Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

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98227006
0450067475

Suite 1.02, 1 Crescent Rd., Glen Iris 3146
  • About us
    • Dr Daniel Kaufman – Experienced Dental Care Professional in Glen Iris
    • Our Practice in Glen Iris
    • State of the art materials and equipment in Glen Iris
    • 10 reasons to visit us in Glen Iris
    • Strict Infection Control at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris
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    • Orthodontic braces
    • Straight Teeth with Clear aligners in Glen Iris
      • Invisalign Clear Aligners: A Discreet Alternative to Braces in Glen Iris
    • Wisdom tooth extraction
    • Fixing broken teeth.
    • Kids Dentist in Glen Iris
    • Healing bleeding Gums and bad breath
    • Mending teeth with a large cavities.
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Dealing with dental fear
    • Eliminating bad breath – Halitosis
    • Replacing missing teeth
    • Reinforcing fragile teeth in Glen Iris
    • Treating Molar and Incisor Hypomineralization
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    • Crowns and Bridges in Glen Iris
    • What to do for traumatic tooth injuries in Glen Iris
    • Tooth removal – Extractions
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Fun Ways to Help Kids Build Great Brushing Habits in Glen Iris

Posted on 11.18.25

As many Glen Iris parents know, kids can be experts at avoiding certain tasks — especially brushing their teeth. Because we care deeply about children’s oral health at Tooronga Family Dentistry, we’ve put together some fun and effective ways to encourage strong brushing habits from a young age.


Explain the “Why” Behind Brushing

Kids are naturally curious, and understanding why something matters can go a long way.

Tell simple, kid-friendly stories explaining:

  • How cavities form

  • Why flossing matters

  • How brushing removes “sugar bugs”

  • What happens when plaque stays on teeth

When brushing becomes part of a story they understand, it suddenly feels more purposeful.


Use Easy, Playful Examples

Children learn best through play and imitation. Try:

  • Choo-choo train circles — teach brushing in a circular motion

  • “Make the most bubbles” game — encourages brushing for long enough

  • Letting them watch you brush — kids love copying grown-ups

Small, playful strategies can transform brushing into something they look forward to.


Let Them Choose Their Tools

Kids feel more involved when they can take ownership.
Let them pick:

  • A fun toothbrush with their favorite character

  • A toothpaste flavor they enjoy (kids’ formulas only)

The more they like their tools, the more likely they’ll want to use them twice a day.


Choose a Child-Friendly Dentist in Glen Iris

Your child should have their:

  • First dental visit by their first birthday, or

  • Within six months of their first tooth coming in

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we love helping little ones feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair, and we’re always happy to share brushing techniques and age-appropriate advice.

Building positive habits early sets your child up for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.

👉Call  Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 or book online so your child can start his journey to better oral health.

Why Children’s Teeth Can Become Yellow or Stained: A Guide for Glen Iris Parents

Posted on 11.18.25

Many Glen Iris parents are surprised to discover that stained or yellowing teeth don’t just happen to adults — they can appear in young children and even babies. Understanding why this happens can help you protect your child’s developing smile.


Normal Baby Tooth Colour

Baby (primary) teeth are typically a soft off-white or ivory shade, and slight colour variations are normal. However, noticeable yellowing or discoloration is often caused by inadequate brushing or early tooth decay.

Just like adults, children need their teeth brushed twice a day, including after meals when possible. Without good brushing habits, plaque and cavity-causing bacteria can quickly build up.


White Spots or Streaks? It May Be Fluorosis

If you notice faint white streaks or chalky spots on your child’s teeth, this may be fluorosis — a harmless cosmetic condition caused by too much fluoride exposure early in life.

How to Prevent Fluorosis

  • Use only a rice-grain–sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3

  • Ensure children don’t swallow toothpaste

  • Be aware that most Melbourne water supplies, including Glen Iris, already contain fluoride

Fluoride is essential for keeping children’s teeth cavity-free by promoting re-mineralisation, so don’t cut it out entirely. If you’re unsure how much fluoride your child needs, speak to Dr Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry.


Illness, Infection, and Medications

Several medical factors can influence tooth colour during early childhood development:

  • Jaundice after birth can cause a greenish tint to teeth

  • Infant infections may lead to darker discolouration

  • Medications, such as iron supplements or certain antibiotics, may cause visible staining

If you notice unusual colours — brown, grey, green, or dark spots — it’s worth having your child examined.


