Nine To Noon Parenting: Ensuring good dental care into adulthood
Mar 11, 2026
Anish Maram, Oral Health Promotions Manager for the Dental Association, explains dental changes from ages 10–18 and how to spot first adult molar issues. He discusses access and waitlist challenges, practical toothbrushing and flossing routines, timing around acidic drinks, and school-based dental services. Short tips on warning signs to watch for are also covered.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ethnicity Affects Timing And Risk Of Tooth Eruption
- Pasifika and Māori children often get adult teeth earlier, so tooth development timing varies by ethnicity and family history.
- Early eruption raises earlier decay risk, so parents need heightened vigilance and timely dental visits for these groups.
Let Loose Teeth Wiggle Except When Upper Teeth Block
- Encourage children to wiggle loose baby teeth and see a dentist only if the adult tooth has started coming in but the baby tooth remains firm.
- Intervention is mostly needed for upper jaw cases where spacing prevents natural shedding; use tongue thrusts for lower teeth to help alignment.
Free Care Exists But Access Is Uneven And Time Sensitive
- Free care to age 18 exists but access varies widely due to workforce shortages and long waitlists, worsened by COVID.
- Parents should proactively contact community oral health services to secure timely appointments.