Teething and dental hygiene for toddlers

Your toddler’s baby teeth will continue to come through until about the age of 3.  

These teeth help shape their face and mouth. By age 3, your toddler should have all 20 baby teeth, also know as primary teeth.  

Your toddler’s teeth can arrive in any order; however, generally, you will see: 

  • the bottom front teeth come through first
  • followed by the top front teeth- called central incisors. 

Put your baby to bed without a bottle

It is recommended to put your toddler to bed without a bottle or sippy cup from 12 months of age. This helps prevent tooth decay.  

If your child needs a bottle to settle at bedtime, fill it with water only.  

Bottles with sweet drinks such as milk, formula, fruit juice, cordial or soft drinks can cause tooth decay. Bacteria in your child’s mouth feeds on the sugars and can damage teeth while your child sleeps. 

 

Caring for your toddler's teeth

Your toddler’s baby teeth are important. They help your child eat, speak, smile and holds space for incoming adult teeth. Here’ s how to look after your toddler’s teeth: 

  • use a toothbrush and water only until 18 months, unless your dentist advises otherwise 
  • from 18 months- use a pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste
  • book a dental check-up when your child turns one
  • teach your child to spit out toothpaste
  • don’t rinse after brushing- fluoride helps protect children’s teeth
  • brush twice a day with a small toothbrush that has soft bristles – morning and night 
  • brush your child’s tongue too
  • floss daily once two teeth are touching- this is around age 2
  • help with brushing and flossing until your child is independent- usually around 7-8 years old
  • lift your child’s lip once a month to check for signs of tooth decay
  • offer healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, cheese and plain yoghurt
  • avoid sharing cutlery or cleaning your child’s dummy with your saliva. This can pass on bacteria that cause tooth decay 

See the Teeth and gum care factsheet for more information.

Make brushing fun

Your toddler will need your help and supervision with brushing their teeth until they become more independent. At times, this may be tricky but children are less likely to refuse brushing their teeth if you make it fun.  

Try: 

  • playing your child’s favourite song
  • brushing teeth together as a family
  • singing a song
  • using a timer to brush for 2 minutes
  • letting your child’s favourite toy “brush” their teeth too 

See Nutrition for more information.