How should you take care of children’s teeth? This can be a question that parents and carers struggle with everyday, especially as your children start gaining their independence.
Let’s talk about the best ways to take care of children’s teeth, how and when to brush, and when to come in to the dentist.
It’s easiest to think about children in the following age ranges: 0-3 years old, 3-6 years old, and 6 years onward.
0-3 years old
Children of this age range have their primary or baby teeth coming through. It is normal for the timings to vary between children, as long as the teeth erupt in the correct sequence.
If you are worried about the eruption of your child’s teeth, book in for us to have a look.
- When children start to get their teeth, use a wet facecloth, soft baby’s toothbrush, or silicone finger brush to gently rub over their teeth and gums.
- Do this twice a day, morning and night.
- No toothpaste is needed.
- Avoid sending them to bed with a bottle of formula, juice, or letting them fall asleep whilst breastfeeding.
- Visit the dentist as soon as their first teeth come through to get them used to the sounds and noises.
3-6 years old
Children of this age have their primary/baby teeth. Their adult teeth are developing under the gum.
- Brush their teeth and gums with a soft children’s toothbrush.
- An adult should brush for them twice a day. It could be helpful to let them brush first.
- Brush with children’s toothpaste.
- Spit out the toothpaste and don’t rinse afterwards.
- Avoid regular sipping of fruit juices, snacking on sugary foods such as lollies and dried fruits.
- Visit the dentist every 12 months to make sure their teeth are developing as they should be. Problems caught early are easily fixed!
6 years onwards
Children of this age have their adult teeth starting to come through. It can be hard to keep their mouths clean due since they can have wobbly teeth and difficulty brushing these.
- Brush their teeth with a soft children’s toothbrush twice a day.
- Use a small smear of adult toothpaste. There are some non-mint flavoured toothpastes available if they do not like mint flavours.
- Depending on how well they are brushing for themselves, an adult should brush for them once daily.
- Spit out the toothpaste and don’t rinse afterwards.
- Avoid snacking on sugary foods, avoid acidic drinks such as soft drink, juice, and sports drinks.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months to make sure they’re keeping their teeth nice and clean, and to help screen for any problems.
The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) – The government has granted $1,026 per child, over a two year period for basic dental services. We accept CDBS patients and can claim directly from Medicare, on your behalf. This means no out of pocket payments for you at the end of appointment! Easy!
If you are unsure please contact reception for more information or visit: www.humanservices.gov.au
