Your tiny kid has cut their first tooth, and the word in the parent and carer’s group is that you should book their first dental visit. But is this really necessary? Is it worth taking your infant or toddler to the dentist when they can’t even sit still for a whole episode of Bluey? (Answer: yes.)

Going to the dentist is a developmental milestone. Think back to your own childhood. Maybe you didn’t see a dentist until you were four, five or older. But dentistry has changed. We know much more about oral health, the power of preventative care, and the benefits of ingraining healthy habits as early as possible. 

If you’re considering taking your child for their first checkup but want more information about what happens during the appointment (and whether it’s worth the cost), we’ve got you covered. In this guide we’ll answer your first-trip-with-the-kid questions and share ideas to help you and your child prepare. 

When should you take your child for their first dental visit?

Your child’s first checkup should happen when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. (So says the Australian Dental Association.) This advice can be hard to fathom. Your small child is still sprouting teeth. They struggle to stay still for more than five minutes straight. Then there’s the very high risk there’ll be crying and wailing. Besides, you’ve succeeded in limiting their sugar intake. (Because who needs to deal with that crash?) The prospect of a dental exam seems preposterous.

Oral health therapists (OHTs) who commonly treat babies and young children, are across all of this. And they’re experts in finding fun and safe ways to manage wriggling, crying and child dental anxiety. They have to be skilled in this. Because the shocking truth is that in 2020-2021, 51% of the hospitalisations for dental decay in Queensland were among children aged 0-9 years. We can’t afford to delay early childhood dental care. And so we’ll do everything we can to make your child’s first trip to the dentist as smooth, calm and (dare we say it) as fun as possible. 

Let’s be realistic. The first trip is about encouraging healthy habits

Before delving into what happens during your toddler’s first visit to the dentist, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Frankly, how much we get done during that first visit depends heavily on your child’s nature and any previous experiences of going to the dentist. 

A child under the age of three will rarely open wide and let us do a full exam. With a little luck, three or four-year-olds will let us do a simple, light clean. Most often, your child’s first appointment simply introduces them  to healthy oral care habits. It’s about adding ‘see the OHT’ to your child’s oral routine. Along with getting your child to hold a toothbrush and swish it around their mouth while you brush your teeth, this visit lays the foundations for a healthy relationship with tooth and gum care. 

Let’s be realistic. How much we can practically expect to achieve during that first visit will depend heavily on the nature of your child and their experiences with OHTs before that date. The aim of your child’s first trip to the dentist is to lay the foundations for a healthy relationship with tooth and gum care.

The appointment: what to expect and what will the dentist do?

Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your child’s first appointment. As their legal guardian, you’ll need to complete a new patient form and tell us about the child’s medical history. 

Tip: If you have more than one child, we recommend getting the other kid looked after so you can focus all your energy on helping your (probably nervous) little one through their appointment. 

The OHT, or dental assistant, may meet you both in reception. Chatting before going into the treatment room can help calm any nerves. 

Once in the room, the OHT will invite your child to ‘go for a ride’ in the magical moving chair. If they’re big enough and seem fairly relaxed, they can sit on their own. But it’s okay if they’d rather sit on your knee. 

Before the exam starts, the OHT (or dentist if the practice doesn’t have an OHT) will show your child some of the tools and equipment, such as mouth mirrors and the overhead light. They can touch and feel the rubber gloves, see how the chair moves and listen to the noise of the airflow machine. Letting your child explore this strange new environment can help them relax. 

Tip: How you feel will affect how your child feels. Stay as calm, relaxed, and matter-of-fact about your dental visit as possible. We realise this can be difficult if you’ve had negative experiences with dentists. Maybe you can use this visit as an opportunity to overcome your own dental anxiety.  

While your child’s being shown the treatment room, we’ll ask if you have any concerns about their teeth. For example, have you noticed any problems when your child eats or chews their food? How have they been during teething?

How the next part of the exam goes will depend on how cooperative your little one is feeling. 

In an ideal situation

Your child will lie back in the chair, either on their own or lying on you. They’ll keep their mouth open long enough for the dentist to count their teeth, use a mouth mirror to check tooth and gum health, and give them a light polish.

When it doesn’t quite go to plan

If your child isn’t playing ball, the dentist will get them to smile as much as possible and encourage them to go “Aah” with a big open mouth. (Getting kids to show us their biggest “ROAR” usually does the trick.) Anything so we can get a couple of good looks at their teeth. If you’re happy to lead by example, the OHT can look at your teeth first. When your child sees how all this works, they’ll often want their turn next. 