When Should Babies See a Dentist?

Babies should have their first dental visit before their 1st birthday, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting. Early visits help establish healthy habits, detect problems sooner, and give parents confidence about caring for their child’s smile.

If you’re worried about discolouration or anything unusual, the team at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris is here to help. 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we schedule your child’s appointment.

Junk Food Advertising and Children’s Dental Health in Glen Iris

Posted on 05.7.18

Recent research led by Associate Professor Lisa Smithers from the University of Adelaide, published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, has found that Australian children are exposed to twice as much unhealthy food advertising as healthy food advertising.

This large-scale study highlights a growing public health concern as dietary habits formed in childhood directly influence both general and oral health.


Australian Children See Over 800 Junk Food Ads a Year

Using a world-first, year-long TV monitoring system, researchers collected advertising data from one major commercial network in South Australia. Unlike previous studies, which typically analyse only a few days of advertising, this research provided a detailed picture of children’s daily viewing exposure.

The findings showed that children viewed more than 800 junk food ads per year, assuming an average of 80 minutes of TV viewing daily. Ads for snack foods, crumbed and battered meats, takeaway meals, and sugary drinks dominated airtime during children’s peak viewing hours, with exposure peaking at 71% in January and declining to 41% in August.


Advertising’s Impact on Diet and Health

Associate Professor Smithers described the results as deeply concerning. She noted that diet-related problems are the leading cause of disease in Australia, and that the World Health Organization has long emphasised the influence of food marketing on children’s food preferences and consumption habits.

When children are regularly exposed to persuasive junk food advertising, they are more likely to develop unhealthy eating behaviours. These behaviours contribute not only to obesity but also to widespread tooth decay and poor oral health among Australian children.


Tooth Decay Statistics in Australian Children

According to Australia’s Oral Health Tracker published by the Australian Dental Association (ADA):

  • 34.3% of children aged 5–6 years have experienced decay in their primary teeth.

  • 2.35% of children aged 6–14 years have experienced decay in their permanent teeth.

  • 27% of children aged 5–10 years have untreated decay in their primary teeth.

These alarming figures show the urgent need for stronger food marketing regulations and increased public awareness about nutrition and dental health.


Protecting Children Through Policy and Education

One positive outcome from the University of Adelaide study is the creation of a custom TV monitoring system that can be reused for future research and policy development. This tool may help evaluate the effectiveness of advertising regulations and ensure ongoing protection for children from harmful marketing influences.

Dr. Daniel Kaufman continues to encourage parents to support healthy habits at home — including balanced eating, reduced sugar intake, and regular dental checkups to prevent decay early.


Takeaway: Reducing Exposure, Improving Oral Health

Children’s exposure to junk food advertising affects not only their nutrition but also their oral development. By controlling advertising exposure, promoting healthy snacks, and encouraging consistent dental care, families can help children grow up with healthier smiles and better overall wellbeing.

Permanent Teeth Eruption in Kids: Glen Iris Dental Advice on Delays and Retained Baby Teeth

Posted on 03.23.17

Permanent teeth usually begin to replace baby teeth around age 6. As adult teeth erupt, they slowly break down the roots of baby teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. However, if there isn’t enough space for the permanent teeth—or if some are missing—baby teeth can stay in place far longer than normal. Sometimes, extra teeth can also block the path of adult teeth, causing further delays.


Why Early Assessment in Glen Iris Matters

If you suspect there’s a problem with your child’s adult teeth erupting—such as unusual delays, retained baby teeth, or crowding—don’t wait. Schedule an appointment a dental examination in Glen Iris.
A simple dental x-ray can quickly show Dr. Kaufman whether there is a genuine issue or if your child’s development is simply on the slower end of normal.


Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment  for an expert evaluation. We’ll help ensure your child’s teeth are erupting and developing properly for a healthy smile into adulthood.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth During Sport: Why Mouthguards Matter in Glen Iris

Posted on 03.25.16

young boy recently fractured his front teeth when a teammate accidentally swung a cricket bat backwards. While it may sound like a freak accident, dental trauma during sport is unfortunately common. Research shows that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur during sports, and around 80% of those injuries involve the front teeth. Injuries to the tongue, lips, and cheeks are also frequent.

