We all know that too much sugar does a lot of damage to the teeth but there are some foods that are known to attack the enamel, causing pain and increased sensitivity. If you're more prone to tooth sensitivity, it's a good idea to stay away from these enamel-eroding foods and drinks.

• Sweets

Lollies, gummy bears, jelly beans and sour candy, are known to chip the enamel and cause a lot of pain. If you must go for something sweet, look for sugarless mints or lozenges that contain xylitol.

• Dried Fruit

Have you ever sat down with a handful of dried fruits only to discover that you start feeling some pain after eating a few? The combination of sweet and sticky creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and eat away at the enamel. So instead of dried fruit, go for a small piece of chocolate and wash your mouth thoroughly once you’re done.

• White Bread

White bread generally sticks to the teeth and is converted into sugar by the body. Apart from doing damage to the teeth, it also elevates blood sugar levels. Look instead for wholemeal or wholegrain varieties when shopping at the supermarket.

• Doughnuts

If you’re always reaching for a doughnut on your way to work, it’s time you make a switch. Doughnuts are disastrous for your teeth. They contain twice or three times the amount of sugar than oatmeal cookies, depending on whether they’re glazed, iced or sprinkled with sugar. What’s worse is when you wash it down with a cup of coffee, a beverage known to cause tooth staining. Stick to healthier alternatives like a bowl of oatmeal or fresh fruit.

• Wine and Tea

Like coffee, wines and teas are also known to cause tooth discolouration. Even if you undergo a tooth whitening procedure, the stains will likely come back if they’ve become intrinsic. Some types of herbal teas also cause enamel erosion, so limit your consumption of these beverages when possible.

• Soft Drinks

Soft drinks damage your teeth in three different ways. Firstly, they’re loaded with sugar so they turn your mouth into a breeding ground for bacteria. Secondly, some soft drinks contain phosphoric acid, an ingredient known for its corrosive properties. Lastly, they stain your teeth, leaving them with a yellow tinge.

If you can’t stop yourself from reaching for a soda, use a straw so your teeth don’t come in contact with the liquid. Also, rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming a can of soft drink.

For more tips on oral care, visit the experts at Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic in Melbourne. We employ some of the best family dentists to treat a wide variety of dental issues like crooked teeth and tooth discoloration.

Our modern family dental clinic in Caulfield features some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic tools. We offer teeth straightening, whitening, cleaning and emergency dental at affordable prices. So if you're suffering from a toothache, enamel erosion or any other oral problem, walk into our friendly practice or give us a call on (03) 9533 0996 to schedule an appointment with a certified dentist in Caulfield.

Your child will have reached several developmental milestones by the time they turn one. This is a very exciting stage for the parents because they have plenty to look forward to, especially the child’s first birthday party.

No matter how busy you are planning your kid’s birthday theme, games and food, there’s one thing you need to remember; to take your child for their first dental visit. If your baby’s first tooth has already erupted, don’t wait longer than 6 months before paying the dentist a visit. If not, schedule the visit around their first birthday.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Although you’ve probably been wiping your child’s gums regularly, you have to start using a soft bristled brush once their teeth start to appear. Look for low-fluoride toothpaste if you live in an area where the water has already been treated with fluoride. If not, use a very small amount of regular toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth.

Children are quite fascinated with toothbrushes that have their favourite characters so look for brushes that interest your little one and use them to teach them proper oral hygiene.

How to Prepare for the First Dental Visit?

Firstly, find a good paediatric dentist in your area. These dentists are specially trained to diagnose and treat children’s dental problems right from birth to adolescence. Secondly, visit the dental clinic before scheduling an examination for your child. This way you can find out if they’re friendly, professional and cautious about infection control.

Talk to your child about the visit and keep calm so they don’t sense your anxiety (if you have any). Before heading for that first visit, pack a few of your child’s favourite toys so they can be kept occupied in an unfamiliar environment. Keep a few prizes ready so you can hand them over to your baby if they seem a bit unsettled during the examination. Don’t forget to ask the dentist about your child’s oral habits like thumb sucking or sucking on a dummy.

Why Are Dental Visits Important for Children?

Dental visits are extremely important because the dentist will have an opportunity to assess your child’s facial development and identify malocclusions of the jaw. As well as this, your dentist will be able to spot potential problems that could have an impact on the child’s speech. Milk teeth pave the way for the child’s permanent teeth so it’s a good idea to stick to regular dental check-ups.

What to Do If Your Child Has a Toothache?

If your child is in pain, schedule an emergency dental appointment and give them a dose of children’s pain management medication. Apply a cold compress on the cheek to relieve any discomfort or swelling and avoid home remedies if you’re not sure about them.

Emergency Dental in Melbourne

If you’re looking for an emergency dental clinic in Caulfield, get in touch with the child dentistry experts at Hawthorn Road Family Dental Clinic. Our family dental clinic in Melbourne boasts of state-of-the-art equipment, trained staff, and highly qualified and compassionate kid’s dentists.

We encourage you to bring your child along with you if you’re undergoing a procedure so that your little one can become familiar with routine dental procedures and the sound of the machines.

We offer a whole range of services including tooth cleaning, whitening, and extraction at our conveniently located family dental clinic in Caulfield. So don’t postpone that dental visit any longer. Call us on (03) 9533 0996 to schedule an appointment with a friendly family dentist in Caulfield, or visit us online to learn more.