The final part of the appointment involves education. We’ll talk to you and your child about toothbrushing, how to clean teeth, why it’s important, and what more you can do to care for your child’s oral health. Finally, we offer your child a free toothbrush or sticker to celebrate completing their first dental visit. 

How long will the appointment last?

A child’s first dental visit generally takes 20 minutes. Sometimes less, but rarely more. Essentially, the appointment length depends on how cooperative the infant or child is. The important thing is not to push it. We know kids don’t like to sit still in a strange environment for too long, and we don’t want to create any negative associations. 

A child’s first dental visit generally takes 20-minutes.

Making a second appointment

Your child’s second checkup depends on how well the exam went and whether there are any potential problems.

Generally, we try to see infants and children every six months. There are three main reasons for this. 

1. Children’s mouths change quickly. As you know, there’s a lot of growth and development, so the shape of their mouth and tooth alignment changes faster than an adult’s. 
2. Seeing a dentist every six months helps build familiarity. Even six months is a very long time in toddler land, and it’s easy for a child to forget. We want dental check-ups to become a regular, expected part of growing up. 
3. Children are prone to tooth decay. Good cleaning habits aren’t well established at such a young age, making it easier for tooth decay and gum disease to develop. Seeing your child twice a year lets us catch these challenges early and advise you on overcoming them.   

At the end of the appointment, your OHT will let you know when they want to see your child again. Reception staff can book you in so you don’t have to think about it for another few months.  

Preparing your kid for their first checkup

Dental practices are full of equipment, noises and smells that will be completely new (and probably a bit weird) for your child. Besides that, there are big people dressed in uniform and wearing masks. Children often feel anxious. They’ll turn to you for reassurance. 

Ease their anxiety by doing some of these eight things before their appointment.

Talk about going to the dentist

Explain what a dentist and OHT do—they like to look at teeth. Tell them that  getting your teeth checked is part of growing up. You could even discuss your own experiences. Hopefully, they’re positive ones. If not, don’t lie to your child but try not to pass on your anxiety or fear. Stick to the facts, or ask other family members and friends to talk about their trips to the dentist. 

Let them sit in on appointments

If you, your partner, or the child’s older sibling have an appointment ahead of your child’s first checkup, let your little one sit in with you. Being a curious bystander will help them get used to the sounds and smells, and they’ll be able to see what goes on. 

Play dentists

Roleplaying games help littlies understand the world around them. Gather a few of your child’s favourite dolls and soft toys, sit them in a chair and pretend to be dentists. You might even use props. A teaspoon works well as a mouth mirror. A pair of sunglasses as the protective glasses. A reusable metal straw as the airflow tube. And thanks to recent world events, we’re sure you can dig a mask out from somewhere.

Look at each other’s teeth 

Show your child how to open wide and say “ahh,” then take turns looking at each other’s teeth. You might try counting their teeth or saying, “I can see your big back teeth,” “Look at those sharp front teeth for biting,” and name parts of their mouth such as their lips, tongue, and the roof. 

Get brushing

Giving your child an age-appropriate toothbrush is a great way to encourage cleaning. See if they’ll let you move the brush around their mouth. Don’t stress if this doesn’t happen. It’s best not to force the issue with an infant or headstrong toddler. Instead, just aim to have them get the toothbrush in their mouth at least twice a day and, if they’re old enough, pop a bit of toothpaste on there.  

Watch videos and shows about the dentist

Load up a YouTube video or two of people visiting the dentist and let your child watch. Search out episodes of popular kid’s TV shows in which the characters go to the dentist. (Yes, even Peppa Pig and Finny the Shark go to the dentist.)

Tip: If you’re not into your kid being in front of a screen, there are lots of books about teeth and going to the dentist, too.   

Visit the practice

It’s sometimes possible to arrange a short tour of the dental practice. A receptionist or dental assistant may be able to show you and your child around, pointing out where your child will find toys and books while they wait and what a treatment room looks like. 

Show them pictures of their dentist

When you make the appointment, get the name of the OHT they’ll see. Then, assuming the practice has a website, see if there’s a photo of the practitioner. Meeting a face they recognise can help settle those little nerves.   

Your child may not fully understand everything you do to prepare them for their first dental exam. But hopefully some of these steps will help to smooth the experience. 

How much does a child’s dental appointment cost in Australia? 

The cost of your child’s dental visit will depend on the fees charged by the practice. Factors that influence price include: 

• your location
• appointment length 
• the dentist’s experience
• complexity of treatment needed.

Generally, the cost of an infant checkup (under 5 years) is less than $100. It can be slightly more for older children. 