Why a Mouthguard Is Essential for Sport

Even seemingly “minor” dental injuries can lead to serious, costly, and lifelong problems. If your child plays sport—or if you enjoy high-risk activities yourself—wearing a protective mouthguard is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injury.

Custom Mouthguards

A custom-fit mouthguard offers the best protection. It is comfortable, secure, and won’t fall out at the moment of impact. This gives far better protection against dental fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

Boil-and-bite Mouthguards

These can be purchased from chemists and sporting-goods stores. While cheaper, they are often bulky, may not fit well, and can cause:

  • Muscle fatigue

  • Difficulty breathing

  • TMJ (jaw joint) irritation

Whenever possible, a professionally fitted mouthguard is the safer choice.

When You Also Need a Helmet

Depending on your sport, a mouthguard alone may not be enough. Helmets are essential for activities involving speed or impact, including:

  • Bike riding

  • Skating

  • Hockey

Make sure the helmet fits correctly and is designed for the specific sport you’re playing.

What to Do if a Tooth Is Injured

If your child experiences a dental injury:

  1. Collect all fragments of the tooth.

  2. Store them in a moist environment—cold milk is ideal.

  3. Seek dental care immediately. Early assessment gives the best chance of saving the tooth and preventing long-term complications.


Need Advice or Emergency Dental Care in Glen Iris?

👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

📍 Conveniently located for families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East

How Dairy Supports Your Child’s Dental Health | Glen Iris Family Dentist

Posted on 03.9.16

Healthy eating, along with regular physical activity, plays a crucial role in your child’s overall well-being. Dairy foods are packed with essential nutrients that support growing bodies — and as recent research highlights, they are just as important for your child’s dental health.

Many parents know that dairy provides much-needed calcium, but fewer realise that dairy products also help fight cavities. Foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt contain a unique combination of anti-decay nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus and the protective protein casein.

How Dairy Helps Protect Teeth

  • Strengthens tooth enamel with calcium and phosphorus

  • Neutralises acids in the mouth that cause decay

  • Provides protective casein, a protein that shields teeth

  • Cheese is especially beneficial — eating a small piece after sugary foods can help reduce the risk of cavities

Incorporating healthy dairy options into your child’s diet can make a big difference to their oral health, especially when combined with regular brushing, flossing and routine dental check-ups.

If you’d like personalised advice about your child’s diet or dental health, please speak with Dr Kaufman or 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006. We are always happy to help families in Glen Iris keep their smiles healthy.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth: A Guide for Parents in Glen Iris

Posted on 01.21.16

Good oral care begins before your baby’s first tooth appears. Even without visible teeth, bacteria can accumulate on the gums. Gently wiping your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth helps remove harmful bacteria and sets the foundation for healthy teeth.

Once your baby’s first teeth emerge, it’s time to introduce a toothbrush.
But which toothbrush is best for young children?

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Child

A suitable toothbrush should be specifically designed for children’s smaller mouths and developing motor skills. Look for:

  • A small brush head to comfortably fit in the mouth

  • Soft, round-ended bristles to protect delicate gums

  • A wide, easy-grip handle that helps children hold and control the toothbrush

  • Rounded edges on both handle and head to prevent accidental injury when little ones push or pull the brush

Replace the toothbrush when the bristles start to fray—worn bristles clean less effectively and may irritate the gums.

Choosing Toothpaste for Your Child

The brand of toothpaste is less important than ensuring the fluoride concentration matches your child’s age. Because young children tend to swallow toothpaste, use only a small smear for each brushing session.

If you assist your child in brushing, make sure to clean every tooth surface, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.

Professional Guidance for Your Child’s Dental Health

Healthy habits start early, and we’re here to support you through every stage of your child’s development.
For personalized advice for your baby or yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Daniel Kaufman 👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you with your child’s dental needs.

📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.

Halloween Dental Care in Glen Iris: Protecting Teeth and Braces During Trick-or-Treat Season

Posted on 10.19.15

Halloween is a challenging time for teeth—especially for Glen Iris children wearing braces. At Tooronga Family Dentistry, Dr. Kaufman takes a realistic approach: sugar is going to be part of Halloween. Rather than issuing unrealistic “no candy” mandates that families won’t follow, he provides practical strategies for enjoying Halloween while minimizing damage to teeth and orthodontic appliances.

