Toothbrushing - start it young

You should begin cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they come through. You can wipe your baby's teeth with a face washer or gauze.

You can start to teach your child to use a toothbrush when they are about two years old. This will encourage a habit of regular brushing and also make sure that your child's mouth is cleaned daily. You will need to help your child brush until they are old enough to do it properly by themselves.

Teaching your child to brush their teeth
Your child's teeth should be brushed twice each day - once after breakfast and before going to bed at night.

Start by brushing your child's teeth for them. Place the child in a position so that you can see their mouth and they feel secure. Cup their chin in your hands with their head resting against your body, and clean their teeth as you would your own. You may find this easier to do this sitting down.

Children should be encouraged to brush their own teeth, as they get older, but you will need to help them for a few years, until you are sure they can do it themselves.

The right toothpaste, toothbrush and technique
It is very important that your child uses a children’s low dose fluoride toothpaste from two to seven years of age. Smear a pea - size amount over the brush. Brush with a circular motion, cleaning a few teeth at a time. Be sure to brush the gums as well and to clean all tooth surfaces.

It is best to spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it. As this can be difficult for small children, you will need to show and encourage them to do it.

Tips to encourage toothbrushing
Not all children will enjoy brushing their teeth at first. Here are some tips to encourage toothbrushing:

• Make it fun.
• Keep it quick.
• Children like to imitate others, so let them brush with other family members who can help them.
• If your child objects to the taste of toothpaste, try brushing without toothpaste. Introduce a children’s low dose fluoride toothpaste when the child accepts the taste.
• If you are not having any success in the bathroom, try the kitchen.
• Give younger children a toothbrush as a toy.
• Use a reward system to encourage older children. For instance, mark the number of times their teeth are cleaned each week on the calendar and offer rewards for achievements.

• Your local dentist
• Your local council - some councils have a preschool dental program
• School Dental Service (Dental Health Services Victoria) Tel. (03) 9389 8888, 8.30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, or 1300 360 054
• Dental Health Services Victoria Information Line Tel. (03) 9341 0428, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; or (03) 9341 0345 After hours
• Royal Children's Hospital (for major emergencies, Tel. (03) 9345 5344, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; or (03) 9345 5522 after hours
• The Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day Tel. 132 229.

• Two years of age is the ideal time to start brushing.
• You will need to help your child brush their teeth for a few years, until they can do it themselves.
• Use children's low dose fluoride toothpaste until the age of seven.

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