DENTAL HEALTH

What is it?

We know that humans grow two sets of teeth in their life. The first set, your ‘baby’ teeth, usually appear at around six months of age. At approximately six years old, adult teeth replace these. Most children have all their adult teeth between the ages of 10 and 12 apart from their wisdom teeth, which typically develop during late teens or early 20s.

It is important to begin dental care as soon as your child’s baby teeth appear. While children will often need help with brushing their teeth until they are around seven or eight years old, it is beneficial to establish the routine from an early age.

How do I manage oral health?

Teeth should be cleaned twice a day with a small, soft toothbrush as soon as they appear. From 18 months of age to six years old, use a pea-sized amount of a low-fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Children older than six years of age can use a regular adult fluoride toothpaste. After brushing, your child should spit out the toothpaste but not rinse their mouth. The small amount of fluoride toothpaste left behind will help protect your child’s teeth.

For hygiene reasons, keep toothbrushes clean and allow to air dry without touching other family members’ brushes. Limit products including added sugar in your child’s diet (e.g. lollies, fruit juice, soft drinks, muesli bars) to help minimise the risk of tooth decay. Your Guardian pharmacist recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, or when the bristles get worn and frayed.