Advice on how to take care of your child's teeth
Your child’s baby teeth will start to appear, often with the central bottom teeth first, anywhere between 4 months and 10 months.
Even though baby (or deciduous) teeth eventually fall out, they are still very important to a child’s overall oral health. Dental health is an ongoing process throughout a child’s life, and you should begin by modelling good dental health practices early on so your child sees them as a normal part of life.
The following is some advice for taking care of your baby or child’s teeth, but please go to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns. Also see the fact sheets (below) for further details and tips).
Babies
Taking care of your baby’s oral health starts before the first tooth even erupts. It is recommended you use a soft, damp cloth to clean your baby’s gums by gently rubbing them.
As the teeth start to appear, you can introduce a soft child-size toothbrush (but don’t use toothpaste).
Book in for your baby’s first appointment with the dentist when the first teeth appears or by the time your baby is 12-months-old.
Toddlers
Clean your toddler’s teeth (twice daily) with a soft child-size toothbrush.
A child-strength fluoride toothpaste can be used from the time your toddler is 18-months-old. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all you need.
Teeth that touch together should start to be flossed.
Children under 6-years-old
Parents or guardians should brush their child’s teeth, twice a day.
Floss teeth that touch together.
Use a child-strength toothpaste.
Children over 6-years-old
Parents or guardians should continue to help a child brush and floss their teeth (twice daily) until 8-9-years-old.
Use adult strength fluoride toothpaste.
Good oral health is essential, for your teeth, gums, and overall health. We have many resources and fact sheets available about the importance of oral health.
