Look after their teeth! NSW kids have cavities, and poor oral health is the number one reason children are admitted to hospital, according to New South Wales health data. There are long waiting lists in public hospitals for children to undergo general anaesthesia for mostly preventable tooth extractions (emergency dentist services).
Keeping your kids’ teeth healthy is VITAL – & not hard to do
As a parent, it’s hard to remember everything. You’re busy thinking about work, money, family issues – and just keeping a roof over your heads. But if you want to look after your kids’ teeth, their future – and avoid costly expenses, you must look after their teeth (preventative dental check-ups).
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It’s as easy as 123
The good news is that looking after your child’s teeth is not difficult, providing we focus on three things – which take very little time:
Dental hygiene
Dental check-ups
Understanding the dangers of excessive sugar consumption
1. Dental Hygiene
BABIES
Start brushing your baby’s teeth twice daily as soon as their teeth erupt, using a soft-bristle children’s toothbrush and water. No toothpaste is required until they are approximately 18 months. After brushing, floss their teeth.
TODDLERS
Gently brush your children’s teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and small amount of fluoride toothpaste that must not be swallowed. Brush for a full two minutes.
YOUNG CHILDREN
Brush teeth twice daily, using a soft-bristle toothbrush, then floss. Children under the age of seven or eight will need help to brush their teeth.
There have been over 13,500 hospitalisations of children aged between 5 to 9 years for potentially preventable dental conditions between 2013 to 2014.
Bring your child in for their first dental visit at around 12 months of age. This will give the dentist a chance to examine your child’s mouth and teeth, help educate you about oral hygiene and get your child comfortable with the experience of going to the dentist.
3. Dangers of excessive sugar consumption
Avoid sugar as much as possible. This doesn’t mean you need to eliminate sugar entirely, but make sure it’s only an occasional treat – and always brush/rinse their teeth afterwards. Eat sugar-free food. Try to avoid all sticky, high-sugar foods and instead, encourage your children to eat plenty of raw vegetables, crackers, cheese and fruit.
Drink fluoridated tap water instead of sugary drinks. Fluoride helps protect tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Bacteria in your mouth love sugar – and sugary drinks, including fruit juices and sports drinks, all contain loads of sugar, which cause acid and cavities.
40% of NSW children up to age five have had tooth decay, and 50% of children up to age nine have had tooth decay...
How to afford dental visits
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance is a great option for those who can afford it. Many funds give a free checkup or clean and scale once a year, and this usually covers children, too. At Marketplace Dental Centre, Wagga Wagga, we’re registered with all health insurance funds and are preferred providers with Medibank Private, BUPA and HCF.
CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEDULE (CDBS)
If you receive any government benefit, you could be entitled to the CDBS, which gives your children (aged between 2 to 17) up to $1000 over two calendar years. CDBS covers most basic dental treatments – including checkups, scale and cleans, extractions, fillings, fissure sealing and root canal.
To find out if you qualify, visit the Department of Human Services website or call Medicare on 132 011.
Disadvantaged groups e.g.those in low socio-economic areas, remote areas and indigenous Australians) have experienced higher levels of tooth decay; however, the problem is widespread.
Approximately 40% of New South Wales primary school children have experienced tooth decay in baby teeth up to the age of five, with 50% of children under the age of nine having tooth decay
Around 35% of 12-year-olds already have experienced tooth decay in their adult teeth
Young children have the highest rates of preventable hospitalisations due to dental conditions.
There have been over 13,500 hospitalisations of children aged between 5 to 9 years for potentially preventable dental conditions between 2013 to 2014
46% of New South Wales children had not visited the dentist before five years of age
Early childhood tooth decay is a predictor of future tooth decay in their later years.
Frequently Asked Questions: NSW Kids Have Cavities
Why do so many NSW kids have cavities? NSW kids have cavities due to a combination of factors, including poor dental hygiene, high sugar consumption, and delayed dental check-ups. According to New South Wales Health data, preventable dental issues are the leading cause of hospital admissions for children. Early intervention and proper oral care can significantly reduce these risks.
At what age should I start taking care of my child’s teeth? Dental care should start as soon as your baby’s teeth erupt. Begin brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and water. Toothpaste can be introduced around 18 months. Early dental care helps prevent cavities and promotes healthy oral habits as your child grows.
How can I prevent my child from developing cavities? Preventing cavities in NSW kids involves three key steps:
Dental hygiene – Brush and floss daily according to your child’s age.
Regular dental check-ups – Schedule their first visit around 12 months and maintain routine appointments.
Limit sugar intake – Reduce sugary foods and drinks, and encourage healthy alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
How common are cavities among children in NSW? Tooth decay is widespread among children in New South Wales. Approximately 40% of children under five and 50% of children under nine have experienced tooth decay. Additionally, young children have the highest rates of preventable hospitalisations due to dental issues.
What are the risks of not treating cavities in children? Untreated cavities can lead to severe tooth pain, infections, difficulty eating, and hospitalisation for extractions under general anaesthesia. Early prevention and treatment reduce these risks and improve overall health and wellbeing.
How often should my child visit the dentist? Children should visit the dentist at least once every six months. Early dental visits help dentists identify potential problems before they become serious and educate parents and children on proper oral care habits.
How can families afford dental care for children? There are several options to make dental care more affordable:
Private Health Insurance: Many funds cover free annual check-ups, cleanings, and some treatments for children.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Eligible families can access up to $1,000 over two years for basic dental treatments like check-ups, fillings, and extractions.
Are some children more at risk of cavities than others? Yes. Children from low socio-economic backgrounds, remote areas, and Indigenous communities experience higher rates of tooth decay. However, cavities are common across all groups, making early prevention important for every child.
