Here’s how to keep cavities away: 

  • Start good oral habits early. Teach kids to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to floss regularly. 
  • Get enough fluoride. Regular use of fluoride toughens the enamel, making it harder for acid to penetrate. 
  • Limit or avoid sugary foods. 
07 5443 3500