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About children’s teeth

Diagram of baby teeth

Baby teeth can arrive in any order. All 20 baby teeth usually arrive by three years. Start cleaning teeth as soon as they come through. Use a small, soft toothbrush or a clean, damp face washer to clean baby gums and all sides of each tooth.

Diagram of adult teeth

The 32 adult teeth replace baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 20 years. Supervise and help clean children’s teeth until 8 years. Brush teeth and gums twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before bed.

Brushing teeth: getting started

A small amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush

Under 18 months, use only water for cleaning teeth. From 18 months to 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste. From 6 years, use a pea-sized amount of adult fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft, small child’s toothbrush.

Helping a child brush her teeth

Sit or stand behind your child in a brightly lit place, ideally in front of a mirror. This lets your child see what you’re doing. It’s easier to sit or even lie babies and toddlers on your lap.

Helping a child brush her teeth

Use your free hand to support your child’s chin. Ask her to open up and say ‘ah’. Check for any signs of decay, like a white line or brown spots on the teeth close to the gums. Check for plaque build-up on teeth around the gum line.

Brushing teeth: steps

Brushing teeth

Using small circular motions, brush all sides of each tooth and the gums. Brush backwards and forwards on all chewing surfaces.

Healthy food and drinks for healthy teeth

When brushing is finished, your child should spit out leftover toothpaste, but don’t rinse out his mouth. Rinse the brush, and put it somewhere clean to dry.

Boy spitting out toothpaste after brushing teeth

Avoid giving your child sugary foods or drinks. Avoid giving your child a bottle of breastmilk or formula in bed. Always take away bottles after feeding.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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