Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Good Oral Hygiene – Ways to Teach Young Kids to Brush

To keep your kids teeth healthy it’s important to set them up with smart, healthy habits while they’re young. Here are great tricks to help them master tooth brushing:

1.) Show and tell. Many young children are visual learners, so make sure you personally demonstrate healthy routines you want them to learn. Participate as often as you can.

2.) Use books and stories. Make sure kids know why good oral hygiene is important. There are many storybooks and online activities that can teach kids about germs and bacteria, and how brushing can keep them healthy. There are even smartphone apps to help teach about hygiene and track their efforts.

3.) Positive reinforcement. Keep a chart and reward your kids with star stickers every time they properly demonstrate good oral hygiene. Incentivize them further by offering a reward when they collect a certain number of stickers.

4.) Make it a song.  Tooth brushing should last at least 2 minutes. Find a song that’s this length to play while your kids are brushing, or use a bathroom timer.

5.) Make it fun. There are a lot of ways you can make hygiene fun for kids. Buy them  toothpaste and toothbrushes with their favourite character or fragrance. Try fun activities like doing dances while brushing can make it hilarious.

6.) Stick to routines. Kids thrive on routines. By setting strict morning, night-time routines, good oral hygiene will eventually become an automatic response.

Have fun while brushing. For more ideas please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Are Sports Drinks Bad for Your Teeth?

These days, sports drinks are seen by many as an indispensable part of exercising. They’re one of the first things people grab as they rush to the gym or sports field. The thinking goes—if professional athletes drink them, they must be good for you, right?

That’s not quite how it works.

Sports drinks were designed to help professional athletes recover from intense training under controlled conditions. But if you’re more of a “weekend warrior,” these drinks don’t do much to boost your performance, hydration, or overall health—despite what the marketing says.

Even worse, sports drinks can harm your teeth. They’re full of sugars and acids that can lead to tooth erosion and decay over time. Like many things in life, they’re best consumed in moderation—if at all.

A Better Way to Stay Hydrated

So, what’s a better option when you’re sweating it out?
Water—good old-fashioned, straight-from-the-tap water.

It quickly relieves dehydration symptoms such as a dry mouth or excessive sweating, it’s free, and it’s naturally fortified with fluoride, which helps protect your teeth and reduce decay. Plus, water doesn’t come with a label full of unpronounceable ingredients.

Reading the Label: Know What You’re Drinking

A simple way to check whether what you’re eating or drinking supports your dental health is to learn how to read labels. It’s easier than you might think.

Look out for hidden sugars such as honey, rice syrup, or organic dehydrated cane juice. To spot acidity, check for ingredients like citric acid or sodium benzoate—and remember, if it ends in “ate,” it’s likely an acidic preservative.

Once you understand how to identify these ingredients, you’ll be better equipped to choose foods and drinks that support your teeth, gums, and overall health—helping you stay healthy and strong, both on and off the field.

Healthy Easter Smiles: Glen Iris Dental Tips for Enjoying Sweets Without Overloading on Sugar

Easter in Glen Iris means hot cross buns, cookies, pies, and chocolate at every turn. While a little indulgence is all part of the fun, it’s important not to go overboard on sugar. Here’s how your local Glen Iris dental team recommends protecting your teeth while still enjoying the holidays:

Smart Ways to Limit Sugar at Easter

  • Start with healthy foods:
    At festive meals, put nutrient-rich options on your plate first, then add a portion of sweets on the side—just as much as you actually want to eat. One plate is enough; skip going back for seconds.

  • Keep fresh, healthy snacks handy:
    Stock your kitchen or party table with a visible cookie jar filled with fruit or veggies. When convenient choices are healthy, you’re less likely to grab sugary snacks.

  • Bring better options to gatherings:
    When heading to an Easter event in Glen Iris, consider offering healthy desserts—like dark chocolate-dipped strawberries, homemade pumpkin pie, or refreshing fruit tarts.

  • Wait before dessert:
    Allow 20 minutes after your main meal—your brain needs time to realize you’re full. Try going for a family walk; by the time you return, you may crave less dessert. Walking also helps boost your metabolism.

The Tooronga Family Dentistry team wishes our Glen Iris community a bright, happy, and healthy Easter with your loved ones!