Looking after your child’s teeth from an early age helps keep their mouth healthy and supports their overall wellbeing.

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When will my child get teeth?

By the age of 3, most children will have all 20 baby teeth.

Around 6 years old:

• The first permanent (adult) molars appear at the back of the mouth.
• These come through before any baby teeth fall out.

From 6–7 years:

• Baby teeth start to fall out.
• The lower front teeth usually come out first.
• Upper front teeth often follow soon after.

By around 14 years:

• Most adult teeth will have come through.

Wisdom teeth:

• May appear anytime between 18 and 25 years.
• Not everyone gets them.

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How should I clean my child’s teeth?

You may find it easier to:

• Sit or stand behind your child.
• Gently cradle their chin so you can see all their teeth clearly.

Tips for brushing:

• Use a child-sized toothbrush.
• Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Supervise brushing until your child is at least 7 years old.
• Use small, gentle, circular movements.
• Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including along the gumline.
• Encourage your child to spit out, but not rinse with water.
• This helps the fluoride protect the teeth for longer.
• Brush last thing at night and at least once more during the day.

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What toothpaste should I use?

• Up to 3 years old: A smear of toothpaste with at least 1000ppm fluoride.
• From 3 years old: A pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1350–1500ppm fluoride.

You can find the fluoride level on the toothpaste packaging.

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What toothbrush is best for children?

When choosing a toothbrush for your child, you should:

• Choose a small-headed toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Make sure it is suitable for your child’s age.

Power toothbrushes (electric or battery) can make brushing more fun, help children brush for long enough, and the oscillating or rotating power brushes are suitable from around 3 years old.

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When should my child visit the dentist?

Children should have their first dental visit by age 1.

After that, visit as often as your dental team recommends.

Early visits help children:

• Get used to the sights, sounds and smells.
• Feel more relaxed about dental appointments.
• Build good habits for the future.

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Diet and children’s teeth

Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay.

To help protect teeth:

• Cut down on how often your child has sugary food and drinks.
• Aim for 3–4 meals a day instead of frequent snacking.
• Try to keep sugary foods, drinks and fruit to mealtimes only.

Saliva helps neutralise acid between meals, which protects teeth.

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Tooth-friendly snack ideas

If your child needs snacks between meals, choose:

• Breadsticks.
• Rice cakes.
• Toast.
• Raw vegetables.
• Cheese.
• Plain popcorn.
• Plain yoghurt.
• Nuts (if age-appropriate and no allergies).

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Why might my child have toothache?

A toothache can be very painful and upsetting for children.

Common causes include:

• Tooth decay, usually caused by too much sugar too often.
• Problems with new adult teeth coming through.

Toothache is a common reason for:

• Missing school.
• Poor sleep.
• Difficulty eating.

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Teething and adult teeth

From around 6 years old, adult teeth begin to appear:

• The first adult molars come through at the back of the mouth.
• Other adult teeth then push out the baby teeth.

Some children may have:

• Mild pain.
• A raised temperature.

If needed:

• Use a pain relief medicine suitable for your child’s age.
• Ask your pharmacist for advice before giving any medication.

If teething pain becomes severe, lasts longer than expected, or you are worried about the symptoms, contact your dental team for advice.

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Need more advice?

Your dental team can help with brushing tips, diet advice and managing toothache.

Regular care now helps protect your child’s smile for life.

Last reviewed: July 2025