The cost of dental treatment in Australia can be a barrier, especially when it comes to taking the smallest members of your household. A hundred bucks for someone to potentially assess a smile seems a lot. But spotting and treating problems early can be an investment in avoiding more costly visits later. 

Accessing the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) 

Dental care isn’t covered by Medicare. Yet. But there is some financial support for families wanting to ensure their child sees a dentist. 

The CDBS is for children under 18 years and covers up to $1,052 worth of dental treatment over two years. To be eligible, the child must:

• be under 18 years of age,
• be entitled to Medicare, and
• the parent or child receives a government payment that makes them eligible. Payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, or Double Orphan Pension payments.

If these criteria are met, you may be able to get free child dental care. Learn more about accessing CDBS. 

Caring for your little one’s chompers

Taking your small person to the dentist when they’ve just cut their first or second tooth may seem very soon. But it’s never too early to start instilling good oral hygiene practices, including seeing the dentist. 

If you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area and are looking for a family dentist who cares for teeth big and small, we can help. Call us on (07) 3130 0297 or request an appointment online.

Dental implant treatment is considered a permanent tooth replacement option. Once the implant is in the jawbone, and you’ve healed from the surgery, it usually stays there for the rest of your life (or at least 10-20 years). But as can happen with medical and dental treatments, sometimes the procedure needs to be reversed. 

Dental implant removal is rare. But it does happen. Given the cost of dental implants and time needed to get them, it’s important to understand:

• why they need removing
• how a dental implant is taken out
• what happens to the mouth afterwards. 

First, let’s look at what a dental implant is and how they work. 

What are dental implants, and how do they work? 

Tooth implants replace one or more missing teeth. 

The treatment is done in two stages. 

Stage one involves fitting a titanium screw-like implant into the jaw. This screw performs the job of a tooth’s root, and will anchor the prosthetic tooth securely. 

Stage two involves attaching a natural-looking ceramic crown to the implant. The crown is the visible replacement for your lost tooth, and will match your other teeth. 

Technically speaking, the implant is the titanium screw-like part. It’s the bit that’s implanted into the jaw. But to make things easier the entire thing—implant, abutment and ceramic crown—is referred to as ‘a dental implant’. 

Implants come in different sizes, and yours will be chosen based on:

• the tooth it’s replacing 
• the size of your mouth and jaw
• the gap being filled.

What’s so great about dental implants, anyway?

Implants are different to dentures in a number of ways. But here are some of the main reasons why 108,399 Australians choose to have dental implants.

• They’re fixed to the jawbone, so there’s a lot less chance of them coming out when eating, talking or sneezing. 
• Implants are cleaned in (almost) the same way as cleaning natural teeth.
• You don’t need to keep putting them in and taking them out as you do dentures, which reduces the risk of damaging the surrounding teeth and soft tissue. 

But if they’re so good and considered a long-term option, why would a dental implant need to be removed?

Common reasons for removing a dental implant

Implant failure in Australia is rare. A study on dental implant treatment conducted at the Adelaide Dental Hospital found that implant survival rate was 87%. Another large-scale study in China found the  implant success rate was as high as 96%. These figures are very impressive. 

But implants can sometimes fail. 

Before removing an implant, a dentist will assess:

• why the treatment didn’t work
• whether the implant can be saved
• whether any other oral health challenges need correcting that either resulted from the implant or led to its failure. 

The reasons for the implant failure, or the need to take an implant out, can be lifestyle-related, treatment-related, or simply bad luck.

Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is the dental implant equivalent of gum disease. It occurs when bacteria grows in gaps between the gums and the crown, and is usually the result of poor cleaning and a lack of oral hygiene. 

The first stage of treatment is to clean the gum and implant to remove the bacteria (and improve the patient’s at-home oral care). This will ideally get rid of the peri-implantitis and avoid the need for removal. However, In severe cases (i.e. when the implant has already started to come loose due to the disease) the implant can’t be saved and will be removed by your dentist.

Infection

Dental implant treatments involve a healing period. And as with any surgery, infections can occur during the healing process. Your dentist will give you tips to minimise the risk of infection as you heal, such as:

• prescribing antibiotics if needed
• applying Curasept Gel to the site
• washing the mouth twice a day with Savacol. 

But sometimes infection is unavoidable. And if it can’t be treated effectively, or has affected the implant’s stability, the implant will need to be removed.