The American Association of Orthodontists recognizes this challenge and has collaborated with culinary experts to create tooth-friendly alternatives for Halloween celebrations. Understanding which treats pose the greatest risks—and which are safer choices—helps Glen Iris families navigate Halloween without dental emergencies or broken braces.


The Halloween Dental Challenge

Why this season is particularly risky:

Halloween creates a perfect storm of dental threats:

⚠ Sudden influx of candy (bags full from trick-or-treating) ⚠ Extended candy consumption (weeks of snacking from Halloween haul) ⚠ Sticky, chewy candies that damage teeth and braces ⚠ Hard candies risking tooth fractures ⚠ Constant grazing (frequent sugar exposure throughout day) ⚠ Reduced supervision (children managing their own candy stash)

For Glen Iris children with braces, Halloween brings additional concerns:

  • Brackets and wires breaking from hard or sticky candy
  • Emergency orthodontic appointments
  • Treatment delays from damaged appliances
  • Discomfort and irritation
  • Extended treatment time

Common Halloween “Accidents” Dr. Kaufman Sees

The predictable post-Halloween problems:

Every November, Tooronga Family Dentistry treats Glen Iris patients with:

For All Children:

⚠ New cavities developing from concentrated sugar exposure ⚠ Toothaches from candy aggravating existing decay ⚠ Chipped or cracked teeth from hard candies ⚠ Gum irritation and inflammation


For Orthodontic Patients:

⚠ Broken brackets (detached from teeth) ⚠ Bent or broken wires ⚠ Loose bands around molars ⚠ Damaged elastic ties ⚠ Food trapped around braces causing irritation

These “accidents” are preventable with smart candy choices and proper care strategies.


Worst Candies for Teeth and Braces

What to avoid or minimize:

Most Damaging to All Teeth:

✗ Sticky, chewy candies: Taffy, caramels, toffee, gummy bears, Starburst, Now and Laters

  • Stick to teeth for extended periods
  • Pull on tooth enamel
  • Nearly impossible to remove completely

✗ Hard candies: Jawbreakers, lollipops, hard butterscotch, candy canes

  • Risk tooth fractures from biting
  • Prolonged sucking exposes teeth to constant sugar

✗ Sour candies: Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, sour gummies

  • Contain acids that erode enamel
  • Double threat: sugar plus acid

Particularly Dangerous for Braces:

✗ Caramel and taffy (can pull brackets off teeth) ✗ Popcorn and candy corn (kernels get stuck, damage wires) ✗ Nuts in candy (can break brackets) ✗ Hard chocolate with crunchy elements (toffee pieces, nuts) ✗ Licorice (extremely sticky, wraps around braces)

Glen Iris orthodontic patients should completely avoid these during Halloween and year-round.


Better Candy Choices for Halloween

Safer alternatives:

While no candy is completely “tooth-friendly,” some options pose fewer risks:

Relatively Safer Candies:

✓ Plain chocolate (Hershey bars, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers)

  • Melts and clears mouth relatively quickly
  • Less likely to stick to teeth
  • Still contains sugar but lower risk than sticky/hard candies

✓ Peanut butter cups (Reese’s)

  • Soft texture
  • Minimal braces risk
  • Easier to brush away

✓ Soft chocolate candies (M&Ms plain—not peanut)

  • Dissolve readily
  • Don’t stick excessively

For Orthodontic Patients Specifically:

✓ Soft chocolates without nuts or crunchy elements ✓ Marshmallows (plain, not caramel-filled) ✓ Ice cream or frozen yogurt treats (if celebrating at home) ✓ Soft baked goods (cookies, brownies)


Tooth-Friendly Halloween Treat Alternatives

Beyond traditional candy:

The American Association of Orthodontists partnered with culinary professionals to develop creative, tooth-friendly options for Halloween parties and celebrations.

