Healthy habits in childhood last a lifetime. The good news is that protecting children’s teeth is simple and starts early.
Before the first tooth
Wipe your baby’s gums gently with a clean, damp cloth after feeds. It gets them used to mouth care.
From the first tooth
- Brush twice a day with a soft, small-headed brush
- Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) until age three, then a pea-sized amount. See fluoride toothpaste.
- Help your child brush until about seven or eight
- Teach them to spit, not rinse
The first dental visit
Aim for the first visit when the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Early visits are friendly and short, and give parents advice on feeding, cleaning and teething.
Preventing cavities
- Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Sugary liquids around the teeth overnight cause early childhood cavities.
- Limit sweets, juices and sticky snacks, and keep them to mealtimes.
- Offer water between meals.
- Ask about sealants for permanent molars.
Read how cavities develop in how cavities form.
Habits to watch
- Thumb sucking and pacifiers: usually fine early on, but should reduce by about age four or five
- Mouth breathing and teeth grinding: mention them to your dentist
- Injuries: a mouthguard protects during contact sports. See dental emergencies.
Making dental visits positive
Stay calm, avoid using the dentist as a threat, and use simple honest words. Choose a friendly clinic and book early in the day. Learn more about family care in our general dentistry service.