Why do baby teeth matter?
Baby teeth matter because they help children eat, speak clearly and hold space for the adult teeth that come through later. Decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, and it can affect the adult teeth developing underneath. Good habits started early also tend to stay with children as they grow.
When should you start cleaning your baby’s mouth?
You can start cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth or gauze within the first few days of life, and begin brushing as soon as the first tooth appears (healthdirect). Use a small, soft children’s toothbrush and brush twice a day, including before bed.
How much toothpaste should children use at each age?
Healthdirect’s guidance on toothpaste by age is (healthdirect):
| Age | What to use |
|---|---|
| Under 18 months | Water only, unless your dentist advises toothpaste |
| 18 months to 5 years | A small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste |
| 6 years and older | Standard-strength fluoride toothpaste |
Teach your child to spit, not rinse, after brushing, so the fluoride stays on the teeth for longer. Children also need help with brushing for several years. Healthdirect notes that by around 9 years of age, most children can brush and floss on their own twice a day.
When should your child first see a dentist?
Book your child’s first dental visit by the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday (healthdirect; teeth.org.au). The first appointment is usually short and gentle, and it’s often more about getting familiar with the chair and the team than about treatment.
At AMK Dental Clinic, we keep early visits calm and unhurried, and talk you through what we see. Our children’s dentistry page explains what to expect.
Which everyday habits help protect children’s teeth?
Small daily choices make a big difference to children’s teeth:
- Avoid bottles of milk or sweet drinks in bed. Sugar left on the teeth overnight is converted into acid that damages enamel.
- Don’t dip dummies in honey or sweet substances.
- Offer tap water between meals. Most of Sydney’s tap water contains fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth.
- Keep sweet foods and drinks to mealtimes rather than grazing through the day.
- Lift the lip once a month and look for white or brown spots near the gum line, which can be early signs of decay.
How can the Child Dental Benefits Schedule help?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is an Australian Government program that helps eligible families with the cost of some basic dental services for children aged 0 to 17 (Services Australia). It covers services such as examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fissure sealants and fillings, up to a benefit cap over two calendar years. Our Child Dental Benefits Schedule guide explains eligibility and how to check your balance.
Booking a children’s check-up in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake, close to Breakfast Point, Cabarita and Concord. Call (02) 9739 6525 or book online to arrange a visit for your child.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
When should my child first see a dentist?
Healthdirect recommends booking your child's first dental visit by the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. An early visit is usually short and relaxed. It lets the dentist check how the teeth are developing, look for early signs of decay and give you practical advice on brushing, diet and habits such as dummies or thumb-sucking.
How much toothpaste should a child use?
For children under 18 months, healthdirect advises brushing with water only unless your dentist recommends toothpaste. From 18 months to 5 years, use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. From 6 years, children can move to a standard-strength fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out rather than swallowing it or rinsing.
Is my child eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule helps eligible families with the cost of some basic dental services for children aged 0 to 17. Eligibility depends on receiving certain government payments, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. You can check your child's eligibility and balance through myGov. Our CDBS guide explains how it works.