Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

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

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.

 Our friendly team proudly supports families in Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern, Ashburton, Camberwell  and Hawthorn East communities.

Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Are Essential for Oral Health in Glen Iris

One of the most effective ways to avoid unnecessary dental pain and costly treatment is to have your teeth and gums checked regularly by a dentist. Routine dental examinations allow problems to be identified early—often before you notice any symptoms.

By detecting issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or plaque build-up early, your dentist can often prevent pain, reduce the need for complex treatment, and save you time and money. In many cases, you’ll also receive personalised advice on how to improve your oral hygiene and avoid future dental problems altogether.

How Often Should You See a Dentist?

Research shows that most people benefit from a dental check-up every six months to maintain optimal oral health. However, the ideal frequency can vary depending on your individual risk factors.

You may need to visit your Glen Iris dentist more frequently if you:

  • Smoke

  • Have a history of gum disease

  • Are prone to tooth decay or cavities

  • Experience regular plaque or tartar build-up

At every examination, your dentist will carefully assess the condition of your teeth and gums and advise you on when your next check-up should be scheduled, based on your personal oral health needs.

Preventive Dental Care in Glen Iris

Regular dental check-ups are the foundation of preventive dentistry. They help keep your smile healthy, reduce long-term dental costs, and ensure small issues don’t turn into major problems.

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, now is the perfect time to book an appointment.

Book a Dental Check-Up with a Trusted Glen Iris Dentist

Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Kaufman , Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 so we can help you quickly. Our friendly team is here to check your teeth, gums, and overall oral health, and to help you maintain a healthy smile for life.

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

The Best Order for Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums, According to a Glen Iris Dentist

A common question we hear at our clinic is: what is the best sequence for cleaning teeth and gums?
The order matters more than many people realise, especially when it comes to removing harmful oral bacteria.

Bacteria in the mouth live in a well-protected layer called a biofilm. To clean your teeth effectively, the goal is to break down this biofilm first, before trying to wash bacteria away.

Step 1: Floss or Use Interdental Brushes First

The most effective way to disrupt biofilm is by starting with flossing or interdental brushes. These tools reach areas between the teeth that a toothbrush cannot.

Many people brush first and then skip flossing because their mouth already feels clean, they are short on time, or they are tired. Unfortunately, this allows bacteria between the teeth to remain undisturbed, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Step 2: Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly

After flossing, brushing removes loosened plaque and bacteria from the tooth surfaces. At this stage, most of the harmful biofilm has already been broken down, making brushing far more effective.

Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes, paying attention to the gum line.

Step 3: Use Mouth Rinse for Added Protection

Once brushing and flossing are complete, a mouth rinse can reach remaining bacteria and help reduce their numbers further.

If you are using a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine, it’s important to wait 30–60 minutes after brushing before rinsing. This is because sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)—a common ingredient in toothpaste—can reduce the effectiveness of chlorhexidine.

Alternatively, you may be advised by your dentist to use an SLS-free toothpaste, which avoids this interaction.

Daily Oral Hygiene Advice in Glen Iris

Following the correct cleaning sequence every day can significantly improve your oral health and help prevent:

  • Gum disease

  • Tooth decay

  • Plaque and tartar build-up

If you’re unsure which tools or products are best for you, personalised advice from your Glen Iris dentist can make all the difference.

Speak to a Glen Iris Dentist Today

If you’d like to learn more about effective daily tooth cleaning and how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, please Schedule your appointment Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006.

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