Children’s Dental Health: Expert Advice for Parents from Dental2You

 

“Open your mouth like a dinosaur.”

It’s a phrase that has helped thousands of children feel comfortable sitting in a dental chair. For many families, visiting the dentist can feel like an overwhelming milestone. Questions such as When should my child first see a dentist?, How can I make brushing easier? or Are baby teeth really that important? are incredibly common. The good news is that healthy dental habits don’t have to start with fear. They can begin with curiosity, play and positive experiences.

At Journey Early Learning, we believe children’s wellbeing extends far beyond the classroom. Healthy eating, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and good oral health all work together to help children thrive. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Dental2You, who bring preventative dental care directly into many of our centres, helping children build confidence in a familiar environment.

We spoke with Larissa, General Manager responsible for client liaison, and Mary, Senior Operations Manager at Dental2You, about why early dental care matters, the most common oral health concerns they see, and the simple things families can do to support healthy smiles from an early age.

 

Why children’s dental health matters

Good oral health is about much more than healthy teeth. Strong dental habits support children’s overall wellbeing, confidence, speech development and ability to eat comfortably. Looking after baby teeth also helps create the right foundation for permanent teeth to develop properly.

Yet misconceptions still exist. One of the most common is that baby teeth don’t really matter because they’ll eventually fall out. According to the Dental2You team, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Healthy baby teeth create a healthy environment for the adult teeth that follow. Preventing tooth decay early also helps children avoid unnecessary pain and reduces the likelihood of more complex dental treatment later. As anyone who has experienced a toothache knows, it’s something we’d all rather spare our children from.

 

Bringing dental care to children

Dental2You visits more than 600 early learning services and schools across Australia, with many centres receiving visits twice each year in line with recommendations for regular preventative dental care. Their approach focuses on prevention rather than treatment alone.

Children can begin receiving preventative oral health checks from the time their first teeth appear. While very young children may only be comfortable with a quick look, Larissa explains that by around 18 months to two years of age, most children become much more receptive to the experience. Those early positive interactions can make a significant difference later in life. Rather than developing anxiety around dental visits, children begin to see oral health as simply another part of growing up. The aim is straightforward: identify potential concerns early, educate families and help children develop lifelong healthy habits before problems become more serious.

 

Early prevention makes a lifelong difference

One of the strongest messages from the Dental2You team is that prevention is always easier than treatment.Their work focuses on regular examinations, professional cleaning, calcium applications where appropriate and practical education for both children and families.

As Mary explains: “The aim behind the government’s commitment is to encourage the examination, the cleaning and the calcium applications twice a year for every child to actually prevent things from going wrong.” When potential issues are identified early, families have the opportunity to take action before they become painful or require more extensive treatment. For many children, these routine appointments simply reinforce healthy habits that continue throughout childhood.

 

It’s not just a job — it’s a vocation

Spend just a few minutes speaking with Mary and Larissa and one thing becomes obvious. They genuinely care. Their goal isn’t simply to check children’s teeth.

It’s to help children develop positive relationships with dental care that can last a lifetime. “There is a need for this service because children should not be suffering in pain because of their dental,” says Mary emphatically. Their passion has only strengthened over the years.

Reflecting on the disruption caused by COVID, Larissa explains how important regular preventative care really is. “We didn’t go to centres for like a year and a half. And there were children we saw back in 2019 where problems occurred over that time. Continuous dummy- or thumb-sucking, for example. All these habits didn’t stop. So, by the time these children are now 3.5 years old, they’ve got an anterior open bite, and it looks like they’ll need braces. But we try, and hopefully, we can prevent that.”

The experience reinforced an important lesson. Healthy dental development isn’t something that can simply be paused. Children continue to grow, habits continue to form and small concerns can become much larger if left unnoticed.

 

Small changes can make a big difference

One of the most rewarding parts of Dental2You’s work is seeing the progress children make over time. Because every visit is carefully documented, the team can track improvements and celebrate positive changes with families.

Mary explains that timing is critical.“Once the children are four years old, calcium will set into the jaw, becomes rigid, and we can’t change anything anymore. But up until then, we can. And the wonderful thing is that we see these results ourselves because we document every visit. We see the difference in children.” Early intervention gives families the greatest opportunity to correct habits before they become more difficult to change. Whether it’s reducing prolonged dummy use, improving brushing routines or identifying early signs of dental concerns, these small actions can have a lasting impact on children’s oral health.

 

Building confidence before the appointment

Helping children feel comfortable at the dentist starts well before they sit in the chair. Rather than arriving unexpectedly, Dental2You introduces children to the experience through play, storytelling and familiar faces.

