SIMPLE TIPS ON HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR CHILD’S TEETH

As parents, we want the best for our children and that includes supporting their dental health from the very beginning. Healthy teeth and habits start as soon as your child’s first teeth erupt. Below are some simple and practical tips for looking after your child’s teeth.

Bottles and Early Feeding

  • Only use water, breast milk, or formula in bottles. Avoid juice, cordial, or other drinks.
  • Take the bottle away once your child has finished, and don’t leave it with them in the cot.
  • A bottle is no longer needed once solid foods are established and should ideally be stopped by around 12 months.
    Following these steps helps reduce the risk of early childhood decay.

Brushing

  • Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a small-headed soft toothbrush or flannel, twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).
  • From 18 months, use a pea-sized children’s toothpaste smeared pushed into the bristles. Encourage spitting out and not rinsing.

Early Decay Checks

  • Lift your child’s top lip regularly to check for signs of decay (white lines along the gum line).
  • If you notice any changes, contact your dental practitioner promptly.

Food and Drink

  • Choose healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, plain yoghurt, and cheese.
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks, including “hidden” sugars in packaged products.
  • Drink plain water instead of juice, flavoured milk, sparkling water, soft drinks, or energy drinks.
  • Learn to read food labels to understand sugar content: Food Label Guide – Eat for Health.

Teething

  • Relieve teething pain with a cold teething ring or wet flannel.
  • Where possible, choose sugar-free medicines if needed.

Dummy Use

  • Avoid dipping dummies in sweet substances. Always clean with water, not in your mouth.
  • Try to stop dummy use before age 2 to help prevent long-term effects on jaw and teeth alignment.
  • Limiting use to sleep time and using positive reinforcement can make the process easier.

If you’d like tailored advice or support for your child’s dental health, book an appointment with our Oral Health Therapist.

Call us on (08) 8382 2410 to arrange a visit.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not replace personalised advice from your dentist or healthcare provider. Please consult a qualified dental practitioner for assessment and recommendations specific to your child.

Written by Dr Erika Guerra (Dentist, AHPRA Registration No. DEN0001411499).