Tips to help with Oral Health

Establishing good oral hygiene habits from birth is crucial for a child’s overall health and development. Even before the first tooth appears, cleaning your baby’s gums helps reduce bacteria and sets the foundation for healthy teeth. Once teeth emerge, regular brushing prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and pain that can affect eating, sleeping, and learning.

Teaching children how to brush properly and limiting sugary foods and drinks can help protect their smiles for life. Starting early also builds routine and confidence, making dental care a positive part of everyday life.

Here are some simple tips from Dental Health Services Victoria that you can use with your child - How many do you already follow?

Drink well

Bedtime bottle feeding can increase the risk of tooth decay. Avoid putting babies and children to bed with a bottle.
Fluoridated tap water is the best drink for oral health. Fluoride is a natural substance which helps protect against tooth decay. Most of Victoria's tap water contains added fluoride.

Eat well

Excess sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Try to limit food and drinks containing sugars (e.g. soft drink, fruit juices, cordial, sports drinks, energy drinks, and hot drinks sweetened with sugar or honey).

Clean well

For babies up to 18 months of age, clean gums and teeth as they appear, using water and a clean damp cloth or small soft toothbrush.
For children aged 18 months to 5 years, brush teeth twice a day using low-fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.
For people aged 6 years or older, brush teeth twice a day using standard fluoride toothpaste.
After brushing spit out toothpaste, but don’t rinse with water.
Children should be supported to clean their teeth and gums until around age 8. Anyone who has difficulty cleaning their teeth should be supported based on their individual needs.

Stay well

Regular professional dental check-ups are important throughout life.
Children should have an oral health assessment by age 1.