Keeping kids’ teeth safe this holiday
Dr Tarini Singh is urging parents to keep dental safety at front of mind this holiday season
This Christmas and New Year season, dentists are urging parents to keep dental safety front of mind, with the school holiday period traditionally seeing a rise in tooth-related injuries among children.
Director of Metro North Health’s School Dental Service Dr Tarini Singh said that the festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for local school dental clinics.
“During the school holidays we see children of all ages presenting with dental trauma linked to holiday activities and new Christmas toys,” Dr Singh said.
“Common injuries include chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth, often accompanied by damage to the gums or lips. These injuries can be painful and distressing for both children and parents, and in some cases, can result in long-term dental problems if not treated promptly.”
Dr Singh said many dental injuries occur during active play, particularly when children are enjoying new toys and spending more time outdoors.
“Bikes, scooters, e-scooters, trampolines, skateboards and roller skates are frequent contributors to dental trauma, especially when children fall or collide with hard surfaces,” she said.
“We also see injuries caused by younger children biting down on toys that are too hard, as well as an increase in tooth injuries around swimming pools and water parks, where children may slip on wet surfaces or accidentally collide with others.”
With excitement high and routines relaxed over the holidays, Dr Singh encouraged parents to take simple steps to reduce the risk of dental injuries.
“Christmas is a time for fun, but it’s also important to think about safety. Choosing age-appropriate toys, supervising younger children, and encouraging the use of protective gear such as helmets and mouthguards during active play can significantly reduce the risk of dental trauma.”
Tooth safety tips for parents
- Ensure children wear helmets when riding bikes, scooters, e-scooters, or skateboards
- Avoid toys with very hard components for young children who may chew on them
- Set clear safety rules around trampolines, including limiting the number of children jumping at one time
- Encourage safe play around pools, including walking instead of running
- Consider mouthguards for children participating in organised sports or high-risk activities
- Review the age recommendations on toy packaging and think about who else lives at home, particularly younger siblings.
“Tooth trauma should always be treated as a dental emergency,” Dr Singh said.
“Prompt assessment can reduce pain, improve outcomes and, in some cases, save a tooth. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, parents should seek dental care as soon as possible.”
If a child experiences tooth trauma, parents or carers can contact the Metro North Oral Health Services Call Centre on 1300 300 850. Metro North operates many children’s dental clinics over the Christmas and New Year period*, except for public holidays. Opening hours are 8 am- 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
For after-hours dental emergencies in Queensland, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24/7 confidential advice and to find urgent care, or if it’s severe, go to the emergency department at your local hospital for assessment. Alternatively, contact a private dentist where fees may apply.
* All children aged 4 years to the completion of year 10 only require a Medicare card to access the School Dental Service; outside these age groups require children to be listed on a valid concession card or receive the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.