Oral health for children (2-12 years)
Strong teeth in childhood set children up for good oral health later in life.
Tooth decay is a leading cause of poor oral health in children. It can cause pain, discomfort, infection and even affect children’s growth. Children who experience tooth decay in their baby teeth are more than likely to develop decay in their adult teeth. That’s why establishing health behaviours in childhood sets children up for healthy teeth for life.
Preventing tooth decay in children
Tooth decay is damage to teeth resulting from poor diet and poor oral hygiene. Often the first sign of tooth decay is a white or brown mark on the teeth that does not rub off. If untreated, these marks progress to involve more of the tooth and could lead to a severe infection.
The good news is tooth decay is a preventable disease. Drink well, eat well, clean well and stay well are 4 key behaviours to prevent tooth decay in early childhood.
Drink well
Plain tap water contains no sugar and is the best drink for healthy teeth. Water containing fluoride has the added benefit of preventing tooth decay. You can find out if your community has water fluoridation by contacting your local council or dental practitioner.
It’s important to limit drinks that contain added sugars, such as fruit juice, cordial, soft drinks, sports drinks, and flavoured milks as these cause tooth decay. Learn why you should make water your children's drink of choice.
Eat well
Children need a variety of healthy meals and snacks. Good nutrition is especially important for children because they require extra nutrients for growth, development, and strong teeth.
Snack ideas that are good for teeth include:
- fresh fruit
- rice-cakes and cheese
- boiled egg
- air-popped popcorn
- small tub of natural yoghurt.
Visit the Growing Good Habits website for more healthy food ideas.
Clean well
Toothbrushing should start as soon as the first tooth appears. Young children don’t have the coordination needed to brush well, so parents and carers need to help clean children’s teeth, until the age of 8 years.
Makes sure they brush morning and night with the recommended toothpaste and that they spit, but don’t rinse to avoid rinsing away the protective benefits of fluoride.
How to brush children’s teeth
Here are 5 toothbrushing tips for children:
- Choose the right toothbrush
Using a children’s toothbrush with a small head soft bristles. Small, soft toothbrushes are gentle on teeth and gums, and they can reach all areas of the mouth.
- Use the right amount and type of toothpaste
Under 18 months: don’t use toothpaste, unless advised by a dental practitioner. Simply wet the toothbrush with water.
18 months to five years: brush your child's teeth with a small pea size amount of low fluoride toothpaste which is often labelled as children’s toothpaste.
6 years and older: use a regular strength fluoride toothpaste (adult toothpaste), look for a toothpaste that has at least 1,000 parts per million fluoride concentration.
- Position your baby, toddler or child comfortably
For babies and toddlers: sit them in your lap, use your free hand to support them to lean back slightly.
For children: children can stand in front of a mirror or basin with you behind them. Ask them to lean their head back slightly and open wide. Use your free hand to help support their chin.
- Brush in small circles
- move the brush in small circles to clean the teeth and down to the gum line
- clean the insides, outsides (closest to the cheeks) and chewing surfaces of the teeth
- move the toothbrush back and forward over the chewing surfaces of the teeth
- brush gently for 2 minutes and make sure you reach the back teeth.
- Spit, don’t rinse
Have children spit out any remaining toothpaste once they’ve finished brushing, discourage them from swallowing toothpaste. Rinse the toothbrush and leave it somewhere to dry.
Don’t rinse with water for 30 minutes after brushing.
Download the Toothbrushing tips for children (PDF, 3 MB) poster.
What if my child refuses to brush their teeth?
Try to make toothbrushing a positive experience. This may take patience and time to build into a positive routine for your child, but here are some tips for fussy brushers:
- Try toothbrushing when your child is relaxed. If they become upset or frustrated with brushing, try again later.
- Make brushing part of the daily routine.
- Use positive reinforcements to encourage brushing, try a brushing chart and stickers as a reward, or brush along to your child’s favourite song.
- Be a role model. Let your children see that brushing and flossing is part of your routine and encourage them to join in.
- As your child gets older, allow them to practice brushing first, but be sure to follow up to reach the areas they might have missed.
Can my child use an electric toothbrush?
Yes, but it is important to use the recommended toothpaste as you would with a standard toothbrush, and the right technique:
- Place the head of the brush against each tooth at the gum margin, clean the outside and insides surfaces of all teeth by moving the brush in a gentle, rolling motion.
- Clean the chewing surface of all teeth by holding the head of the brush to each chewing surface.
Children need to be supervised by an adult when using an electric toothbrush.
Stay well
Children should have their first dental check-up before their second birthday or earlier if you notice dark spots or white patches on their teeth. Early identification of dental diseases is essential, so problems can be treated before they become serious.
Regular dental check-ups are important for children to feel comfortable, confident and relaxed. Read more on how you can prepare your toddler for their first dental visit.
Play well
Sport is a great way to keep children active. If your child plays contact sport, make sure their teeth and gums are protected by a properly fitted mouthguard. Mouthguards that are custom-made by a dental practitioner fit the mouth more accurately and are recommended over 'over-the-counter' mouthguards.