Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?

At what age should I start
bringing my child to the dentist?

Usually, 2 years of age is a good time to begin bringing children to the dentist unless you have specific concerns. Mostly, the first visit is to familiarise them with the dentist and to have a look at their teeth.

Which toothbrush do you recommend
for children: Electric or Manual?

We recommend a small, soft, manual toothbrush for children. We don’t normally recommend
electric toothbrushes for children, as many find them too difficult to use correctly.

Why is fluoride important and
when should children start using
fluoridated toothpaste?

Fluoride is important as it makes the enamel more resistant to acid attachment from plaque. It is recommended that children start using low fluoride toothpaste between 2 and 6 years of age. After this time, they can use the full strength toothpaste. It is also important to drink tap water as this has the optimum amounts of fluoride (0.7ppm) to help prevent tooth decay 
in children.
Fluoride is important as it makes the enamel more resistant to acid attachment from plaque. It is recommended that children start using low fluoride toothpaste between 2 and 6 years of age. After this time, they can use the full strength toothpaste. It is also important to drink tap water as this has the optimum amounts of fluoride (0.7ppm) to help prevent tooth decay in children.

When do baby teeth begin to fall out?

baby teeth chart

What are Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants are a preventative measure using a bonded flowing plastic 
to seal out the deep grooves in the teeth and protect against decay.

How often should I visit the dentist?

This varies from person to person. Many require 6 monthly visits, while some low-risk patients only require yearly visits. We always recommend for children and teenagers to be seen every
6 months.
This varies from person to person. Many require 6 monthly visits, while some low-risk patients only require yearly visits. We always recommend for children and teenagers to be seen every 6 months.

How often should I floss/brush?

In accordance with the ADA (Australian Dental Association), we recommend you brush
your teeth for 2 minutes morning and night, as well as floss once per day.

How often should I have dental x-rays taken?

This varies from person to person. Low-risk patients may not require them as often; however, as a general rule we recommend x-rays be taken every 2-3 years. This checks the areas we cannot see such as between the teeth and below the gums.

Can you access my records from
a previous dental practice?

Yes, we can access previous records. We do require written consent for this. Please fill in the “release of records” form and bring it to your next appointment.
Yes, we can access previous records. We do require written consent for this. Please fill in the “release of records” form and bring it to your next appointment.
Release of records PDF

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic insidious condition where gum and bone support for teeth is slowly lost. People are often unaware they have this condition and this is one of the main reasons all adults should have regular visits to the dentist.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment, or RCT, involves removing the infected nerve tissue from the tooth, and then disinfecting and filling the nerve space to treat or prevent a dental abscess.

How long should I continue to help
my children with brushing their teeth?

It is recommended that children should have help with brushing their teeth until they are around the age of 7. After this, and until they are into their early teens, children’s teeth should still be checked by a parent or guardian to ensure they are being thorough and brushing twice daily.

Why are regular visits so important?

Often, dental decay and gum trouble can develop without symptoms. With regular visits to the dentist, the dentist is able to locate and treat these issues in the initial stages before problems become worse.

I am pregnant. Am I able to be
seen by the dentist?

It is perfectly safe and, in fact, recommended that you still come to the dentist for your regular check-up appointments while you are pregnant. During pregnancy, women can suffer from an increased decay rate and gum trouble. You should always advise your dentist that you
are pregnant.
It is perfectly safe and, in fact, recommended that you still come to the dentist for your regular check-up appointments while you are pregnant. During pregnancy, women can suffer from an increased decay rate and gum trouble. You should always advise your dentist that you are pregnant.

The dentist you know and trust in Inner-West Brisbane