Healthy oral care habits for children
Start early
Start oral care for your baby during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth at least twice a day.
Two minutes twice daily
- Your child should brush their teeth for two minutes twice daily to help reduce their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Limit sugar to 3 teaspoons
- For best oral care, try to limit your child’s intake of sugars to approximately 3 teaspoons daily.
Don’t rinse immediately
- Your child should not rinse their mouth with water straight after brushing, they should spit out any excess toothpaste instead.
Use the right amount
- Easily measure the right amount of Flouride toothpaste – the size of a grain of rice for children younger than 3, and the size of a pea for children over 3.
Replace your brush regularly
- Your child’s toothbrush should be replaced every 3 months or when the bristles are splayed out, worn-looking or missing.
Dentist before 1st birthday
- Take your child to the dentist/primary healthcare provider after their first tooth has pushed through and no later than their first birthday.
