Australia’s Dental Health Week 2025: August 4-10
What if your child could keep their natural teeth for life?
During Australia’s Dental Health Week 2025, parents across Bondi Junction, Bronte, and the Eastern Suburbs are discovering the secret to raising cavity-free kids – and it all starts with understanding dental “S-milestones.”
Every Parent’s Dental Health Week Question:
“Am I Doing Enough?”
As a parent, you brush their teeth, limit lollies, and book regular check-ups.
However, with one in three children aged 5-6 still developing tooth decay in their baby teeth and one in four children aged 6-14 experiencing decay in their adult teeth, many Eastern Suburbs families are asking, “What am I missing?”
The answer isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing the right things at the right time. That’s where dental “S-milestones” come in.
What Are Dental S-milestones?
(And Why Every Bondi Parent Needs to Know)
Dental S-milestones are age-specific oral health achievements that set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Think of them as your roadmap from that first precious tooth to confident teenage years – and beyond.
At Dental Fresh in Bondi Junction, we’ve spent over 30 years helping Eastern Suburbs families navigate these crucial milestones. Here’s everything you need to know to give your child the best possible start.
The Secret Science Behind Tooth Decay
(Kid Detective Style!)
Ever wondered what’s really happening in your child’s mouth? Let’s solve the mystery together!
The Tooth Decay Formula:
PLAQUE + SUGAR = ACID
ACID + TEETH + TIME = TOOTH DECAY
Here’s what happens:
- Sugar from foods and drinks feeds the bacteria in our mouths
- Bacteria use this energy to make acids
- Acids attack the tooth surface, dissolving the minerals that give teeth their strength
- Over time, this creates holes (decay) in teeth
The Great Tooth Balance: Protection vs. Harm
Creating Healthy Habits During Treatment
Imagine your child’s oral health as a balance scale:
💚 PROTECT TEETH (Green Side):
- Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste
- Daily flossing
- Healthy diet
- Plenty of water (saliva production)
🧡 HARM TEETH (Orange Side):
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hidden sugars
- Frequent snacking
- Sugary drinks
- Reduced saliva
Our goal? Keep that scale tipped towards the green side!
Becoming Sugar Detectives:
The Hidden Culprits
Teaching your children to be “sugar detectives” is one of the most valuable skills you can give them! Sugar hides under many disguises:
- Agave nectar, brown sugar, cane juice
- Fruit juice concentrate, glucose, honey
- Malt syrup, maple syrup, molasses
- And 20+ other sneaky names!
The Surprising Truth About Drinks
Even “healthy” options can be tricky:
- Orange juice: pH 3.6 (acidic! 😟)
- Sports drinks: pH 2.7-3.1 (very acidic! 😟)
- Milk: pH 6.7 (much better! 😊)
- Water: pH 7.0 (perfect! 😊)
Quick Tip: “Better to have water and fruit compared to juice” – this way kids get the fibre benefits without bathing their teeth in sugar!
Your Child's Dental S-milestone Journey
Birth to First Tooth
- Clean gums with a soft, damp cloth
- First dental visit recommended before the child turns 1 OR when they get their first tooth – whichever comes first!
First Tooth to 18 Months
- Brush twice daily
- Take children for their first dental visit
- Start building positive dental experiences
18 Months to 6 Years
- Brush with kids’ fluoride toothpaste
- Floss between teeth that touch
- Have regular dental visits
- Make oral care fun and routine
From 6 Years Old
- Use adult fluoride toothpaste
- Have regular dental visits
- Begin taking more responsibility for their own care
From 8 Years Old
- Support children to brush and floss independently
- Continue regular dental visits
- Celebrate their growing independence!
The Daily Dental Routine That Actually Works
Morning & Night Routine:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (after 18 months)
- Floss daily as soon as teeth are touching
- Rinse with water after meals
- Limit sugar to less than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) per day
Dental Detective: What to Watch For
Early signs of tooth decay are hard to spot, but here’s what parents should look out for:
- Teeth becoming sensitive to sweet foods or drinks
- White or brown spots on teeth
- Complaints of tooth pain
- Reluctance to eat certain foods
The Dental Fresh Difference for Families
Located in the heart of Bondi Junction, we understand the unique needs of Eastern Suburbs families:
- Gentle, patient-centred approach perfect for nervous children
- On-site laboratory for quick repairs and custom solutions
- State-of-the-art technology that makes visits more comfortable
- Comprehensive family care from toddlers to grandparents
Australia's Dental Health Week 2025: Take Action!
Your Dental Health Week Challenge:
- Book your child’s check-up – call (02) 9389 3656
- Start the sugar detective game this week
- Create a family brushing routine with music and fun
- Share your S-milestone celebrations with us!
Special Offer on Australia's Dental Health Week 2025:
Mention this article when booking and receive a complimentary oral health pack for your child, including:
- Child-friendly toothbrush
- Fun educational materials
- Sugar detective checklist
- S-milestone tracking chart
Join the S-milestone Movement!
On Australia’s Dental Health Week 2025, let’s work together to ensure every child in Bondi, Bronte, Waverley, and the wider Eastern Suburbs reaches their dental S-milestones. Because when we invest in children’s oral health today, we’re building foundation for confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
Ready to start your family’s S-milestone journey?
Call Dental Fresh today: (02) 9389 3656
Email: [email protected]
Visit us: Bondi Junction
Your smile and your health are our priority. Always.
About Dental Fresh: For over 30 years, Dental Fresh has been Bondi Junction’s trusted dental practice, combining advanced technology with personalised care. Our experienced team, led by founder Rob Dulieu and including Dr Melissa Anderson, Dr Ryan O’Halloran, and Dr Angela Aristizábal Merlano, provides comprehensive dental care for the entire family in a comfortable, modern environment.
Reference:
Thanks to the Australian Dental Association’s very informative website:
Dental Health Week
