It is important children are in the habit of looking after and brushing their teeth. To prevent tooth decay, your child’s teeth need to be cleaned twice a day from the time the first tooth pushes through the gum.

This video has five tips to help you better manage toothbrushing and to help you teach your child about the importance of caring for their teeth.

Key points to remember

• From a young age, involve your child in looking after and brushing their teeth.
  
• Let your child have fun with toothbrushing (e.g. choose a toothbrush with their favourite character).
  
• Use the right amount of toothpaste for your child’s age – for babies under 18 months, just use water.
  
• Positioning your child appropriately can help when brushing babies’ and toddlers’ teeth.
  
• Make toothbrushing routine – all children should brush their teeth twice a day to help prevent tooth decay.

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Dental care
  
• Raising Children Network: Dental care for babies
  
• Better Health Channel: Tooth decay – young children
  
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Mouth injuries and dislodged teeth
  
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Nutrition – babies and toddlers
  
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Nutrition – school-age to adolescence
  
• The RCH National Child Health Poll: Child oral health
• The Australian Dental Association

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Dentistry department and Creative Studio. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Developed December 2018.

This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.