Because tooth decay in the baby teeth can mean that a child will develop tooth decay in the adult (permanent) teeth, it is important that your child adopts good oral hygiene habits early in life. It is recommended that children have an oral health assessment by the age of two. 

In this section:

Tooth development and eruption
Thumb sucking
Tooth decay (dental caries)
Teeth grinding in children
Teeth straightening and orthodontics
How to brush your child's teeth   

Knocked out baby teeth - what to do
Food and drink for healthy teeth
Caring for your child's teeth video
Children's access to public dental systemOpens link in new browser window - Department of Health and Aging
 

    adult teeth eruption order

Click to see when the adult
teeth start to appear

 


Tooth development and eruption of permanent (adult) teeth

Teething usually occurs between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. Children usually replace their baby teeth at around 6 years of age. Back baby teeth are replaced at 10-12 years of age. If a child’s baby teeth erupted late, the adult teeth will probably erupt late as well.

View eruption chart for baby teeth


Thumb sucking

Most children should grow out of thumb or finger sucking between 2 and 4 years of age.  If sucking continues beyond 6 or 7 years of age, dental problems may begin such as:

Seek professional advice on how to assist your child to stop sucking their thumb or fingers. 

PDF doc icon Further reading and advice on thumb and finger sucking -  (From TEETH: Oral Health Information for Maternal and Child Health Nurses manual)

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Tooth decay (dental caries)

Tooth decay is especially common in children, but anyone who has teeth can get tooth decay (dental caries), including infants and older adults.

When your child consumes food and drinks that are sugary or starchy (high in carbohydrates), the bacteria that naturally live in their mouth and in plaque, break down the carbohydrates into acids. These acids attack and dissolve the outer surface of the tooth (enamel). This process is known as demineralisation.

The first sign of demineralisation is a chalky white spot. At this stage, the decay process can be reversed. If you suspect your child has the start of tooth decay, make an appointment to see your dentist or other oral health professional.

PDF doc icon Identifying tooth decay (dental caries) - (From TEETH: Oral Health Information for Maternal and Child Health Nurses manual)

More information on cavities/tooth decay and the symptomsOpens link in new browser window - Department of Health and Aging (Mayo Clinic website)

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Teeth grinding in children

In most cases, children who grind their teeth don’t cause any damage to their teeth. In only a few very extreme cases, where the grinding is very regular, is it likely that your child could cause damage to teeth. If you’re concerned, talk to an oral health professional.

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Teeth straightening and orthodontics

Some children may require orthodontic treatment such as braces or plates to correct teeth and jaw alignment problems such as crooked or crowded teeth.  It can be more difficult to keep teeth and gums healthy with all the wires and brackets needed to move the teeth.

It is vital that children clean their braces and plate every time they brush their teeth. Read about orthodontic treatment >>

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Teeth grinding in children

In most cases, children who grind their teeth don’t cause any damage to their teeth. In only a few very extreme cases, where the grinding is very regular, is it likely that your child could cause damage to teeth. If you’re concerned, talk to an oral health professional.

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Children and sweet drinks

Tap water is the best drink for children. Children do not need any sweet drinks to have a well-balanced and healthy diet. Sweet drinks include soft drinks and cordials, flavoured milks, flavoured mineral waters, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit drinks and fruit juices. If parents do provide fruit juice, it should be diluted with water and limited to meal times to reduce risk of tooth decay.

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Knocked out baby tooth - what to do

Do not try to put it back. 

You should not attempt to put a baby tooth back in its socket because:

Contact your dentist or oral health professional. To find a community dental clinic near you, go to community dental clinics search or call 1300 360 054

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Caring for your child's teeth videos

A check-up for oral health is an education video developed for parents by Dental Health Services Victoria. Find out how to care for your child's teeth and gums and why it is so important.

(Please note: you will need access to YouTube to view these videos)

           

When should you start brushing your child's teeth? When should your child have their first dental check? How can tooth decay in children be prevented? Read these simple tips for good oral health for babies and toddlers 0–3 years old.

 

Top 10 good oral health tips for babies and toddlers 

Click on the tip title to view the information.

How should you brush your child's teeth? How often should your child have a dental check-up? How can tooth decay in children be prevented? Read these simple tips for good oral health for preschool aged children 3–5 years old.

 

Top 10 good oral health tips for preschoolers

Click on the tip title to view the information.

 

Low-fluoride-paste-thumb  1. Use low fluoride toothpaste from 18 months to six years of age



  • Use a small pea-size amount of toothpaste.

