Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Mouthguards and Dental Checks: Essential for Glen Iris Kids Playing Winter Sports

As pre-season training kicks off for winter sports in Glen Iris, parents and caregivers are busy fitting children with new boots, helmets, and protective gear. But don’t forget—a dental check-up is just as important as new sports equipment! Kids may need a new mouthguard to protect their growing smiles.

Professor David Manton, Chair of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Oral Health Committee, emphasizes: “Children’s teeth and jaws grow every year, just like their feet. It’s crucial to see your dentist in Glen Iris to ensure their mouthguard still fits correctly. An ill-fitting mouthguard could do more harm than good.”

Why Choose a Custom-Made Mouthguard?

The ADA strongly advises wearing a custom-fit mouthguard professionally made by your dentist. These offer superior protection for teeth and jaws compared to store-bought or ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards, which often provide little to no real safety.

‘No Mouthguard, No Play’ for Glen Iris Youth Sports

Sports Medicine Australia and the ADA have partnered to promote a “No Mouthguard, No Play” policy, which many schools and sporting clubs in Glen Iris and across Victoria are adopting.

“The most important requirement for a mouthguard is that it stays in place during impact—fit and resilience are vital for real protection,” adds Professor Manton. While some parents worry about the cost of a custom mouthguard, think long-term: repairing traumatic dental injuries is far more expensive than investing in professional protection up front.

Mouthguard Benefits

  • Properly fitted mouthguards absorb and spread the force of a blow to the face, helping prevent injuries to teeth, gums, and jaws

  • Each year, preventable dental emergencies happen because children wear the wrong type of mouthguard—or none at all

Loose Tooth in a Child? Glen Iris Family Dentistry Advice for Parents

A loose tooth in your child’s mouth isn’t always a sign that a permanent tooth is ready to come out. Kids in Glen Iris sometimes bump or knock their teeth while playing or falling. If your child’s tooth becomes loose unexpectedly, book an emergency appointment with the Glen Iris dental team at Tooronga Family Dentistry to rule out infection or damage to the underlying permanent tooth.

When Should a Loose Tooth Worry Glen Iris Parents?

  • Children typically lose their teeth in the same order they appeared, starting around age 6.

  • If a tooth is loose “too early” or not in the usual order, don’t try to pull it out—it may cause pain or unnecessary trauma.

  • If you’re unsure why a tooth is mobile, or it seems out of sequence for your child, get in touch with your Glen Iris dentist for advice.

When “Baby Teeth Hang On” Too Long

Sometimes baby teeth linger when the adult teeth below are ready to erupt. If baby teeth aren’t removed, they can force the permanent teeth to erupt in the wrong spot, which may result in bite misalignment or crowding.
In cases where a permanent tooth breaks through behind or in the wrong position (for example, the upper front tooth erupting behind the lower), prompt extraction and dental assessment are needed to prevent future orthodontic complications.

If your child is having issues with permanent teeth coming through, contact Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris for a thorough evaluation and a gentle, effective treatment plan.

Summer Teeth Safety for Kids: Glen Iris Dental Tips from Tooronga Family Dentistry

Summer in Glen Iris means outdoor play, swimming, and adventure for kids—so it’s important not to let dental safety take a holiday! Tooronga Family Dentistry shares these simple strategies to protect young smiles from dawn to dusk:

Top Tips for Summer Dental Protection

  • Use Helmets and Mouthguards for Sport & Play
    Kids should always wear a helmet and a mouthguard when taking part in contact sports or riding scooters. These protective measures dramatically reduce the risk of dental injuries.

  • Watch for Swimmer’s Stains
    Kids who swim often can get yellow-brown or dark stains caused by pool chemicals. These marks are harmless, but they’re best removed professionally—book a clean with Tooronga Family Dentistry for sparkling teeth.

  • Beware Diving Dental Risks
    Tooth sensitivity or pain when diving can be a sign of a cavity trapping air at low pressure. Biting too hard on a scuba regulator may also cause jaw pain or gum issues. For peace of mind, get your child’s teeth checked before diving holidays or regular swims.

  • Caution Around the Pool
    Slipping on wet surfaces, rough play, or running at the pool can easily lead to broken teeth. Remind children to be calm, respect others, and steer clear of running in slippery areas.

From everyone at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris, have a fun, safe, and healthy summer—full of big smiles!