Tooth care for children

Teeth start forming in the womb and most babies are born with a full set of 20 baby teeth, usually hidden under their gums. 

Babies' teeth usually start to appear between 6 to 10 months, but some are born with teeth showing above the gums and some take longer.

It's important you take care of your baby's teeth as healthy baby teeth are needed for chewing and proper speech development.  

Find out more at KidsHealthNZ about caring for your baby's teeth, how to help a teething baby and watch videos about starting toothbrushing.(external link)

Your child will have most of their baby teeth by 2 years of age. Healthy baby teeth usually mean healthy adult teeth too, so it's important you look after your child's first teeth. 

Healthy teeth = a healthy smile. 

Image credit: Canva

Follow these 5 steps to protect your child's teeth: 

1. Brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Read more about how to encourage tamariki to brush their teeth.
2. Have regular dental check-ups. 
3. Lift the lip every month to check for signs of tooth decay (holes). 
4. Choose healthy snacks.
5. Drink water or milk. 

Find out more on KidsHealth NZ about caring for the teeth of your child 1 to 5 years of age. Learn how to brush, which toothpaste to use, getting regular dental check-ups and watch videos with pre-school brushing tips(external link).

Your child will start to lose their primary or baby teeth around the age of 6 and will have all their adult teeth (except for wisdom teeth) by the age of 14.

Your child's baby teeth will usually fall out by themselves, and permanent teeth will start to come through. This is a natural process – your child’s jaw will grow during this time, to make room for the permanent teeth. 

Key things to know about losing baby teeth and new, permanent teeth:

• The first tooth to fall out is usually in the front of the lower jaw.
• Baby teeth will usually fall out by themselves. 
• If a new tooth can be seen before the baby tooth comes out, encourage your child to wiggle the baby tooth – if it takes more than 2 months to fall out or if your child is in pain, contact your child's local oral health service.
• The first permanent molars come through at the back of the mouth between the ages of 6 and 7 – they don't replace baby teeth. 
• Your child's baby teeth will continue to fall out until they are about 12 years of age.

The teenage years

It's important your teenager looks after their teeth by brushing twice a day, eating healthy food, protecting their teeth while playing sports and having regular dental check-ups. 

Your child's dentist may recommend teeth straightening if they have crooked teeth or an abnormal bite.  

Find out more on KidsHealthNZ about caring for your child's teeth when they are 5 to 18 years of age. Read about how they can look after their teeth, about teeth straightening, orthodontic treatment and wisdom teeth(external link).

It's important to take good care of your child's teeth by brushing them twice a day and taking them for regular dental checkups.

In a series of videos on KidsHealth NZ, parents share their tips and tricks for successful toothbrushing sessions and helping tamariki overcome those toothbrushing challenges.(external link)