Dental advice for preschool children (3-5 years)

• 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.

• 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>>

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Find out more about free or low-cost public dental services available to children.

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• 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.

• Find out more about free or low-cost public dental services available to children.

• 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.