Kids dental care: what parents need to know

Published August 2023 | 5 min read
Expert contributor Christopher Ho, dentist at HCF
Words by Katherine Chatfield

Looking after your kids’ teeth from a young age helps establish good dental habits. From flossing to braces, here’s what parents need to know about dental care for kids.

Helping your child look after their teeth properly is a lifelong skill. Whether you’re soothing your baby’s teething pain, deciding on the tooth fairy’s going rate or getting them to brush their teeth without the fuss, there’s a lot to keep on top of when it comes to kids’ dental care.

Alarmingly, about 42% of kids aged five to 10 have tooth decay – a figure that dentists believe can be improved by starting early with good dental habits. “Oral health and general health go hand in hand,” says HCF dentist, Dr Christopher Ho. “Good oral health can affect how children eat, talk and look. Early childhood is the best time for children to learn habits around looking after their teeth. When they learn from an early age how and what to do, these behaviours carry through to their teenage years and adulthood.”

HCF’s Dental Centres can give you access to high-quality, affordable dental care, with many treatments for kids involving no out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t live near a dental centre, our No-Gap network of over 10,000 dentists across Australia provides 100% back* on annual check-ups. You can search for a dentist near you using our Find a Provider tool.

We asked Dr Ho to share his tips and advice on some of the most commonly asked questions about kids’ dental care.

What age should I take my kids to the dentist?

"We like to see children for the first time when they’re around 18 months to two years old," says Dr Ho. "We don’t do much to their teeth at this age; it’s about giving them a ride on the chair, and showing them there’s nothing to be worried about. If they’re calm and happy, then we might give them a proper check-up, but it’s really just about starting good habits at this age. After their first visit, it’s good to see children for a check-up every six months."

My child is scared of the dentist. What should I do?

Dental anxiety in kids isn’t unusual. "Find a dentist that can make the experience fun," advises Dr Ho. "Children can be scared of an unfamiliar environment and the noise of drills. Make sure your dentist understands they’re nervous, and ask them to show your child some tools such as their mirror or glasses. Let them touch them and ask questions so they understand the procedure."

He also advises booking an appointment for a time when your child is calm. "Avoid nap times or after school," he says. "And don’t book an appointment for yourself at the same time; make the visit all about them."

How should my kids brush their teeth?

When the first teeth erupt (usually around six-months-old), children need a very soft toothbrush. "At this age, it’s all about consistency and letting kids play with a toothbrush," says Dr Ho. "Some children find bristles feel funny on their gums, so let them explore using it and work out how it feels."

As their teeth become more prominent, they should be using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their brush, and parents should help them brush their teeth twice a day. "Until they’re around eight, children don’t have the manual dexterity to brush their teeth really effectively," says Dr Ho. "Electric toothbrushes are good as it helps with the brushing motion."

Encourage your child to spit toothpaste out rather than swallowing it.

Should children floss their teeth?

Ideally, yes. "It’s not always easy for children to floss but if you can work out a successful technique then it’s definitely beneficial," says Dr Ho. "Floss holders on a stick can often make it easier. If they see a parent flossing regularly, this can help encourage them too."

Are fluoride treatments safe for toddlers?

Fluoride is essential for children’s teeth as it helps strengthen them. Most children get more than enough through using toothpaste and through drinking tap water – in Australia most areas fluoridate their water to help reduce tooth decay.

"Fluoride treatments (a professional treatment containing a high concentration of fluoride which is usually applied to the teeth in the form of a solution, gel or foam) are really only needed for children who are susceptible to tooth decay," says Dr Ho. "Don’t ever do fluoride treatments at home or of your own accord – it’s up to your dentist to advise whether your child needs them. If so, they’ll give the treatment in the dental setting, and it’s perfectly safe."

What kinds of foods are bad for children’s teeth?

Sugary foods like biscuits, lollies, chocolates, cordials and soft drinks can all contribute to tooth decay if they’re consumed regularly. "It’s about moderation," says Dr Ho. "If your child is having these sorts of foods, they’re best consumed after a meal. The digestion process starts in your mouth, making it an acidic environment. It’s this acid that can cause tooth decay. After a meal, this acid is already in your mouth, so by eating sugary foods at the same time, it prevents you from creating more."

After eating sugary foods, it’s best to drink water, then wait 30 minutes before brushing. "The acidic environment can soften the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is there to protect your teeth, so it’s important not to brush when it’s in a softened state," says Dr Ho.

What’s the best age for my child to get braces?

"Typically braces are used to align teeth," says Dr Ho. "This means there’s no point in having them until a child has all their adult teeth at around nine or 10." He adds: "Sometimes children might need orthodontic work from around age seven if they have an issue with their bite, or we want to ensure their top and bottom jaws are growing at the same rate."

Making dental care more affordable

We understand some people avoid the dentist because they’re worried about out-of-pocket costs. Through our More for Teeth program, members who go to an HCF Dental Centre or dental provider in our No-Gap network get 100% back on a range of common diagnostic and preventive services, depending on their level of cover and annual limits^*.