If your child loses a baby tooth due to an accident or while playing sports, do not try to re-insert the tooth as this can cause harm to the adult tooth that rests below the gum. Have your child bite down gently on a clean cloth for any bleeding.

Additionally, try a cold compress to soothe the area and reduce swelling. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor or visit your local hospital if you have deeper concerns for your child’s wellbeing.

This habit if it persists for too long can encourage your child’s teeth to buckle outward. It also encourages their mouth to narrow their mouth during its development, leaving them at higher risk of developing misalignment in the future.

Be sure to take them to see your dentist if the habit persists past the age of 4 years old. This allows any developmental issues to be noticed and addressed promptly.

Teeth brushing can begin when the first teeth begin to emerge through the gum, with a gentle technique, a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste.

It’s recommended to increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount once they are around 7 years old.

When your child’s first tooth arrives is a good time to start booking them in for regular visits with us, but getting them used to a dental practice sooner than this by bringing them to your appointments is also a good idea.

Dental practices are full of lots of noises, sounds, smells and strangers which could be unsettling for them.

The best way to address this is preventative, handling a fear after it’s developed is harder than not allowing fear to develop in the first place. A parent’s positive attitude can make a world of difference.

If your child sees you feeling and acting positively and amicably about your dental visits, they’ll pick this behaviour up. Similarly, they’ll notice your anxieties about a dentist, believe there’s something to feel scared of and will likely copy this behaviour too.

If they’ve already developed a fear of the dentist, taking them to see a paediatric dentist is advisable so they are seeing a professional who is used to dealing with other children in the dentist’s chair.