Categories of safer treats:

Savory Options:

✓ Popcorn balls made without caramel (plain butter flavor) ✓ Cheese and crackers with Halloween-themed presentations ✓ Vegetable platters with fun dips ✓ Mini sandwiches cut into Halloween shapes ✓ Pretzels (soft, not hard)


Sweet but Safer:

✓ Fruit kabobs with creative presentations ✓ Smoothies or fruit-based drinks ✓ Yogurt parfaits with soft toppings ✓ Applesauce or fruit cups ✓ Sugar-free gelatin desserts ✓ Soft cookies or cakes


Non-Food Treats:

✓ Stickers and temporary tattoos ✓ Small toys or trinkets ✓ Glow sticks or LED jewelry ✓ Pencils, erasers, or school supplies ✓ Halloween-themed craft supplies ✓ Trading cards or small games

Many Glen Iris families appreciate receiving non-candy treats while trick-or-treating—offering these makes your home popular with health-conscious parents.


Dr. Kaufman’s Practical Halloween Strategy

Realistic recommendations for Glen Iris families:

Since completely avoiding candy isn’t realistic, Dr. Kaufman suggests this balanced approach:


1. The Candy Sort and Switch

After trick-or-treating:

✓ Sort candy together with your child ✓ Identify problem candies (sticky, hard, or braces-dangerous) ✓ Offer a trade: Exchange problematic candies for safer alternatives or small toys ✓ Limit quantity: Keep reasonable amount, donate excess ✓ Set daily limits: 1-2 pieces per day rather than unlimited grazing


2. Timing Matters

When to eat Halloween candy:

✓ With or immediately after meals (increased saliva flow helps neutralize acids) ✓ NOT throughout the day (constant exposure worse than concentrated) ✓ Earlier in day rather than before bed (allows time for brushing)

Why meal-time candy is better:

  • Saliva production peaks during meals
  • Natural cleansing action from eating other foods
  • One brushing session removes all residue rather than multiple exposures

3. Water Rinse Immediately

After candy consumption:

✓ Rinse vigorously with water right away ✓ Swish thoroughly to remove sugar ✓ Don’t skip this step even if brushing isn’t immediately possible


4. Thorough Brushing and Flossing

Essential Halloween dental care:

✓ Brush thoroughly after candy consumption ✓ Floss carefully (especially important for braces wearers) ✓ Use fluoride toothpaste for cavity protection ✓ Don’t go to bed with candy residue on teeth

For orthodontic patients:

✓ Use interdental brushes or floss threaders ✓ Check mirror to ensure no food stuck around brackets ✓ Consider water flosser for additional cleaning ✓ Spend extra time on thorough cleaning


5. The Two-Week Rule

Candy management:

✓ Spread Halloween candy over two weeks maximum ✓ Then it’s gone (donate remainder or discard) ✓ Don’t let candy stash last until Thanksgiving

Extended candy consumption creates prolonged cavity risk.


Special Considerations for Orthodontic Patients

Halloween with braces in Glen Iris:

Before Halloween:

✓ Review safe candy list with your child ✓ Discuss which candies to avoid completely ✓ Emphasize consequences: broken braces = extra appointments, delayed treatment completion ✓ Ensure orthodontic wax is available (for any wire irritation)


During Halloween:

✓ Sort candy immediately upon returning home ✓ Remove all braces-dangerous options before child accesses candy ✓ Supervise candy selection for younger children with braces


After Halloween:

✓ Inspect braces for any damage ✓ Schedule post-Halloween checkup if orthodontic visit is due soon ✓ Contact orthodontist immediately if brackets or wires break


What to Do If Braces Break

Emergency protocol:

If Halloween candy damages orthodontic appliances:

🚨 Broken bracket: Save the piece, call orthodontist for appointment 🚨 Poking wire: Use orthodontic wax for temporary relief, schedule repair 🚨 Loose band: Don’t remove it, call orthodontist promptly 🚨 Severe pain or injury: Seek immediate professional care

Dr. Kaufman can provide temporary stabilization and refer to your orthodontist if necessary.


Post-Halloween Dental Checkup

Good timing for Glen Iris families:

November is an excellent time to schedule dental checkups:

✓ Detect any new cavities from Halloween candy early ✓ Professional cleaning removes accumulated plaque ✓ Fluoride treatment provides extra protection ✓ Reinforce good habits before holiday season (more candy ahead!)


