Why are school years a high-risk time for decay?
School years, about 5 to 12, are a time when the chance of tooth decay can rise. New adult teeth arrive while children are still learning to brush well.
Better Health Channel says that at about 6 years the first permanent molars erupt. These four molars, two in each jaw, come through behind the baby teeth. They do not replace a tooth that has fallen out. First molars generally come through between 6 and 7 years, and second molars between 11 and 13. Timing differs from child to child.
Raising Children Network describes the same span. From about 6 to 12, children have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. By about 12, most children have their adult teeth except the wisdom teeth.
Those new back teeth often have deep grooves. The Australian Dental Association explains that fissures are the grooves on the biting surface of the back teeth. Thin, deep grooves let food and bacteria stick, which raises the chance of decay inside them (teeth.org.au).
Healthdirect lists a diet high in sugary foods and drinks, and not brushing often enough, among things that can damage children’s teeth. Bacteria turn that sugar into acid, and the acid can dissolve enamel.
Baby teething, a first visit and thumb-sucking are separate guides: teething, a child’s first dental visit, and thumb-sucking and dummies.
What daily habits help most?
Twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth that touch, and fewer sugary snacks and drinks are the habits that help most at this age.
From about 6 years, Better Health Channel advises a switch to adult toothpaste. Children should spit it out, not swallow it, and not rinse it away. Raising Children Network, writing for ages 5 to 8, says to brush morning and night with a pea-sized amount of regular adult fluoride toothpaste, and to supervise and help until at least 8. Toothpaste for younger children is different. See how to look after your child’s teeth for those earlier ages.
If teeth sit tightly together, Raising Children Network says families can start waxed floss once a day. A rinse with water after lunch and snacks can wash away leftover food. The same page describes low-sugar foods and drinks as an important part of preventing tooth decay. That is about lowering the chance of decay, not a routine that stops all decay.
Healthdirect says that by about 9 years a child should be able to brush and floss twice a day on their own, with adult-strength fluoride toothpaste and a small soft-bristled brush. Replace the brush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles wear out. Start floss once two teeth touch, including around new back molars.
What are fissure sealants — and does every child need them?
A fissure sealant is a thin layer of dental filling material placed over the grooves of a tooth so food and bacteria are less likely to stick there. That lowers the chance of decay in those grooves. Not every child needs fissure sealants.
The Australian Dental Association says sealants are most often placed on the back adult molars of children and teenagers. Sometimes other teeth need them. The material is commonly white or clear, and it may include fluoride. Chewing can wear a sealant away over time. Your dentist will say if it is recommended for your child (teeth.org.au).
Healthdirect adds the same limits. Sealants are most often used from about 6 years and in teenagers, usually soon after the tooth appears, and more so when the grooves are deep. Not all children need them. Chewing can wear the coating, and it sometimes needs replacing. A dentist checks it at a regular visit. A dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist may place one.
Sealants do not replace brushing, fluoride toothpaste or fewer sugary snacks and drinks. They cover grooves that are hard to brush. They do not cover every surface, and they do not stop every kind of decay. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, a general dentist looks at the tooth and talks with you first. If care is outside general dental practice, we will discuss referral with you.
How often should school-age children see the dentist?
Ask your dentist how often your child needs a check-up.
Raising Children Network says dentists usually recommend every 6 to 12 months. Healthdirect advises aiming for a check-up every 6 to 12 months, with the dental practitioner setting the interval from the health of the teeth and gums.
In the school years, a visit is a chance to look at new molars, grooves, brushing, and any sealant already in place. Regular dental check-ups describes what a check-up usually includes. Children’s dentistry at AMK Dental Clinic is where that examination happens. The dentist then recommends a recall time for that child.
Can the Child Dental Benefits Schedule help?
Some families can use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for basic dental services. This article does not set out dollar amounts or a benefits cap.
Raising Children Network notes that, if a child is eligible, the CDBS covers basic dental services for children aged 0 to 17 at many private and public clinics. Eligibility and the balance left are checked for each child.
Read our Child Dental Benefits Schedule guide for how to check, and ask AMK Dental Clinic when you book whether the CDBS may apply. We explain costs before treatment starts.
Book a children’s visit in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic offers children’s dentistry at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. Families visit from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita and Concord. Call (02) 9739 6525, use our contact page, or book online.
This article is general information only. It does not replace advice from your doctor or dentist about your child.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Does every school-age child need fissure sealants?
No. The Australian Dental Association and healthdirect both state that not every child needs fissure sealants. They are most often considered for back adult molars from about 6 years and in teenagers, especially when grooves are deep, and usually soon after those teeth come through. A dentist looks at the tooth and advises whether a sealant is suitable. Sealants can wear with chewing and need checking at later visits. They do not replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
When do the first adult molars come through?
Better Health Channel says the first permanent molars erupt at about 6 years of age. These four teeth, two in each jaw, come through behind the baby teeth, generally between 6 and 7 years. They do not fill a space left by a baby tooth that has fallen out. Second molars generally come through between 11 and 13. Timing differs between children. A dental visit shows whether those back teeth are through and how the grooves look.
How often should my child see the dentist during the school years?
Raising Children Network says to ask your dentist how often your child needs a check-up, and that dentists usually recommend every 6 to 12 months. Healthdirect advises aiming for a check-up every 6 to 12 months, with your dental practitioner setting the interval. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake the recall time follows an examination of your child's teeth, diet and home care. Call (02) 9739 6525 or use the contact page to book.
Sources
- Fissure sealant – Australian Dental Association (teeth.org.au)
- Dental fissure sealants – healthdirect
- Dental care: children's teeth 5–8 years – Raising Children Network
- Teeth development in children – Better Health Channel
- Looking after your baby or child's teeth – healthdirect
- Dental check-up – healthdirect