Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dentistry
+My child has no pain. Do they still need to see a dentist?
Yes.
Pain is not a reliable indicator of dental health, particularly in children. Early-stage decay often develops without symptoms, especially in areas between teeth or within enamel.
By the time a child complains of discomfort, the cavity may already be deeper and closer to the nerve.
In many cases at Melbourne Dental Family Care, early decay is identified during routine examination when no symptoms are present. These situations often allow for more conservative management — sometimes monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
Delaying until pain appears often limits those options.
+Are baby teeth really important if they will fall out anyway?
They are essential.
Primary teeth play a key role in maintaining space for adult teeth, guiding eruption patterns, and supporting proper chewing and speech development.
When baby teeth are lost prematurely due to decay, adjacent teeth may shift into that space. This can lead to crowding or alignment issues later.
Dr Sin Ting Chui routinely monitors spacing and eruption patterns during children’s visits, as early changes can influence long-term orthodontic outcomes.
+What if my child is anxious or refuses treatment?
This is common and expected.
Children often react to unfamiliar environments or perceived loss of control. Forcing treatment may resolve the immediate issue but can create long-term dental anxiety.
Our approach is gradual.
Initial visits may involve:
simple examination
short appointments
familiarisation with the environment
Dr Chui adjusts the pace according to the child’s comfort level. In many cases, allowing time early leads to better cooperation and smoother treatment later.
+How can I tell if my child has a cavity?
Cavities are not always visible.
They frequently develop:
between teeth
beneath the surface
in areas difficult to clean
Parents may notice subtle signs such as:
food getting stuck
sensitivity to sweets
changes in eating behaviour
Clinical examination and digital imaging allow us to detect these areas early, often before they become symptomatic.
+Does every cavity need to be filled?
No.
Early-stage decay does not always require immediate filling. Some lesions can be stabilised with preventive measures such as fluoride application and improved oral hygiene.
Dr Sin Ting Chui assesses the depth, activity, and risk of progression before recommending treatment.
If the structure remains intact, monitoring may be appropriate. If progression is likely, early intervention is usually more conservative.
+Why does my child get cavities even with regular brushing?
Tooth decay is influenced by multiple factors beyond brushing alone.
These include:
frequency of sugar exposure
enamel quality
saliva composition
tooth anatomy
Some children are naturally at higher risk due to deeper grooves or tighter contact points.
We focus on identifying contributing factors rather than assuming inadequate hygiene.
+Will fillings in children be different from adults?
Yes, in both approach and intent.
Children’s fillings are typically smaller when detected early and are designed to preserve tooth structure while maintaining function until natural exfoliation.
Dr Chui uses tooth-coloured materials and applies a conservative technique, removing only affected areas.
+When should orthodontic concerns be assessed?
Early assessment does not mean immediate treatment.
It allows us to identify:
crowding patterns
jaw development
bite discrepancies
Monitoring during growth provides more options for intervention if required later.