Smoking and vaping leading to implant failure

The carcinogens in cigarettes and chemicals e-cigarettes change the conditions in the mouth, increasing the chances of peri-implantitis and periodontal disease, and even affects bone metabolism. The chemicals in cigarettes can prevent the bone from healing as well (compared to the bone in a non-smoker), partly because smoking reduces blood supply to bones. That’s why you’ll be encouraged to stop smoking before getting your implants and, ideally, avoid smoking afterwards to minimise the risk of implant failure due to tobacco smoke. 

Poor implantation

An implant that’s placed into a healthy mouth and jaw with strong bone to fuse to is unlikely to fail. When a dental implant comes loose or falls out it’s usually a sign that:

• there wasn’t enough bone for it to anchor to
• an underlying oral health challenge wasn’t addressed before the implant was placed.

Medications and treatments 

Some medications and treatments have side effects that can weaken bones or dry the mouth out. This can increase the risk of implant failure. It’s similar to the risk of natural teeth falling out due to the same medications and treatments, as the tooth root can’t be supported. 

If you’re due to start any treatments or medications that have these side effects, you should let your dental practitioner know. Removal may only be needed if the implant starts to loosen. Knowing that implant failure is a possibility will allow you and your dentist to prepare, and make sure all preventative measures (e.g. great oral hygiene) are in place.   

Illnesses

Conditions that affect your bones and how strong they are (e.g. osteoporosis, diabetes, some cancers) can lead to implant failure. If the jaw can no longer support the implant, it may fall out. You may also choose to have it removed before this happens.   

Natural rejection

The body is an amazing thing. But sometimes it has a mind of its own when it comes to accepting or rejecting foreign bodies. As with all medical procedures that put something new into the body, the body may reject it. And this can be the case for a small number of dental implant patients. 

When this happens, the treatment site may become inflamed, feel painful, or simply not heal despite there being no underlying causes. The body is simply rejecting the implant, and so it would need to be removed.

Your dentist or an oral surgeon will make the decision as to whether the dental implant needs taking out.  And the steps to remove it will depend on how long the implant has been in your mouth. 

How a dental implant is removed

This will depend on how long the implant has been in your mouth, and how your healing is progressing. 

Implant failure generally becomes apparent 48 hours after treatment. But that’s not a bad thing. At this point the bone hasn’t had time to fuse to the screw, and so getting the implant out is relatively simple. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic, and the implant will be taken out in much the same way a tooth is extracted. 

If you’ve had your implant for a while, a couple of things may happen. If it’s really loose, the dentist can remove the implant with their fingers. But if that’s not possible then the procedure will be performed in hospital with you under a general anaesthetic. 

The crown and abutment will be removed, and then the screw-like implant will either be cut out, or removed with ultrasonic waves or a small laser. 

After the implant is removed   

Much like when the implant was inserted, you can expect some tenderness around the treatment site in the days after removal. Before you leave the hospital your doctor or surgeon will provide advice on how to manage any pain and keep your mouth clean to lower the risk of infection. 

The next step is deciding how you’ll replace the missing tooth. Will it be another implant or a completely different tooth replacement option?

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘go’. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines and the estimated cost for your treatment. 

Whether you’re a new or a repeat patient, one question your dental practitioner will ask regularly is, ‘Are you currently taking any medications?’

But they’re not being nosey. There are known links between oral health and overall wellbeing. How you’re feeling (well or not) and anything you’re taking to make you feel better can affect your teeth, gums, and oral health treatment plan. 

Disclosing information about any medications you’re on can feel very personal. And sometimes it’s a sensitive subject.

Hopefully this article will put your mind at ease, as it explains exactly why your dentist needs to know what medication you’re taking or treatments you’re receiving. 

The effects of medications on oral health and dental care

Australia is privileged in having access to a range of effective medicines. But while they can work wonders at healing us, giving us mental balance or relieving our pain, they can also have side effects. And some of those side effects can affect your mouth and oral health.

Whether they’re injected, inhaled or taken orally, prescribed and over-the-counter medicines can have side effects that affect the mouth. One you might be familiar with, especially if you’re prone to getting colds or hayfever, is dry mouth. 

The formula of some medications reduces saliva production. Saliva helps the body remove bacteria around your teeth and gums. And when there isn’t enough of it, the chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease increases.

So the ‘drink more fluids’ advice is good not only for combating sickness, but also for counteracting the dry mouth effects of some medications. 

If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, you may bleed more easily or for longer when you have even a minor cut. And this information is relevant to your dentist in case a tooth needs removing. 

Unfortunately, bleeding is inevitable during a tooth extraction. (Sorry if that’s too much information.) And if you’re taking blood thinners, clotting and healing after an extraction may be harder. But if they have the right information, your dental practitioner can take steps to ensure the bleeding isn’t excessive.

