The Rising Trend of Dental Fillings Among Children: What Parents Need to Know
- emmanuelr131
- Jan 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: May 25
Updated May 2026
Many parents are surprised when their child needs a dental filling — especially when they brush regularly and rarely complain of pain.
Yet across Australia, dentists are seeing an increasing number of children developing tooth decay at younger ages. Modern diets, hidden sugars, frequent snacking, inconsistent brushing routines, and busy family lifestyles are all contributing factors.
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in Victoria, with reports showing a significant rise in dental fillings among children and adolescents. According to recent data, Bupa dental practices observed a 36% increase in fillings in just the first half of 2024. Particularly alarming was the increase among younger age groups, with fillings rising by 40% in children aged 0–9 and 46% in adolescents aged 10–19.
While these statistics are concerning, the good news is that many childhood dental problems can often be prevented or detected early with regular dental check-ups, healthy habits at home, and early intervention.
The Causes Behind the Increase in Fillings
Experts have pinpointed several contributing factors to this troubling trend:
Poor Dietary Habits:
Modern diets high in processed snacks, hidden sugars, and frequent grazing throughout the day are contributing to higher rates of tooth decay in children.
Inadequate Oral Hygiene:
Busy family routines and inconsistent brushing habits can allow plaque to build up over time, increasing the risk of cavities.
Missed Dental Check-Ups:
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regular dental visits, and many families have yet to resume routine appointments. Delayed check-ups can result in minor issues developing into severe dental problems.
Why More Children Are Developing Cavities Earlier
One of the biggest misconceptions in children’s dentistry is that tooth decay only develops when children eat lots of lollies or avoid brushing altogether. In reality, many cavities develop quietly over time due to a combination of smaller everyday habits.
Frequent snacking, sugary drinks, flavoured milk, fruit juices, sticky snacks, grazing throughout the day, and inconsistent brushing routines can all increase the risk of decay — even in otherwise healthy children.
Oral Health Therapist Michelle Keeper-Heath says many parents are often shocked when decay develops despite trying their best at home.
“A lot of families are doing far more right than they realise. Often it’s the small everyday habits, hidden sugars, grazing, and inconsistent routines that quietly increase risk over time.”
A Different Perspective: A Rise in Dental Visits?
Some might say that the increase in fillings could indicate more children are visiting the dentist, which could be a positive trend if it means more are seeking treatment and preventive care. However, current data do not conclusively show a rise in routine dental check-ups. Reports suggest that many families are still delaying visits due to cost-of-living pressures, and public dental waiting times remain long, averaging between 139 and 641 days in Victoria. While more children may be receiving necessary treatments like fillings, this does not necessarily mean an increase in preventive care. This highlights the need for greater awareness around regular dental visits and early intervention.
How Parents Can Protect Their Children's Oral Health
While these statistics may seem alarming, there are proactive steps parents can take to ensure their children maintain strong and healthy teeth:
Prioritise Regular Dental Check-Ups:
Scheduling routine visits to the dentist can help catch dental issues early, reducing the need for fillings and other major procedures. Early intervention is key to maintaining oral health.
Encourage a Healthy Diet:
Reducing the consumption of sugary snacks and drinks is essential. Opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that promote strong teeth.
Improve Oral Hygiene Practices:
Teaching children proper brushing and flossing techniques can significantly lower the risk of cavities. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily.
Replace Sugary Drinks with Water:
Sugary and acidic beverages, such as soft drinks and juices, contribute to tooth decay. Encouraging children to drink water instead helps protect enamel and flush out bacteria.
No Pain Doesn’t Always Mean Healthy Teeth
One of the reasons childhood tooth decay can become advanced before parents notice it is because many cavities develop silently in the early stages.
Children may continue eating normally, brushing regularly, and smiling confidently while decay slowly progresses underneath the surface.
By the time pain appears, the cavity may already require more extensive treatment.
This is why regular dental check-ups are so important — they allow early signs of decay to be identified before they become larger problems.
Why Baby Teeth Still Matter
Some parents assume baby teeth are less important because they eventually fall out. However, healthy baby teeth play an important role in a child’s overall development.
Baby teeth help children:
chew and eat comfortably
develop speech clearly
maintain confidence when smiling
guide adult teeth into the correct position
When baby teeth are lost too early due to decay, it can sometimes affect spacing and future dental development.
The Role of Dental Professionals
Dr. Peter Laird from Glenferrie Dental reported a staggering 450% increase in fillings from 2021 to 2023, further emphasising the importance of early detection and preventive care. Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Dohlad from Bupa Dental highlighted the need for increased awareness and education on oral hygiene.
Final Thoughts
The rise in dental fillings among children is a wake-up call for parents and caregivers. By focusing on preventive care, dietary improvements, and consistent dental visits, we can help curb this alarming trend and ensure our children enjoy lifelong oral health.
Taking action today will not only save on future dental costs but also instill good oral habits that last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups can help identify small problems before they become larger concerns. Early support, healthy habits, and preventative care can make a significant difference to a child’s long-term oral health.
Preventative Dental Care for Families
At Greenbank Family Dental, our focus is always on prevention, education, and early support rather than fear or judgement.
Regular dental check-ups, professional cleans, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, and consistent oral hygiene routines at home can all help reduce the risk of childhood decay.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s awareness, consistency, and building healthy habits over time.
With early intervention and preventative care, many children can avoid more complex dental problems later in life.
Learn more about children’s dentistry at Greenbank Family Dental here:
Many parents are surprised to learn that early tooth decay can develop quietly, even in children who brush regularly. Preventative care, healthy habits, and regular dental check-ups can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of cavities over time.