The team typically visits centres around two weeks before the dental appointments to talk about healthy teeth, demonstrate dental equipment using puppets and encourage children to ask questions. Educators then continue these conversations through play-based learning, helping children become familiar with the idea of looking after their teeth. By the time the dental visit arrives, many children already know what to expect. The result is often a calmer, more confident experience—for children, educators and families alike.

 

Creating positive first experiences at the dentist

For many children, a visit to the dentist can feel like stepping into the unknown. New sounds, unfamiliar equipment and a different environment can all seem a little overwhelming.That’s why Dental2You believes the setting matters just as much as the dental check itself.

By visiting children in the familiar surroundings of their early learning centre, many of those worries simply disappear. The treatment space is set up with everything needed for the visit, including a treatment chair, equipment and friendly faces who have already spent time getting to know the children. Importantly, no child is ever forced to participate.

Children who are unsure are welcome to watch from the sidelines, observe their friends and decide when they’re ready. For some, that might be today. For others, it may be at the next visit. Mary and Larissa agree that building trust is far more valuable than rushing the process. Both remember their own childhood dental experiences and understand how easily fear can become a lifelong barrier to seeking dental care. By allowing children to move at their own pace, Dental2You helps create positive associations with the dentist from an early age.

Interestingly, Mary and Larissa also find that children are often more confident attending the appointment independently with the support of familiar educators. Parents naturally want to comfort their children, but sometimes their own anxieties can unintentionally make a child feel more uncertain. In the calm and familiar environment of their early learning centre, children are often encouraged by watching their friends participate and quickly realise there is nothing to fear.

 

The dental concerns children face today

Every visit tells a different story. Some children proudly open their mouths to reveal beautifully cared-for teeth, while others need a little more support to develop healthy oral hygiene habits.

The Dental2You team sees the full spectrum of children’s dental health. Sometimes, the front teeth are spotless, but the back teeth have been missed because they’re more difficult to reach. In other cases, a simple build-up of plaque can be easily removed with better brushing techniques. More concerning, however, are the increasing cases of tooth decay, gingivitis and untreated dental infections.

Mary shares one experience that has stayed with her. “I went to a school last month where every second child had an abscess. I am serious. I can show you the photos. And you know, these children have just been made to live with the pain. They shouldn’t have to—this kind of problems we see now, especially in low demographic areas. We need to spend more time with the children educating. Some children we see don’t even own a toothbrush.”

Larissa nods in agreement before adding: “We’re living in Australia. We shouldn’t be in this position. So yes, we believe that’s why our service is important. Because we get to those children too, that the system will never get to.”Their words are a powerful reminder that oral health is about much more than brushing teeth. Access to education, preventative care and early intervention can make a meaningful difference to children’s lives.

 

More than a dental check

Education sits at the heart of everything Dental2You does. Every visit is an opportunity to help children understand why looking after their teeth matters, rather than simply telling them what to do. Through playful conversations, demonstrations and age-appropriate explanations, children begin to understand that brushing their teeth isn’t a chore—it’s an important way of looking after themselves. This approach aligns closely with the philosophy at Journey Early Learning, where children are encouraged to build independence through positive, everyday experiences. By introducing healthy habits in a way that is engaging and enjoyable, children are more likely to carry those routines home and continue them with confidence.

 

Practical dental tips for parents

When it comes to children’s oral health, Mary and Larissa believe that consistency is more important than perfection. Here are some of their top recommendations for families.

 

Encourage children to move on from dummies

Where possible, children should stop using dummies by around two and a half years of age. Prolonged dummy or thumb sucking can affect the development of the jaw and the alignment of emerging teeth.

 

Brush twice a day for two minutes

Brushing every morning and every evening remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay.

The key is making it part of the daily routine.

 

Brush together until children can do it properly

Young children simply don’t yet have the coordination to clean every surface of every tooth effectively.

Mary and Larissa recommend that parents continue helping with brushing until around seven or eight years of age, particularly when children begin school and become more independent.

 

Don’t forget the back teeth and gums

The back teeth are often the first areas where plaque begins to build up because they’re harder for children to reach.

Gentle brushing along the gumline is just as important as cleaning the teeth themselves.

 

Introduce flossing when appropriate

Dental floss can become part of children’s oral hygiene routine from around four years of age, helping remove food and plaque from between teeth.

 

Choose the right toothbrush

One of the newer products attracting attention is the U-shaped silicone toothbrush, designed to clean multiple teeth at once.

Mary and Larissa are positive about this innovation.

They explain that many children find these brushes easier to use, particularly for reaching the back teeth, while the silicone also gently massages the gums.

Like any toothbrush, however, good technique and adult supervision remain important.

 

Water is your child’s best friend

While treats certainly have their place, sugary drinks can contribute significantly to tooth decay.

The Dental2You team encourages families to think about foods in a positive way.

Rather than labelling foods as “good” or “bad”, they explain to children that some foods make their teeth happy, while others need a little extra care afterwards.