Immunosuppressants can also lengthen the healing time. Any major dental work you need (e.g. dental implants, multiple tooth extraction) is best saved until you’ve finished the course.  

For those taking antihypertensives to lower blood pressure, there’s a risk of gum swelling and overgrowth. And people taking medications to treat osteoporosis may experience painful mouth ulcers. 

Many of the medications we’ve mentioned so far are usually prescribed by a doctor. But it’s not just prescription medications that can affect your teeth and gums. Many over-the-counter tablets, capsules and syrups can also affect mouth health.

• Aspirin is highly acidic, and can damage tooth enamel. 
• Antihistamines for hayfever—or in cold and flu medicines—can lead to dry mouth. 
• Many syrups, medicines and lozenges contain spoonfuls of sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. 

Telling your dentist what medications you’re currently taking is the best way to look after your mouth.

Whether it’s the hayfever tablets you’ve been taking for the past week or the ongoing need to micro-dose aspirin, telling your dentist means they can:

1. factor it into your personalised treatment plan
2. better understand what oral health challenges you’re facing, and their root cause
3. suggest and carry out treatments that fit in with the medication you’re taking. You may need to finish the course or stop taking it before receiving some dental treatments. But your dentist or doctor will always advise you if and when this is necessary. 

What about supplements and herbal remedies?

Some supplements and herbal remedies can potentially increase the risk of bleeding. Let your dentist know if you’re taking any herbal remedies or supplements containing the following:

• St John’s Wort 
• ginger 
• turmeric 
• garlic 
• ginkgo biloba 
• ginseng 
• glucosamine 
• evening primrose oil 
• fish oil. 

If possible, stop taking them a week or so before your appointment. (Source: ADA media release.)

If you’re worried about disclosing medications to your dentist

You may not feel comfortable telling your dentist what medications you’re taking. You may be holding back due to stigma, shame, sadness or simply because you’re a private person. But please understand that any information you give your dentist will remain confidential – just like the information you give your doctor. 

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your medication list with your dentist, you could ask your GP or treatment specialist to write a letter on your behalf and send it on. (Note: there may be a small fee attached to this.) 

Alternatively, you could email the practice before your appointment with the details of your medications, but ask that any discussions around it be treated sensitively or kept to a minimum. 

Make a meds list to bring to your appointment

The spelling and brand names of different medications aren’t easy to remember. And you may want to let your dentist know when you started the medication and how long you expect to be on it. 

To make sure you give your dentist the right information about the medications you’re on, bring a medications list to your appointment. Gathering all this information is much easier when you’re at home with the bottles and packets in front of you. Put together a simple table like the one below and bring it with you.

You can then quickly and easily fill in the relevant section of the new patient form (or hand the list to your dentist if you’re a repeat patient).

Medication updates and changes

Generally, you only need to see your dentist once or twice a year. And a lot can happen during that time, including changes to your medications. If this is the case, you’ll need to let your dentist know what you’re taking now that the course has finished. It’s all helpful information that keeps your treatment plan relevant and delivers the oral health care you need. 

If you feel comfortable talking to the practice receptionist about your medication, give them the information when you make your appointment. Alternatively, you can let your dentist know directly. Just bring your amended medications list when you next see them. 

Extra tip: If you want to speak only to your dentist about the medications you’re on, let the receptionist know you’d like some extra time with your dentist. All you need to say is that there are some things you want to discuss with your dentist. You don’t need to say any more than that, but it means you won’t have to rush. 

Need to let your Keppel Dentist know what medications you’re taking?

If you’re a Keppel Dental patient and you haven’t updated your dentist about the medications you’re taking, then now’s a good time. (You’re already thinking about it, so why not tick that job off your to-do list?) 

The easiest way is to update us at your next appointment. If your appointment is coming up in the next week or so and your medications have only recently changed, give us a call (07) 3130 0297 to let us know in advance.

The start of Australia’s footy and rugby season strikes fear in me that I don’t feel the rest of the year. As a fan, I find the games entertaining. But as a dentist, I worry about the thousands of teeth that will be chipped or knocked out during a training session or on game day. 

According to the Australian Dental Association NSW, 40% of dental injuries are sports-related. What’s perhaps even more shocking is that only 36% of Aussies who play contact sports wear a mouthguard on game day. 

While some accidents are unavoidable, there’s one major step you can take as a sports player: Wear a sports mouthguard. (Or, If you have children who play sports, make them wear one.)

