01Preventing decay: fluoride & sealants
Fluoride varnish
Fluoride is painted on the teeth to help prevent decay. It takes a few minutes, usually every 3–6 months.
Fissure sealants
New back teeth have deep grooves that trap food and decay easily. Sealing them helps prevent decay — usually on newly erupted adult molars (around ages 6 and 12).
02Fillings for baby teeth
Decayed baby teeth need filling too. Decay grows, can cause pain and infection, and may affect the adult tooth developing underneath.
Glass ionomer
Slowly releases fluoride — good for baby teeth and areas hard to keep dry.
Composite resin
Tooth-coloured.
03Baby-tooth nerve treatment
When decay reaches the nerve, the inflamed nerve is cleaned out and the tooth filled, keeping the baby tooth until it falls out naturally.
04Removing baby teeth
Baby teeth loosen and fall out on their own. If the adult tooth is already coming in, or the baby tooth is too damaged to keep, it is removed.
05Local anaesthesia
We first apply numbing gel, then give the injection, to reduce discomfort from the injection.
06For parents
Caring for your child's teeth
- Check-ups every 3–6 months
- Nothing to eat or drink (including milk) after brushing at bedtime
- Help with or check brushing until about age 7–8
- For 2–3 hours after anaesthetic, stop your child biting their lip or tongue