Making Halloween Healthier and Safer

Glen Iris family strategies:

Host Tooth-Friendly Halloween Parties:

✓ Serve treats from tooth-friendly recipe collections ✓ Offer fun activities beyond candy (games, crafts, costume contests) ✓ Provide non-food party favors ✓ Make healthy snacks fun with Halloween presentations


Trick-or-Treat Modifications:

✓ Hand out non-candy treats at your door ✓ Participate in community candy buy-back programs ✓ Organize Halloween activities not centered on candy ✓ Focus on costumes, decorations, and fun rather than candy quantity


Comprehensive Family Dental Care in Glen Iris

Dr. Kaufman and the team at Tooronga Family Dentistry provide expert dental care for Glen Iris families navigating Halloween and year-round challenges:

Our services include:

✓ Children’s dental examinations and cleanings ✓ Cavity prevention and early detection ✓ Fluoride treatments for extra protection ✓ Orthodontic appliance care advice ✓ Emergency dental care for Halloween accidents ✓ Parent education on candy management strategies

Schedule your family’s dental appointments:

  • Phone: 9822 7006
  • Services: Pediatric dentistry, orthodontic support care, cavity treatment, preventive dentistry, emergency dental care
  • Location: Serving families in Glen Iris, Malvern, Ashburton, Camberwell, and surrounding Melbourne communities

This Halloween season, protect your children’s teeth and braces with smart choices, proper timing, and thorough oral hygiene. If problems occur despite precautions, Tooronga Family Dentistry provides prompt, gentle care.

Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 for post-Halloween checkups or if dental emergencies arise.

Happy Halloween from Tooronga Family Dentistry!

Enjoy the treats. Protect the teeth. Keep smiling bright.

Teething in Babies: A Parent’s Guide from a Glen Iris Dentist

Posted on 10.19.15

Many parents think teething only begins when a baby’s first tooth appears, but tooth development actually starts before birth. Baby teeth begin forming in the jaw around the sixth week of pregnancy, well before your child is born. Even permanent teeth start developing during pregnancy alongside primary teeth.

Supporting healthy tooth development begins early. Following your doctor’s advice and maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium, including foods like yoghurt and dark leafy greens, can help give your child’s teeth a strong foundation.

When Does Teething Start?

Teething can begin as early as 4 months of age, although most babies get their first tooth closer to 6 months. Teeth usually erupt in pairs, following a general pattern:

  • Bottom front teeth (central incisors) usually appear first

  • Top front incisors follow

  • Side front teeth (lateral incisors) erupt next

  • Molars come through after that

  • Canines (eye teeth) appear near the front teeth

  • Second molars erupt last

By around 3 years of age, most children have their full set of 20 primary (baby) teeth.

Is It Normal for Teething to Vary?

Yes. The timing and order of tooth eruption can vary from child to child. Some babies may not get their first tooth until 12 months, which is usually nothing to worry about if your child is otherwise growing well. In rare cases, delayed eruption may be linked to medical conditions, but these are typically accompanied by other developmental concerns.

If you have worries about delayed teething, your family dentist in Glen Iris can provide reassurance and advice.

Common Signs of Teething

Early signs of teething often include:

  • Increased drooling

  • Chewing or gnawing on objects, bottles, or breastfeeding more than usual

  • Irritability or fussiness

  • Swollen, bumpy gums, sometimes lighter or darker in colour

  • A bluish-red blister on the gum line before a tooth erupts

Occasionally, a small amount of bleeding can occur when the tooth breaks through. If a blister lasts longer than a week, or your baby develops a fever, contact your dentist or paediatrician for advice.

How to Relieve Teething Discomfort

There are several safe ways to help ease teething discomfort:

  • Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly around the mouth to protect skin from drooling irritation

  • Use a cold or frozen teething ring to numb sore gums

  • Let your baby chew on a clean, damp washcloth

  • Use topical teething gels as directed to temporarily numb the gums

  • For pain relief, paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) may be used at age-appropriate doses—always follow medical advice

If you’re unsure which option is best, your Glen Iris dentist can guide you.

Supporting Healthy Baby Teeth in Glen Iris

Early dental care helps set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Regular advice from a trusted local dentist ensures teething issues are managed safely and comfortably.

If you would like personalised guidance on baby teething, oral hygiene, or children’s dental care, Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly.

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