Whether you’re looking to buy your first mouthguard, or just checking your mouthguard knowledge, by reading this guide you’ll find out:

• what a mouthguard is
• the different types of mouthguards you can buy
• who should have a mouthguard in their kit bag 
• the potential risks of not wearing a mouthguard
• how to fit and care for your mouthguard 
• a dentist’s dream for mouthguards in the future. 

Let’s start by learning what a mouthguard is and how it can help prevent dental trauma. 

What is a mouthguard?

Mouthguards may be small, but they do a mighty job. When worn over the top teeth, a well-designed mouthguard will absorb some of the impact you encounter when playing sports. It reduces the chance of your upper and lower teeth clattering together and minimises the risk of you biting your cheeks or tongue, and splitting your lips. 

What wearing a mouthguard feels like will depend on the quality of the piece and the material it’s made of. Mass-produced, budget-friendly, store-bought mouthguards are generally made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). (Interestingly, PVC mouthguards have been banned in the EU.) But sports mouthguards are more commonly made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which has a more flexible, rubbery texture. 

The different types of mouthguards

There are different mouthguards for different purposes. A dentist may suggest you wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth (known as bruxism) or as a treatment for sleep apnoea, as well as if you’re playing sport. 

The difference between a sports mouthguard and one designed to help with a medical condition is that sports mouthguards are made out of a different material and are generally thicker. Whatever the sport—boxing, hockey, netball— guards that are 3-4mm thick should offer good protection. 

As well as having different purposes, mouthguards have different styles.

Custom mouthguards

Designed specifically for your mouth, custom mouthguards offer the greatest protection. These are made from an impression of your mouth, which delivers a better fit around your teeth and soft tissue. 

While you can see your dentist to get the moulds made, you don’t need to. Some sports companies and dedicated mouthguard manufacturers (e.g. Sportsafe Australia) specialise in custom mouthguards. As part of their process, they’ll take impressions of your mouth and teeth and make the moulds. This may be more cost-effective than seeing your dentist, especially if making sports mouthguards isn’t a service they offer. 

Boil and bite

Available at sports stores and some chemists, boil and bite mouthguards work by being placed in boiling water. When they’re soft (but cool enough to put in the mouth), the wearer bites down on the guard to create an impression. While this customises them to some extent,  you probably won’t get a full impression of your mouth, which means not all of your teeth and gums will be properly protected. 

Store-bought mouthguards

The most basic of mouthguards, these are a one-size-fits-most deal. Because the guard doesn’t fit the shape of your mouth, store-bought guards may be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. They’re also more likely to fall out. Of all the mouthguard styles, these offer the least amount of protection and should be used only as a last resort. 

Chances are the type of mouthguard you choose will be influenced by:

• your budget, 
• how often you play sport 
• the type of sport you play. 

But if you want to be completely sure your teeth and mouth are properly protected, investing in a custom mouthguard is the best option.  

Who should wear a sports mouthguard?

Footy players have already been mentioned.  And anyone—adult or child—who plays contact sports is also an obvious candidate. But AFL, NRL and boxing aren’t the only sports where everyone should be wearing a mouthguard. 

Anyone playing a sport where there’s a risk of colliding, falling or being hit in the mouth should wear a mouthguard. So this extends to sports such as:

• netball
• soccer
• hockey
• basketball 
• martial arts
• skateboarding
• cricket (when batting or fielding in close). 

Some of the sports on our list might surprise you. Or you may think we’re being overly cautious. But taking a ball to the mouth or hitting the deck can result in injuries that cost a lot more than buying a mouthguard and wearing it for a  few hours. 

The risks of not wearing a mouthguard

I don’t want to get super gruesome, so I’ll spare you the sport-related dental trauma we’ve treated at Keppel Dental. But the reality is that not wearing a sports mouthguard increases the risk of copping a nasty injury that can take weeks (or even months) to recover from. And depending on your injuries, it may take your bank balance just as long to recover. 

Training or playing without a mouthguard can lead to:

• biting your cheeks or tongue (which can result in needing stitches)
• a chipped tooth or teeth, which you may need dental restoration treatment to fix
• knocking out a tooth or multiple teeth, which could have you investing in a dental implant if the tooth can’t be saved 
• a broken jaw, which may involve one or more operations to help reset, repair and heal the jaw.

Injuries that require hospital or dental care can cost you more than the season. Your treatment may cost thousands of dollars. And depending on the injury and what’s needed to repair it, it could take a lifetime to treat.

