Dental hygiene for children (5-12 years)
Children start to lose their baby teeth from around six years of age.
Adult teeth then replace baby teeth that have fallen out. From here, children will have some baby teeth, some adult teeth and perhaps some missing teeth while adult teeth are waiting to grow through.
All teeth are important, and a lot of care should be taken to keep them free from infection or decay at this stage of development.
It is important that teeth fall out on their own. Pulling out teeth can damage your child’s gums and teeth or result in infection and unnecessary pain.
The permanent back teeth begin to come through at about six years of age behind the primary molars. These are sometimes called the 'six-year-old molars'. The permanent front teeth also begin to come through at about six years of age.
Caring for your child's teeth
Your child’s teeth are important, and they need your help to look after them to keep them healthy. Until at least eight years of age, help your child to ensure they brush their teeth properly and regularly. If your child is quite independent, you can give them more responsibility in this process. From eight years, encourage your child to brush their teeth independently day and night.
42% of children aged 5-10 years have tooth decay (dental carries or cavities) in their baby teeth.
Here is how to look after your primary-school child’s teeth to prevent tooth decay:
- use a small, pea-sized amount of low-fluoride toothpaste until six years of age; after this, use adult toothpaste
- brush twice a day with a small toothbrush that has soft bristles – morning and night is usually the most convenient time and can help set a good routine
- teach your child to spit out toothpaste instead of swallowing
- don’t rinse with water after brushing as the fluoride from the toothpaste is working to protect your child’s teeth
- remind your child to brush their tongue too
- encourage your child to floss daily
- book regular dental checkups every 6-12 months
- lift their lip to check for signs of tooth decay once a month
- offer your child healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and plain yoghurt
- limit sharing cutlery, utensils, or cleaning items they put in their mouth with your saliva, as this can pass bacteria and germs that cause tooth decay to your child’s mouth
Sport and teeth
Sport is a great way to get your child active. It is also important to take precautions to protect your child’s teeth during certain forms of sport or exercise.
Sport and tooth protection
Children are often at risk of chipping, breaking, or knocking out their teeth from things such as contact sports, rough play, falls or accidents. Losing a baby tooth early from an accident is not usually a cause for concern, and treatment will focus on managing pain or infection to the tooth or gum. However, tooth injuries to adult teeth must be treated as soon as possible to avoid further injury, infection, and permanent loss.
Sports drinks:
Where possible, sports drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages should be limited or avoided to prevent tooth decay. Regular sports drinks contain sugar, which interacts with bacteria in the mouth creating acid that can decay teeth. If your child does have a sweet drink or food, ensure they drink water and/or brush their teeth afterwards to reduce the risk of tooth decay. When playing sport, water is the best choice to rehydrate your child.
If you would like further information about fluids, sports drinks or electrolytes for your child's specific sport, book in to see an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) or a Sports Dietitian.