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Dental advice for preschool children (3-5 years)

How should you brush your child's teeth? How often should your child have a dental check-up? How can tooth decay in children be prevented? Read these simple tips for good oral health for preschool aged children 3–5 years old.

Top 10 oral health tips for preschool children

Click on the tip title to view the information.

low flouride toothpaste 1. Use low fluoride toothpaste from 18 months to six years of age



  • Use a small pea-size amount of toothpaste.
  • Encourage children to spit out toothpaste, do not swallow it or rinse with water. Not rinsing keeps a small amount of fluoride in the mouth which protects teeth.
  • Spitting out can be difficult for small children. You may need to show them how to do it.

Low fluoride toothpaste




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brush-original-thumb-web 2. Brush teeth and along the gum line twice a day



  • Brushing teeth removes plaque (the build-up on teeth) that causes tooth decay.
  • Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gums twice a day (after breakfast and before bed).
  • Gently brush in small circles along the gum line.
  • Choose a toothbrush that is designed for children. It should have a small head and soft bristles.
  • Children will need an adult to help them brush their teeth until about 7 or 8 years of age. Let your child have a go first before you brush their teeth. Give lots of encouragement.

How to clean your child's teeth guide>>


brush




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Toddler drinking tap water 3. Water is the best drink for preschoolers



  • Preschoolers should drink tap water throughout the day.
  • Most of Victoria’s tap water supply has fluoride in it. Fluoride protects teeth from decay.
  • Remember that shop bought bottled water usually does not have fluoride in it.
  • If your town water supply does not have fluoride, click here for further information.
  • Plain milk is also a healthy drink for children. Children over two years of age can drink reduced fat milk.

Drink tap water





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Juice box with cross 4. Preschoolers don't need fruit juice or other sweet drinks

  • Fruit juice and sweet drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay.
  • Fruit juice with ‘no added sugar’ contains natural sugar which can cause tooth decay.
  • Fresh fruit is a better alternative. It provides the same nutrients, plus fibre and is more filling than juice.
  • Sweet drinks include: soft drinks, fruit juice, sports drinks, cordials, tea drinks, fruit drinks and energy drinks.
  • Diet soft drinks contain acids which can also damage teeth.

Preschoolers don't need fruit juice





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Limit sugary foods 5. Limit sugary foods

  • Limit foods high in added sugars. Eating foods with high levels of sugar causes tooth decay.
  • Avoid using foods as incentives or rewards for good behaviour.

Avoid sugary foods





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healthy snacks 6. Healthy meals and snacks are important for healthy teeth

  • Enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods every day including fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals, dairy, lean meat, fish and eggs.
  • Fruits and vegetables are an important part of healthy eating.
  • Milk, yoghurt and cheese (and some dairy alternatives) are excellent sources of calcium, which is good for teeth. Choose dairy products that do not have added sugar.
  • Many common foods and snacks have sugar in them. Eating foods with high levels of sugar causes tooth decay.
  • Role model healthy eating as children learn about food by watching their parents and other family members.

Celery and carrot sticks





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finger-sucking-thumb 7. Encourage children who are still sucking their fingers, thumbs or using dummies to stop

  • Most children stop sucking their fingers or thumbs between two and four years of age.
  • To help your child to break the habit, try encouragement and distractions.Offer a reward for a period without sucking. You could mark progress on a chart or calendar.
  • Children can easily drift back into old habits. Recognise that it may take several attempts to break the habit completely.

Encourage preschoolers to stop sucking thumbs, fingers or dummies





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Boy having a check-up 8. Children should have an oral health assessment by 2 years of age



  • By the time children are at preschool, they should have had an oral health assessment. If not, make an appointment with your local dental clinic.

Who is eligible? >>
Find your nearest community dental clinic >>


boy in a dental chair





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girl with a dentist 9. Ask your dentist how often your child should visit



  • Your dentist will discuss your child’s needs and plan how often your child should have their teeth checked.
  • Your child might not always see a dentist – other oral health professionals include Oral Health Therapists, Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists.

girl with a dentist
Who is eligible? >>
Find your nearest community dental clinic >>




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See your dentist if your child damages their teeth 10. See your dentist if your child damages their teeth



  • If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not put it back in place. This can damage the adult tooth underneath the gum. If concerned see your dentist.
  • Always seek immediate advice from your dentist if an adult tooth is knocked out or damaged.

See your dentist if your child damages their teeth





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These tips are based on the Oral health messages for the Australian public: Findings of a national consensus workshop (2010) icon, the Australian Dietary Guidelines (2013) icon and the Evidence-based oral health promotion resource (2011) icon.

DHSV is a content partner with the Better Health Channel and Raising Children Network. More information about oral health can be found at these websites. Use the search terms ‘teeth’ or ‘dental’.

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Last updated: 2015-12-15

https://www.dhsv.org.au/old/dental-health/general-dental-advice/preschool-children