Regular dental visits are essential to prevent problems, not just in childhood but also later in life.
Make sure to get your little one’s teeth checked as soon as they start to show, and ideally before they turn 2.
Starting mouth assessments as early as 12 months can greatly benefit your child by promoting good oral health practices and identifying any potential issues early on.
Your community health nurse can perform a screening during your regular appointments from 12 months of age and can refer you to the Smiling Starts Early Childhood Dental Program if there are any concerns.
To help prevent tooth decay in your little one, it's important to regularly check their teeth. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Regular checks
Regularly check your child's teeth when you are wiping or being a brush buddy, especially once the first tooth appears, which typically happens between 6 and 12 months.
2. Take a look
Gently lift your child’s top lip and examine the front teeth.
Look for any white lines near the gum line, which could indicate the start of tooth decay.
Also keep an eye out for any brown or black spots on the teeth and check for redness or swelling of the gums.
3. Act early
Parents may not spot cavities until their child is around 20 months old, but it's important to act as soon as the first signs appear.
Catching tooth decay early can help stop it before it progresses.
4. Seek advice
If you notice any changes in your child's teeth or gums, don’t hesitate to contact your community health nurse for guidance.
Regular dental check-ups are key to maintaining your child’s oral health and ensuring a healthy smile for years to come.
Baby teeth start to appear at different times for different babies.
While most babies begin teething between 6 and 10 months, some may start as early as 3 months. Others might not get their first tooth until around 12 months.
It's rare, but possible, for a baby to be born with one or two teeth.
By the age of 3, most children have a full set of baby teeth.
There isn’t a set order for how baby teeth appear, but usually the middle bottom teeth appear first.
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