 

  • It is best to spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it. This can be difficult for small children, you may need to encourage and show them how to do it.

 

  • Encourage children to spit out toothpaste, do not swallow it or rinse with water. Not rinsing keeps a small amount of fluoride in the mouth which protects teeth.

Low-flu-paste_big

 


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brush-original-thumb-web  2. Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day



  • Brushing teeth removes plaque (the build-up on teeth) that causes tooth decay.

 

  • Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).

 

  • Gently brush in small circles along the gum line.

 

  • Choose a toothbrush that is designed for children. It should have a small head and soft bristles.

 

  • Children will need an adult to help them brush their teeth until about 7 or 8 years of age. Let your child have a go first before you brush their teeth. Give lots of encouragement. 

How to clean your child's teeth guide>>

         


brush

 

 


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Toddler drinking tap water  3. Water is the best drink for preschoolers



  • Preschoolers should drink tap water throughout the day.

 

  • Most of Victoria’s tap water supply has fluoride in it. Fluoride protects teeth from decay.

 

  • Remember that shop bought bottled water usually does not have fluoride in it.

 

  • If your town water supply does not have fluoride, click here for further information.

 

  • Plain cow’s milk is also a healthy drink for children. For most people two years and over, low or reduced fat milk is the best choice.

Drink tap water


 

 


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Juice box with cross  4. Preschoolers don't need fruit juice or other sweet drinks

  • Fruit juice and sweet drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay.

 

  • Fruit juice with ‘no added sugar’ contains natural sugar which can cause tooth decay.

 

  • Fresh fruit is a better alternative. It provides the same nutrients, plus fibre and is more filling than juice.

 

  • Sweet drinks include: soft drinks, fruit juice, sports drinks, cordials, tea drinks, fruit drinks and energy drinks.

 

  • Diet soft drinks contain acids which can also damage teeth.

Preschoolers don't need fruit juice


 

 


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Limit sugary foods  5. Limit intake of sugary foods

  • Limit foods high in added sugars. Eating foods with high levels of sugar causes tooth decay.

 

  • Avoid using foods as incentives or rewards for good behaviour.

Avoid sugary foods


 


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healthy snacks  6. Healthy meals and snacks are important for healthy teeth

  • Enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods every day including fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals, dairy, lean meat, fish and eggs.

 

  • Fruits and vegetables are an important part of healthy eating.

 

  • Milk, yoghurt and cheese (and their alternatives) are excellent sources of calcium, which is good for teeth.

 

  • Many common foods and snacks have sugar in them. Eating foods with high levels of sugar causes tooth decay.

 

  • Try to role model healthy eating as children learn about food by watching their parents and other family members.

Celery and carrot sticks


 

 


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finger-sucking-thumb  7. Encourage children who are still sucking their fingers, thumbs or using dummies to stop

  • Most children stop sucking their fingers or thumbs between two and four years of age.

 

  • To help your child to break the habit, try encouragement and distractions.Offer a reward for a period without sucking. You could mark progress on a chart or calendar.

 

  • Children can easily drift back into old habits. Recognise that it may take several attempts to break the habit completely.

Encourage preschoolers to stop sucking thumbs, fingers or dummies


 

 


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Boy having a check-up  8. Children should have an oral health assessment by 2 years of age



  • By the time children are at preschool, they should have had an oral health assessment. If not, make an appointment with your local dental clinic.

 

 

Who is eligible? >>
Find your nearest community dental clinic >> 

 


boy in a dental chair


 

 


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girl with a dentist  9. Ask your dentist how often your child should visit

  • Your dentist will discuss your child’s needs and plan how often your child should have their teeth checked.

 

  • Your child might not always see a dentist – other oral health professionals include Oral Health Therapists, Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists.

 


girl with a dentist
Who is eligible? >>
Find your nearest community dental clinic >>

 

 


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See your dentist if your child damages their teeth  10. See your dentist if your child damages their teeth



  • If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not put it back in place. This can damage the adult tooth underneath the gum. If concerned see your dentist.

 

  • Always seek immediate advice from your dentist if an adult tooth is knocked out or damaged.
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See your dentist if your child damages their teeth

 

 

 

These tips are based on the Oral health messages for the Australian public: Findings of a national consensus workshop (2010)icon, the Australian Dietary Guidelines (2013)icon and the Evidence-based oral health promotion resource (2011)icon.

 

DHSV is a content partner with the Better Health Channel and Raising Children Network. More information about oral health can be found at these websites. Use the search terms ‘teeth’ or ‘dental’.

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