We are passionate about helping you look after your child’s teeth, giving them the best start for a healthy smile for the long term. We are happy to share lots of helpful advice about tooth care for children, including how to use dental tools and dietary tips.
Start dental care early by gently wiping new teeth (and gums) with a clean flannel. As more teeth come through, you can start using a soft toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste.
When your child turns three, you can progress to a pea-sized amount of paste. Brush your child’s teeth for around two minutes, twice a day, and especially before bedtime. Encourage them to brush for long enough by introducing a child-friendly timer. When children are around three to four years old, introduce them to flossing as their teeth will be starting to touch each other and the resulting narrow gaps will need an effective method of cleaning.
Supervise tooth brushing until children are old enough to brush properly by themselves at around seven or eight years. However, even when they can clean their teeth alone, it’s probably a good idea to occasionally check they are still using an effective technique.
For further protection, fissure sealants can be applied to your child’s permanent teeth as they emerge (usually starting around age six to seven). This is a clear plastic coating that covers the narrow grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to stop bacteria from entering and help prevent tooth decay. In addition, fluoride varnishes can be painted onto young teeth to help strengthen enamel and make them more resistant to decay.
Many children seek comfort by sucking their fingers, thumbs or dummies. Unfortunately, if this habit continues past the early years, it can affect the position and appearance of the adult teeth. Parents can play an active role by monitoring this and weaning children off the habit at the appropriate time.
Sugary drinks and snacks are the most common cause of dental decay. Children should avoid sweet foods and drinks, especially between meals. Studies show that during snacking the pH levels in the mouth become acidic. This is not a problem normally if meals are spaced. Constant snacking allows a constant low pH environment which is harmful to teeth and gums. It is better to allow children to finish their snack all at once than to allow them a little at a time throughout the day. Sweets should not be used as a reward or bribery tool.
If your child complains of a toothache, examine their mouth for any visible signs of decay or injury. Rinse their mouth with warm water and give them over-the-counter pain relief if necessary. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Primary (milk) teeth are essential for proper chewing, speech development, and saving space for permanent teeth. Taking care of milk teeth is crucial for your child's overall oral health.