Mouthguards and concussion  

You may have heard that mouthguards can also help protect against concussion. The theory is a properly fitted mouthguard absorbs enough of the impact to reduce the risk of concussion symptoms such as dizziness. But this idea is being widely abandoned by sport medical professionals.  

A small study by the University of North Carolina assessed 180 concussed athletes by looking at their cognitive function from their concussion test. The athletes were separated into two groups: those who were wearing a mouthguard when they were concussed, and those who weren’t. The conclusion was that ‘mouthguard use does not result in any observable differences in neurocognitive performance following concussion.’ But this isn’t to say that mouthguards don’t play a role in understanding sports concussions.

HITIQ make ‘smart mouthguards—mouthguards embedded with force measuring sensors that link to an app. When someone takes a hit, the technology in the mouthguard feeds back to monitors, making it quicker and easier for sports medical teams to accurately assess the severity of a concussion.

So while we highly recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect against dental and mouth trauma, if you think it will reduce the potential impact of concussion you’re going to be disappointed. Mouthguards can protect you from a lot of inner-mouth damage. But they can’t protect you from a knock to the head. 

Mouthguard fitting tips

The easiest way to get a mouthguard that fits properly is to get one custom-made. A guard created from an impression of your mouth will offer protection from your front teeth all the way to your molars, as well as around your gums. 

In Australia you might pay anything between $200 and $400 for a custom sports mouthguard, depending on the size of your mouth and any design work you have done on it. (You may see footy players with fanged teeth designs, team colours, or their name.)

You’ll know your mouthguard is fitting right if:

1. it’s comfortable to wear, even for long periods 
2. it doesn’t feel loose, or fall out easily when you make impact
3. you can breathe, swallow and talk normally. 

A good quality mouthguard should also be odourless, and not leave a plastic taste in your mouth. 

Looking after your mouthguard

An adult mouthguard that’s well-looked after can last several seasons. I say ‘adult’ because children’s mouthguards should be replaced each year. Kids’ bodies are always changing, including their mouth and jaw. They may also still be losing their milk teeth, and have adult teeth only partially through. 

To keep your mouthguard working as it should, and to stop it becoming a hygiene risk or added stink in your kit bag, you should:

• wash it in warm (not hot) soapy water after every game and training session 
• allow it to air dry rather than trying to dry it with a towel (to avoid the risk of it getting covered in lint)
• avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or exposing it to high temperatures so it doesn’t go brittle or change shape so much that it no longer fits
• keep it in a well-ventilated storage box to protect it from damage (and getting hot and potentially sweating). 

3D printing mouthguards: the dream result

A  common misconception is you can only get a custom sports mouthguard by seeing your dentist. Many dentists do offer this service. But it will often cost more than it would if you order one through a specialist mouthguard manufacturer. 

Currently, making a custom mouthguard involves using sticky, gooey putty to take an impression of your mouth. It’s then sent to a dental technician, who uses it to make a mould of your mouth. And once they have the mould, the mouthguard can be made to fit.

In an ideal world, we’d use digital dentistry techniques instead of putty. Having a 3D scan of your mouth taken is much more comfortable. And it’s a lot quicker than taking impressions of the mouth, making the model, and sending it off to have the mouthguard created. 

What would be even better is if we could use a 3D printer to print high-quality, custom sports mouthguards. Again, this would save time and lower the cost. 

At the moment, EVA is still the best material for mouthguard manufacturing. Unfortunately, it’s not commonly used for 3D printing, so it’s hard to get hold of it in a form that would work with a 3D printer.

So until the situation changes, or we find an alternative material that’s just as good as EVA but works with 3D printers, it will remain a nerdy dentist’s dream. 

Want to discuss your need for a sports mouthguard with a dentist?

Getting a sports mouthguard is a wise investment. But finding one that fits your needs isn’t always easy if you have braces, crowns or a bridge. You may also be worried about the effect a mouthguard will have on your teeth. 

If this sounds like you, then it might be worth getting some advice from a dentist. 

Keppel Dental can help any sports-mad people in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area. We can take impressions for child and adult mouthguards, and help you get a custom guard. Get in touch with us today, and we can go from there.

Kids are wriggly at the best of times. At worst, trying to get your children to brush their teeth can trigger a full-blown tantrum.

You might not think it’s essential for your child to brush their baby teeth. They’re going to fall out anyway, right? But actually, if your kids don’t brush their baby teeth twice a day, they risk:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• pain and discomfort
• problems with eating
• problems with speaking
• building bad dental hygiene habits 
• problems with the eruption of permanent teeth.

So how can you encourage your small people to brush their teeth?

Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you  win this twice-a-day battle.

