Dental Health Week 2025
Let’s Help Kids Reach Every Smilestone!
Dental Health Week (4-10 August) aims to empower individuals, families, and communities to take charge of their oral health and prevent common issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
This year at BHN, we sat down with our Dental Team to discuss this year’s theme – ‘Help Kids Reach Every Smilestone.’ We answer some common questions and offer practical tips to help parents and carers play a key role in supporting their child’s dental care journey.
Why are dental check-ups for my child important?
Regular dental check-ups from an early age play a vital role in preventing serious dental problems later on. They also empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to support life-long oral health by building healthy routines such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
This knowledge, combined with the signs and steps to look out for, contributes to healthy smile milestones, or ‘smilestone’s‘ for children.
Did you know that annual dental visits are free for all children attending a Victorian Government School? The program is often offered at schools, but children can also visit our BHN dental clinics at Parkdale, Bentleigh East, South Melbourne and Prahran.
Read on to learn about how you can help your child reach their health ‘smilestone’ and be sure to check out the free and low-cost public dental services we offer to eligible clients at BHN here.
How can I take care of my child’s teeth?
Here is a recommended guide on how to care for your children’s teeth.
From birth: Clean gums with a soft, damp cloth.
First tooth to 18 Months: Brush twice daily and take children for their first dental visit.
18 months to 6 years: Brush with kids’ fluoride toothpaste and floss between teeth that touch. Ensure they have regular dental visits.
From 6 years old: Use adult fluoride toothpaste. Ensure they have regular dental visits.
From 8 years old: Support children to brush and floss on their own. Ensure they have regular dental visits.
How can I prepare my child for a visit to the dentist?
Here are some simple, easy tips from our dental team on how to make that first appointment fuss-free:
- Be positive
- Count your child’s teeth
- Read positive dental storybooks
- Avoid saying things like “be brave” — it can make kids think there’s something scary ahead
- Don’t use a dental visit as a threat or punishment!
What food and drinks are best for my child for healthy, strong teeth?
- Fresh vegetables, such as carrot and celery
- Fresh fruit, instead of fruit juice or dried fruit
- Yoghurt and cheese – just watch out for added sugar
- Breastmilk or infant formula in the early years
- Cow’s milk after 12 months of age
- Fresh tap water after 12 months of age
Why are sugary drinks bad for teeth?
Sugary drinks can include a lot of sugar! Some of these drinks also have food acid. The sugar can cause tooth decay, and the acids can cause tooth erosion.
What about sugar-free drinks and fruit juice?
Drinks without sugar still have food acids added. Diet soft drinks have been associated with overeating and weight gain.
Fruit juice drinks include a lot of sugar. Even though the sugar comes from fruit, it can still cause tooth decay. A better option is drinking water and eating fresh fruit, as this will also be more filling.
If you need help, have a question, or would like to find out more about the free and low-cost dental services available to eligible children and adults at BHN, click here or call us on 132 246.