Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Family dental care in Glen Iris

Fun Ways to Help Kids Build Great Brushing Habits in Glen Iris

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.

The 3 Best After-School Snacks for Your Kids in Glen Iris

After a long day of learning and playing your kids run home with a big apetite and may be looking for snacks to hold them over until dinnertime.

Here are three teeth-friendly snacks that can double up as perfect after-school treats:

Berry and yogurt smoothie:

Yogurt is great for the teeth and the body. It’s high in calcium and the bacteria that created it act as probiotics to help you digest food, fight bad breath, and keep gums healthy. Plain, full-fat yogurt sweelened with a little Stevia and berries, would be delicious for the whole family.

Homemade veggie chips:

Baked veggie chips are healthy and very easy to make. Try kale, spinach, sweet potatoes or carrots. Cut the sweet potatoes and carrots into thin slices, mix the veggies with enough olive oil to coat them. You can add salt, spices, such as garlic or pepper. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for about 12 minutes, flip them once, then bake until crispy.

Fruit and cheese squares:

Choose some favorite sliced cheeses and fruit, and eat them with a toothpick, skewer them on bamboo sticks or just use a fork. To make it more entertainig you can use a cookie cutter to make shapes in the cheese.

We hope you have a great time prepareing and eating these great snacks.

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

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.