Age of Child
| 0 – 6 months | • First baby tooth appears. • Wipe mouth / first teeth with soft cloth after last feed at night. |
| 1 + years | • First visit to dentist (diet, oral hygiene, preventive advice). • Parents to dry brush teeth morning and night (start using soft toothbrush when child has ~ 10 teeth). • Stop soother (“dodies”), wean off bottles, breast feeding. |
| 2 – 3 years | • Full set of baby teeth (20) present. • Start using a small amount (smear) of low fluoride toothpaste. Parents to continue dry brushing first. • Continue regular dental check-ups. |
| 4 – 5 years | • Parents to floss back teeth where they touch together. • Check with dentist about the need for fissure sealants. |
| 6 – 11 years | • Daily fluoride mouthwash (60 seconds) at night (from 6 years of age or first permanent tooth). • From 8 years – child can do more brushing themselves with adult supervision. • Fissure seal 6 year molars. • Check with dentist if any crowding/orthodontic concerns. |
| 12 + years | • All baby teeth usually gone + 12 year molars present (2nd permanent molars). • Ensure children brush and floss their own teeth daily. • Watch for deterioration in diet and oral hygiene due to peer pressure etc. • Fissure seal 12 year molars. • Continue regular dental check-ups – especially if they have orthodontic appliances. |
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