1. Build good oral hygiene habits early

Most children under 6 don’t have the fine motor skills needed to brush their teeth effectively. They’ll need your help. But they can still  build good oral hygiene habits early.

Even before your children’s baby teeth erupt, wipe their gums with a soft, damp cloth, once in the morning and once at night. This will help prepare them for the sensation of having their teeth brushed. Once their teeth start coming through, switch to a toothbrush. When their teeth start to touch, you can begin flossing.

2. Choose the right toothpaste and brush

It’s important to use toothbrushes, toothpaste (for children over 18 months) and flossers designed for children. This will make the experience more comfortable for them, (and hopefully) less of a drama. For example, kids’ toothbrushes have small heads made to fit small mouths, and soft bristles which are gentle on gums and milk teeth. 

To help your child do a good job and have more fun, you could give them an electric toothbrush, which emulates accurate brushing. Kids over the age of 3 should be safe to use an electric brush, under supervision. 

Our advice on toothpaste, is:

• children under the age of 18 months shouldn’t use toothpaste
• from 18 months to 6 years, use a pea-sized drop of low-fluoride children’s toothpaste 
• from 6 years and up, use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.

As for flossing, make sure kids use interdental flossers without sharp edges.

[IMAGE IDEA: Can the client provide a photo of the type of flossing tool they’d recommend children use.]

Give your kids the fun and the responsibility of choosing their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Children’s toothbrushes come in a range of colours and themes. There’s bound to be a brush with their favourite cartoon character to get them excited.

3. Set a good example

Kids love to mimic their parents, so set a good example by brushing and flossing regularly.

Even if your toothless children just watch you brush your teeth, it helps them build good habits. When they’re old enough to use a toothbrush (even if they lack the skills to brush effectively), brush your teeth as a family. You can make this twice-daily routine more fun by mirroring your kids’ brushing. Or if you’re feeling particularly daring, let them brush your teeth while you brush theirs.

4. Make toothbrushing fun

Here are 9 things you can try to make toothbrushing more fun for your kids.

• Use props like dolls and stuffed animals to roleplay toothbrushing.
• Play your kids’ favourite song or a song specifically about brushing their teeth. (You can try singing too!)
• Use toothbrushing books and apps to teach your kids about brushing and make it more enjoyable.
• Come up with your own stories about toothbrushing.
• Set a sand timer (preferably one with colourful sand) and challenge them to brush until time’s up.
• Reward kids for consistent brushing and flossing.
• Get your kids to clean their teeth during the ad breaks of their favourite shows.
• If they get bored of brushing in the bathroom, try getting them to brush their teeth in a different room or space.
• Get the Tooth Fairy to write them a note encouraging them to brush their teeth.

5. Take a fun trip to the dentist

Believe it or not, visiting a dental practice can be fun. Generally, an oral health therapist (OHT) sees the little ‘uns. And a ‘ride in the chair’ can break the ice and help them settle. If your child is very apprehensive we’ll offer them a plastic mouth mirror to hold and keep. This let’s the OHT show your child what they’re doing and the equipment they’re using.

Our OHTs love to share toothbrushing technique with interested kids, and every child is offered a balloon model at the end of their appointment. 

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A trip to the dentist may also reveal underlying issues you’re not aware of. For example, sensitive teeth could be causing your child pain or discomfort when they brush, which could explain why they put up a fight at teeth cleaning time. Your dentist will determine the source of the problem and suggest products and practices that can help.

We recommend booking a dental appointment after your child’s first birthday, even if they don’t have any teeth.

3 Steps for brushing little kid’s teeth 

Cleaning your small child’s teeth may not be a smooth experience. Here’s what you can do to make it easier and more comfortable for both of you.

Step 1: Find a comfortable position, usually with your child sitting on your lap facing away from you. 

Step 2: Rest your child’s head against your body and cup their chin with one hand. 

Step 3: Brush their teeth along the gum line on both inside and outside surfaces. Work gently in small circles. On the chewing surfaces, use back-and-forth brushing motions.

How long should kids brush their teeth?

We recommend that your children brush their teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before bed.

Should your children rinse after brushing?

We recommend not rinsing with water after brushing. Ask your children to spit out the toothpaste when they’re done brushing. The small amount of toothpaste that remains in their mouth will protect their teeth.

It’s never too early to build good oral hygiene habits

The sooner your children develop good toothbrushing and flossing routines, the better.

Fun routines encourage them to take care of their teeth, and help avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

After more tips and tricks?

Check out our article on caring for your children’s teeth and accessing free dental care for children in Australia.