If brushing isn’t possible after eating sugary foods, simply rinsing the mouth with water can help.

It’s a small habit that can make a meaningful difference.

 

Making toothbrushing fun

Every parent knows that brushing teeth doesn’t always go according to plan.

Some mornings it’s easy.

Other times it can feel like negotiating with a tiny lawyer.

Rather than turning toothbrushing into a daily battle, Larissa encourages families to make it enjoyable.

“As much as has changed in treating children’s teeth, new techniques can be used here as well. Teeth cleaning songs on YouTube, apps…”

Children often respond surprisingly well when brushing becomes a game rather than a task.

Whether it’s singing favourite songs, pretending to brush like a dinosaur, using colourful timers or celebrating little milestones, these playful moments help build positive habits that can last a lifetime.

As Larissa simply puts it: “It is the parent’s job to make tooth brushing fun.”

 

A shared commitment to children’s wellbeing

For the team at Dental2You, visiting Journey Early Learning centres is about more than providing dental checks. It’s about working alongside educators and families to create positive health experiences that children will carry with them for years to come. When asked about their experience working with Journey, both Mary and Larissa smile. “I went to one of the Journey Centres the other day to pick up the consent forms, and they’re so happy that we’re coming there next week, you know. We are all on the same page there. That’s a good feeling. The Centre Manager and Educators are excited and well-prepared when we come. And I experience that the children at Journey give each other courage.”

For children, that encouragement from their peers can make all the difference. Watching a friend confidently hop into the dental chair often inspires another child to do the same, turning what could have been an intimidating experience into a shared adventure. Mary continues: “One thing that Journey does so well is that they’ve got this beautiful atmosphere that the children are educated in. That makes a big difference.” Then, with a smile, she adds: “And the food always smells so good when you come in too.” We couldn’t agree more.

At Journey Early Learning, we believe children’s wellbeing is built through everyday moments. From nutritious meals prepared by our chefs through our Future Foodies program to active play, meaningful learning experiences and partnerships with trusted professionals like Dental2You, every experience contributes to children’s confidence, health and lifelong love of learning. By introducing children to positive dental experiences in a familiar environment, we’re helping them develop healthy habits that extend far beyond their early years.

 

Healthy habits begin early

Looking after children’s teeth doesn’t need to be complicated. Brushing twice a day, attending regular dental check-ups, choosing water as the drink of choice and making oral hygiene fun can all have a lasting impact on children’s health. Most importantly, starting early helps children build confidence. When dental care becomes part of everyday life rather than something to fear, children are far more likely to continue those healthy habits into adulthood. As Mary and Larissa’s passion clearly shows, prevention, education and positive experiences really can change children’s lives—one smile at a time. At Journey Early Learning, we’re proud to support children’s health through partnerships that empower families and help children grow with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child first visit a dentist?

Dental professionals generally recommend children have their first dental visit when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Early visits help children become familiar with the experience and allow any concerns to be identified early.

How often should children have a dental check-up?

Most children benefit from a dental examination every six months. Regular check-ups allow dental professionals to monitor oral development, provide preventative care and offer advice tailored to each child’s needs.

Are baby teeth really important?

Absolutely. Baby teeth help children eat, speak and smile confidently while also holding space for their permanent teeth. Keeping them healthy supports long-term oral health.

How long should children brush their teeth?

Children should brush their teeth for around two minutes, twice each day. Most children need an adult’s help until around seven or eight years of age to ensure every tooth is cleaned effectively.

What foods help keep children’s teeth healthy?

A balanced diet supports healthy teeth and gums. Water is the best drink for children’s oral health, while dairy products, crunchy vegetables and foods lower in added sugar can all help protect growing teeth. If children enjoy sugary treats, encouraging them to drink water afterwards and brush their teeth when possible can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

How can I make brushing fun?

Children often respond best when brushing feels like play rather than a chore. Try using songs, timers, storybooks, reward charts or imaginative games—like pretending to brush “dinosaur teeth”—to make the routine something they look forward to.

 

About Dental2You

Dental2You provides preventative dental care and oral health education to children in early learning services and schools across Australia. By delivering care in familiar environments, they help children develop positive dental experiences while supporting families with practical advice and early intervention. This interview was originally conducted in 2022 and has been republished to continue sharing valuable oral health advice for families. The expert quotes remain unchanged.


At Journey, we know that children’s wellbeing is about much more than learning. It’s about creating environments where children feel safe, supported and confident to explore every aspect of their development—from healthy eating and physical activity to emotional wellbeing and lifelong healthy habits. If you’re looking for an early learning centre that nurtures the whole child, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Book a tour at your nearest Journey Early Learning centre and discover how we support every child’s learning, health and wellbeing journey.